Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in salmon, are good for the immune system, may reduce inflammation, and keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. Along with some other types of fish, salmon is also a good protein source. In fact, salmon is a common ingredient in high-quality dog foods. You might be able to feed your dog salmon instead of chicken if he is allergic to those foods.
As a dog owner, you likely want to share some of your favorite healthy human foods with your furry friend. Salmon is one such food that humans relish for its stellar nutritional profile. But when it comes to giving canned pink salmon to dogs, is it safe and healthy?
The answer is yes—canned pink salmon can be a nutritious occasional snack for dogs. However, there are some important considerations regarding portions, salt content, bones, and mercury levels. Read on as we dive into all the details on feeding canned salmon to dogs.
An Overview of Canned Pink Salmon for Dogs
Pink salmon one of the smaller Pacific salmon species is often canned and sold in grocery stores. The canning process cooks the salmon, softens the small bones, and allows it to be easily flaked into bite-sized pieces. Here’s a quick rundown on canned pink salmon for dogs
- Excellent source of protein, omega-3s, vitamins and minerals
- Bones are softened and safe for dogs to eat
- Contains less mercury than larger fish
- Salt content needs monitoring, opt for low-sodium
- Allergies are rare but possible if new food for dog
- Limit to occasional small treat-sized portions
Overall, the benefits outweigh the potential risks, making canned pink salmon a healthy occasional snack for dogs. Let’s explore some of the pros and cons in more detail.
The Benefits of Canned Pink Salmon for Dogs
There are some excellent nutritional benefits to gain from adding a little bit of canned salmon to your dog’s diet. Here are some of the reasons vets recommend canned pink salmon for dogs:
1. Rich Source of Protein
Pink salmon is packed with high-quality animal protein. The canning process doesn’t destroy the proteins inherent in the fish. Protein helps maintain and repair tissues and muscles making it essential for active dogs.
2. Provides Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA, which help reduce inflammation, can be found in salmon in large amounts. These healthy fats support skin, coat, joint, heart, and brain health in dogs.
3. Contains Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Pink salmon provides a plethora of important micronutrients for dogs like vitamin B12, selenium, potassium, and iron. This boosts immunity, metabolism, nerves and energy levels.
4. Includes Soft, Edible Bones
During the canning process, bones become soft. When eaten, they provide a good source of calcium for strong teeth and bones. Chewing bones also cleans dogs’ teeth.
5. Low Mercury Risk
Larger, longer living fish accumulate more mercury. But smaller pink salmon only live for two years, which means that eating them regularly poses less of a risk of mercury buildup.
For these reasons, vets often recommend canned pink salmon as an occasional nutritious, safe fish-based snack for dogs to enjoy.
Potential Risks of Canned Salmon for Dogs
While pink salmon offers great nutrition for dogs, there are still a few cautions to keep in mind:
1. High Sodium Content
Canned salmon contains much more sodium than fresh fish. Too much sodium can cause excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhea and even kidney damage in dogs if consumed regularly.
2. Allergies
As with any new food, dogs can develop an allergy to salmon. Monitor your dog closely when first feeding salmon and stop immediately if any symptoms appear.
3. Gastrointestinal Upset
Excessive fats or oils in canned salmon can lead to pancreatitis, vomiting or diarrhea in some dogs. Choose water-packed salmon and rinse before feeding.
4. Thiamine Destruction
Thiamine (vitamin B1) is destroyed by high heat processing. Lack of thiamine can cause neurological issues. Feed salmon in moderation along with a balanced diet.
Pay attention to these risks to safely provide canned salmon to dogs. Overall, the benefits outweigh the cautions as long as a few guidelines are followed.
Feeding Guidelines for Canned Pink Salmon
To safely provide all the benefits of canned salmon while avoiding the potential risks, stick to these feeding guidelines:
- Choose salmon canned in water and low in sodium
- Rinse the salmon to remove any excess oil, salt or liquid
- Remove any bones if large or sharp
- Introduce it slowly and watch for allergies
- Limit to 1-2 times per week for small dogs, 1-3 times for large dogs
- Feed just 1-5 bites of flaked salmon as a treat, or add 1-4 ounces (1/8 cup) maximum over food
Follow these tips and monitor your dog to ensure canned salmon agrees with him. Once you know he can tolerate it, feel confident offering salmon occasionally as a tasty nutritious snack.
Answers to Common Questions About Dogs and Canned Salmon
Many dog owners have questions when first considering adding canned salmon to their pup’s diet. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Is canned or raw salmon better for dogs?
Both are healthy options. Raw salmon contains more vitamin B1. But canned is safer due to bones being softened and salmonella risk being eliminated through heating.
Is pink or red salmon better for dogs?
Both varieties offer similar health benefits. Red salmon is larger with more omega-3s per serving, but also slightly higher in mercury. Both are good choices.
Will canned salmon upset my dog’s stomach?
It shouldn’t, if introduced slowly. But fatty fish like salmon may cause vomiting or diarrhea in some dogs prone to pancreatitis or sensitivities. Monitor your dog’s reaction.
Is it safe for dogs to eat salmon bones?
In canned salmon the bones are softened and typically not a hazard. Larger or sharp bones can still pose a choking risk though, so remove any you notice before feeding.
How much canned salmon should I feed my dog?
For small dogs, feed just 1-2 teaspoons per day. Medium dogs can have 1-3 tablespoons, while larger dogs can occasionally enjoy up to 1/4 cup.
Always exercise moderation and feed salmon as an occasional snack, not a daily meal. Monitoring portions and sodium content is key to making it a healthy supplemental food.
The Bottom Line: Vets Recommend Canned Salmon for Dogs
To wrap up, yes—most veterinarians approve of canned pink salmon as an occasional nutritious snack for dogs when served in moderation. The wealth of nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids and proteins in salmon offer great health benefits including:
- Joint, coat, heart and brain support
- Immune boosting properties
- Higher energy levels
- Cancer prevention
- Healthy weight maintenance
Stick to a few guidelines around portion sizes, salt content, and new food introductions. Then enjoy observing your dog delight in the delicious fishy flavors of this nutritionally-packed fish! Always consult your own vet before significantly changing your dog’s diet. But in most cases, a few bites of canned salmon can be a safe and healthy treat.
Choosing The Right Breed
Is it safe to feed your salmon? The short answer is yes.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in salmon, are good for the immune system, may reduce inflammation, and keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. Along with some other types of fish, salmon is also a good protein source. In fact, salmon is a common ingredient in high-quality dog foods. You might be able to feed your dog salmon instead of chicken if he is allergic to those foods.
