Can Dogs Eat Salmon? What You Need to Know

Dogs are no strangers to sniffing around what you’re eating, and it often may leave you wondering what foods are safe to share and what foods aren’t. Take salmon for example: while it may have plenty of health benefits for you, does it have the same benefits for your dog? Let’s find out! 

So, Can Dogs Eat Salmon?

Absolutely! Dogs can eat salmon in small amounts so long as it’s cooked, boneless, and plain. In fact, it’s an ingredient commonly found in many high-quality dog foods! 

Salmon is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals. If you’re looking for an easy way to change up your pup’s daily kibble, add a few cut-up pieces of cooked salmon to their bowl! Not only will it make their food more enticing, but it’ll also provide them with an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. 

 

🐕 RELATED: Healthy Human Food for Dogs

 

How to Prepare Salmon for Your Dog 

A well-cooked, boneless salmon filet is ideal for feeding your dog. Even salmon marked as boneless on the packaging may potentially contain small bones hidden within, which could pose a choking hazard or damage your dog’s esophagus, stomach, or digestive tract. So, it’s important to inspect the filet before serving your furry friend. 

Like most dog-friendly human foods, dogs can eat salmon as long as it doesn’t contain any added seasonings. Avoid oil, salt, pepper, and ingredients that are toxic to dogs—such as onion or garlic. You can serve your dog salmon poached, grilled, roasted, steamed, or baked. Dogs can also eat salmon skin, provided it isn’t seasoned and is properly cooked. 

For an extra-special salmon indulgence, you can try our Chef’s Specialties Beef Hide Shish Kabobs. These long-lasting chews come in Grilled Surf & Turf flavor, featuring real salmon and beef wrapped around savory beef hide. Long lasting and low in fat, they’re sure to keep your dog happily occupied with a culinary-inspired experience. 

Can Dogs Eat Raw Salmon? 

Dogs should not eat raw salmon. Uncooked salmon may contain Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which causes salmon poisoning disease and can be fatal if left untreated. 

If your dog has eaten raw salmon and begins to display symptoms such as sudden fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, you should consult your veterinarian right away. 

How Much Is Too Much? 

dog staring at cut salmon on cutting board

As is the case for most of your dog’s food, portion control is important. When feeding your Cadet something new, it’s better to start slow. Give your dog salmon as an occasional treat, especially because it’s high in oil and fat. Be sure to monitor your dog carefully in case they have a poor reaction, such as skin problems, itching, hair loss, vomiting, or diarrhea. 

If you’re thinking of making changes to your dog’s diet, consult your veterinarian first. What’s true for many dogs won’t necessarily be true for yours, especially if they have allergies or food sensitivities. 

 

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Catch of the Day 

Salmon is a simple way to supplement key nutrients into your Cadet’s diet. The next time you’re making some for yourself, set aside a plain piece for your dog as a special treat! 

If learning the answer to “can dogs eat salmon?” has you interested in spicing up your furry friend’s diet in other ways, check out some other foods worth considering: 

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