Can My Dog Eat Salmon? The Benefits and Risks Explained

Salmon is a tasty and healthy fish that provides humans with many nutritional benefits. As pet owners, it’s natural to wonder if we can share our healthy salmon dinner with our canine companions. So can our dogs eat salmon too?

In short, yes, dogs can eat salmon. But there are some things you should know before you give it to your dog. We’ll talk about the pros and cons of giving dogs salmon in this article, which includes:

• The nutritional value of salmon for dogs
• How much salmon to feed dogs
• The best ways to prepare salmon for your dog
• Potential dangers of raw salmon
• Risk of salmon poisoning disease

We’ll also answer common questions like

• Can dogs eat smoked salmon?
• Can dogs eat salmon skin?
• Is salmon oil safe for dogs?

After reading this, you’ll know everything you need to know about giving dogs salmon.

The Nutritional Benefits of Salmon for Dogs

Salmon is a great occasional treat for dogs to get extra protein and healthy fats into their diet Here are some of the biggest nutritional benefits

• Excellent Source of Protein—Salmon has high-quality protein that is easy for dogs to digest and gives them amino acids. This supports strong muscles and is an essential nutrient.

• omega-3 Fatty Acids – Salmon is high in omega-3s, especially EPA and DHA fatty acids. This can benefit dogs’ skin, coat, joints, heart, and brain health.

• Vitamins and Minerals – Salmon provides vitamins like B12 and D, along with minerals like selenium and phosphorus. These support immune health, metabolism, bone strength, and enzyme functions.

• Glucosamine – Salmon contains natural glucosamine which promotes healthy joints. This makes salmon great for senior dogs or breeds prone to joint issues.

So salmon can make an excellent occasional treat or even as an ingredient in commercial dog food to provide well-rounded nutrition. But it shouldn’t make up the bulk of a dog’s diet.

How Much Salmon Can Dogs Eat?

Salmon is very rich, so it’s best fed to dogs in moderation. Here are some feeding guidelines:

• Limit salmon treats to no more than once or twice a week. Any more may lead to weight gain or GI upset.

• When substituting salmon for your dog’s regular meal, replace only up to 25% of their total daily food with salmon to keep it balanced.

• For small dogs, a salmon treat should be around 1 oz or less. Medium dogs can have 2-3 oz, large dogs 3-5 oz.

• Consult your vet if you want salmon to be a larger part of your dog’s diet, like over 25% of their intake.

It’s also important to adjust serving sizes to your individual dog based on their weight, activity level, and health. Start small and monitor your dog after feeding salmon to make sure they tolerate it well.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Salmon? Dangers Explained

While cooked salmon can be healthy for dogs, raw salmon should always be avoided due to potential risks:

• Bacteria & Parasites – Raw salmon may contain dangerous bacteria like salmonella. It may also harbor parasites, especially a parasite called Nanophyetus salmincola.

• Salmon Poisoning Disease – If infected with N. salmincola, raw salmon can cause salmon poisoning disease in dogs. Without treatment, this can be fatal.

• Digestive Upset – Raw fish contains enzymes that dogs find hard to digest, causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

To eliminate risks of bacteria, parasites, and salmon poisoning, salmon should always be thoroughly cooked before feeding to dogs. Cook to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F to kill any potential pathogens.

Also avoid feeding dogs raw salmon scraps or bones after your own meal, as these poses the same threats.

Best Ways to Prepare Salmon for Dogs

When preparing salmon for your dog, aim for simple recipes without spices, herbs, onions, or garlic, as these seasonings are unhealthy for dogs:

• Bake or Broil – Coat salmon fillets with a little olive or coconut oil then bake at 400°F or broil on high for 10-12 minutes until cooked through and flaky.

• Poach – Simmer salmon fillets gently in lightly salted water, milk or broth for 5-7 minutes until opaque and cooked through.

• Grill – Brush salmon with oil then grill over medium-high, turning once, for 5-6 minutes per side.

• Canned Salmon – Look for canned salmon packaged for dogs with no salt added. Rinse before serving to reduce sodium.

