Salmon is a popular food that is full of healthy compounds like protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and astaxanthin. Giving your dog healthy, fully cooked portions of salmon can help them.
People like salmon patties, which are fish cakes made with salmon, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. People enjoy them as a treat, but can our dogs also enjoy them? The short answer is yes, dogs can eat salmon patties in small amounts.
Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. The omega-3s support their immune system, decrease inflammation, and give them a shiny, healthy coat. The salmon provides an alternative protein source for dogs with chicken or beef allergies.
However there are some precautions to take when feeding your dog salmon patties
Cook Thoroughly
Raw or undercooked salmon contains a parasite that causes salmon poisoning disease in dogs. This disease can be fatal if left untreated. To kill any potential parasites or bacteria, salmon patties should be thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.
Watch Out for Bones
Salmon patties may contain small fish bones that can choke your dog or damage their digestive tract. Be sure to check the patties carefully and remove any bones before serving. For safety you may want to stick to boneless salmon fillets when making patties for your dog.
Skip Seasonings
Onions, garlic, salt, and other common human seasonings can be toxic for dogs. Do not add any herbs, spices, onion powder, or garlic powder to salmon patties that you feed to dogs.
Limit Portion Size
Too much fish at once can lead to an excess of vitamin D, which causes vitamin D toxicity. Stick to a small portion of salmon pattie, about 1 oz or less for a medium-sized dog Serve salmon patties as an occasional treat no more than once a week.
Pick Healthy Ingredients
A lot of breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, or other oily foods are called for in some salmon patty recipes. To make them better for your dog’s health, use less breadcrumbs, one egg, and olive oil instead of butter or mayo. Avoid patties with heavy cream or cheese added.
Canned Salmon Okay
If homemade isn’t an option, look for canned salmon patties with no added salt or onions. Drain off any oil before serving to your dog. Check the label carefully as some brands do contain onion powder.
So feel free to share a bite of your salmon patties with your pooch! Just be sure to take the proper precautions. Cook thoroughly, pick over for bones, limit portions, and skip the salty, toxic seasonings we humans love. With these simple steps, salmon patties can provide great health benefits to your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about feeding salmon patties to dogs? Here are answers to some common queries:
How much salmon can I give my dog?
For an average-sized dog under 50 lbs, a 1 oz portion of salmon patty is plenty. Giant breed dogs can have 2-3 oz. Limit to no more than one small serving per week. Too much can lead to vitamin D toxicity.
Are canned salmon patties safe?
Yes, store-bought canned patties are safe if you pick a brand with no added onions, garlic, or excessive salt. Drain off any oil before feeding to your dog. Check labels carefully for onion powder.
What if my dog eats a whole salmon patty?
One patty now and then won’t harm an average dog. But eating too many at once can cause pancreatitis, gas, or diarrhea. Call your vet if your dog eats multiple patties and seems in distress. Induce vomiting only if your vet advises.
Can I make homemade salmon treats?
Yes, baked salmon treats are a nutritious option. Cook small strips of salmon fillet until flaky, then cut into bite-size bits. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Should I give my dog salmon skin?
It’s very high in fat so limit salmon skin treats. Cook until crispy, let cool, then break into small pieces to serve occasionally. Avoid feeding raw salmon skin.
Can puppies eat salmon patties?
Salmon is safe for dogs of all ages. But for puppies under 1 year, stick to a teaspoon or two of patty crumbled up. Wait until your puppy is fully vaccinated before introducing new foods.
Is salmon or tuna better for dogs?
Both are good fish for dogs, but salmon contains more omega-3s. Salmon is also lower in mercury than some tuna. For the healthiest choice, feed your dog wild Alaskan salmon patties.
So yes, salmon patties can make a nutritious occasional treat for dogs. Be sure to cook thoroughly, limit portions, and avoid toxic seasonings. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about introducing salmon patties or other new foods to your dog’s diet.
Avoid Smoked Salmon for Dogs
Smoked salmon is a popular choice, but smoked salmon is unfortunately not safe to feed your dog. The smoking process does not kill all of the harmful parasites and bacteria that salmon can harbor. 8.
Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the best nutrients in salmon. They help the immune system, reduce inflammation, and keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. 5,2.
Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most studied groups of physiologically active compounds that come from animal products. They have become an important player in the world of nutraceuticals. 6.
Salmon also harbors astaxanthin, a keto-carotenoid that gives salmon their pink and red coloring. Salmon acquire astaxanthin through the microalgae and crustaceans they eat.
The substance is said to have a lot of antioxidant activity, as well as effects that help the immune system, fight inflammation, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and slow down the aging process. 4 It can also have protective effects on the heart and eyes. 4.