• De-bone – Always check cooked salmon for bones and remove them before feeding to avoid choking hazards.

For easy cleanup and portion control, consider cooking salmon in a muffin tin. Bake salmon cubes in tinfoil packets or in silicon molds for perfect single-serving dog treats.

Can Dogs Eat Salmon Skin and Bones?

Salmon skin can make an excellent chewy treat for dogs if prepared properly:

• Roast or fry salmon skin until crispy, with no added oils or seasonings. This makes it safer and easier to digest.

• Cut roasted skin into bite-sized pieces to reduce choking risk. Supervise your dog as the skin can be rich.

However, raw salmon skin should not be fed. Bones should also always be avoided as they can splinter and pose a significant choking hazard or damage your dog’s digestive tract.

Is Smoked Salmon Safe for Dogs?

Smoked salmon that’s labeled as fully cooked or ready to eat is safer, but it’s still best avoided. Reasons to be cautious with smoked salmon include:

• Salt content – Smoked fish is very high in sodium, which is unhealthy for dogs. It can cause gastrointestinal upset, dehydration or even sodium ion poisoning in dogs if eaten in excess.

• Preservatives – Smoked fish often contains nitrates, nitrites, dyes and other preservatives that may be toxic to dogs.

• Bacteria risk – Even fully cooked smoked salmon can still pose a slight bacteria risk if not stored properly after opening.

For a safer fish treat, stick to cooked fresh salmon or a small amount of canned salmon made specifically for dogs. Avoid feeding regular raw deli or smoked salmon from the grocery store fish counter.

Is Salmon Oil Safe for Dogs?

Unlike raw fish, salmon oil supplements are perfectly safe and very healthy for dogs! Salmon oil delivers omega-3s in a convenient dose. Look for salmon oil made for dogs and follow dosage guidelines based on your dog’s size.

Key benefits of salmon oil for dogs include:

• Supports skin and coat health
• Reduces skin inflammation and itching
• May relieve joint pain and arthritis
• Supports cognitive function and brain health
• Supports a healthy immune system
• Promotes heart health

Always choose a reputable brand of salmon oil made specifically for dogs, not salmon oil capsules made for humans. Check with your vet on dosing considerations based on your dog’s age, weight and health status.

Can Dogs be Allergic or Sensitive to Salmon?

Allergies to salmon are very rare in dogs, however some may have sensitivities to overconsumption of oils or fats.Gastric distress like vomiting or diarrhea shortly after eating salmon could indicate an intolerance.

Signs your dog may have a salmon sensitivity include:

• Nausea or vomiting after eating it
• Loose stool or diarrhea
• Excessive gas
• Abdominal pain

If you observe these signs, stop feeding salmon and talk to your veterinarian. They can help you determine if your dog has a food intolerance or allergy to investigate further.

Final Tips on Feeding Salmon to Dogs

Here are a few final tips to keep in mind when feeding salmon to dogs:

• Introduce new foods slowly – Mix a small amount with their regular food and gradually increase over a week.

• Remove all bones – Cooked bones easily splinter and pose a major choking risk. Never feed raw salmon bones.

• Avoid seasoning or cooking oils – Onions, garlic, herbs and spices can harm dogs. Go for simple, baked or poached salmon.

• Buy sustainably caught salmon – This ensures safe, sustainable fish.

• Store cooked salmon safely – Refrigerate leftovers promptly and within 2 days to prevent bacteria growth.

• Brush their teeth after – Fish is smelly so brush your dog’s teeth to reduce leftover odor and tartar buildup.

The Bottom Line

Salmon can be a healthy, protein-packed occasional treat or supplemental addition to a balanced dog diet. Both cooked fresh salmon and salmon oil provide great health benefits for dogs. However, raw salmon should be avoided due to risks of bacteria, parasites, and salmon poisoning disease.

When feeding salmon to your dog, moderate portion sizes, cook it thoroughly, and supervise to make sure they tolerate it well. By understanding the benefits and risks, salmon can be a tasty way to give your dog a nutritional boost!