Most pet parents know salmon is a nutritious treat for their canine friends. However, some owners don’t know the best way to cook salmon for dogs. Dogs should never be given raw salmon because if they eat raw salmon that is contaminated with a parasite fluke that carries the bacteria Neorickettsia helminthoeca, they could get salmon poisoning. To prevent this, make sure you cook salmon before offering it to your dog. Cooking the fish removes bacteria, parasites, or other dangerous contaminants that could make your dog sick. You don’t want your dog to get sick after eating their favorite treat.
We are going to show you how to cook salmon and give you some tried-and-true dog food recipes.
Salmon can be a tasty and nutritious treat for dogs but it’s important to prepare it properly to avoid any risks. In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about making salmon for your furry friend.
Why Salmon is Good for Dogs
Salmon is loaded with healthy nutrients that can benefit your dog including
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Protein—Salmon is a great way to get high-quality protein, which gives you energy and helps keep and build muscle mass.
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Omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon has a lot of omega-3s, which help keep your skin and coat healthy and your brain, eyes, and joints healthy.
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Minerals and vitamins: Iron, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin B12 are just a few of the minerals and vitamins that can be found in salmon. These support immune health, metabolism, and more.
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Glucosamine – Salmon contains natural glucosamine, which helps maintain healthy joints. This is especially beneficial for senior dogs.
So by offering salmon, you can provide your dog with a powerhouse of nutrition in one tasty treat.
Buying Salmon for Your Dog
When selecting salmon to cook for your dog, opt for wild-caught salmon whenever possible. Farm-raised salmon contains less omega-3s and other nutrients.
Look for fresh wild salmon filets at the seafood counter or freezer section of your grocery store. Frozen salmon works just as well as fresh and may be more budget-friendly.
Canned salmon like pink or red salmon is another good option, though check the label to make sure there are no ingredients your dog can’t have like onions or garlic.
How to Cook Salmon for Dogs
It’s crucial to fully cook salmon served to dogs in order to kill any potential parasites. Here are some cooking methods to try:
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Bake or broil – Place salmon filets skin-side down on a baking sheet. Brush with a little olive or coconut oil. Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until opaque and flakes easily.
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Sauté or pan fry – Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon 2-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Cook until opaque and flakes easily.
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Boil – Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add salmon filets and simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until opaque.
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Grill – Oil the grill rack to prevent sticking. Place filets skin-side down. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side with the lid closed.
No matter which cooking method you use, the internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F. Use a food thermometer to check doneness.
Salmon Recipes for Dogs
Once cooked, salmon can be served to your dog on its own or incorporated into homemade recipes. Here are some delicious recipe ideas:
Simple Salmon and Rice
- 1 lb cooked salmon, flaked into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup steamed spinach or peas
Mix together rice, salmon, and veggies. Portion into individual meals and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Salmon Sweet Potato Bake
- 1 lb cooked salmon, flaked
- 2 sweet potatoes, roasted and mashed
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 cup steamed carrots
Combine mashed sweet potatoes, salmon, coconut oil, and carrots. Spread into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until heated through. Let cool before serving.
Salmon and Quinoa
- 1 lb cooked salmon, flaked
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Mix together quinoa, salmon, broccoli and olive oil. Portion into meals and refrigerate up to 4 days.
Salmon Pupcakes
- 1 15 oz can salmon, drained
- 1 large egg
- 1⁄2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1⁄4 cup shredded carrot
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Mash salmon with a fork. Mix in egg, flour, carrot, and olive oil until a thick batter forms. Scoop batter into mini muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Let cool before serving.
Tips for Serving Salmon to Your Dog
Follow these tips to safely store and serve salmon to your pup:
- Allow cooked salmon to cool to room temperature before serving.
- Remove any bones prior to serving to prevent choking hazards.
- Refrigerate unused portions in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze meal-size portions in freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- For puppies or small dogs, cut salmon into bite-sized pieces for safety.
- Start with small amounts of salmon to ensure good tolerance.
- Never serve raw salmon or salmon skin, which may harbor parasites.
With proper preparation and storage, salmon can be a nutritious treat for dogs to enjoy in moderation. Offer it a few times a week as part of a balanced diet approved by your veterinarian. With these tips, you can confidently serve tasty salmon recipes to reward and nourish your beloved dog.
Easy Salmon Recipe (Salmon and Sweet Potato)
Even though there are many salmon recipes for dogs, this one is one of our favorites. It’s easy to make and tastes great.
- 1 Salmon filet per dog (less for smaller dogs)
- 1 sweet potato
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1 head of broccoli
Your dog probably won’t eat a whole broccoli or sweet potato head with its salmon, but you can cut them up into smaller pieces so you can season them yourself.
- To make your sweet potato mash better, boil it and then blend it until it’s smooth. How much you give your dog will depend on its size.
- Steam the broccoli for about 10 minutes. You can sprinkle some butter on your broccoli, but don’t let your dog eat it.
- For the salmon, heat one teaspoon of coconut oil over medium-low heat. Depending on how thick it is, cook the salmon for four to six minutes on each side. For a small dog, you can serve four chopped pieces of salmon from an 8-ounce filet. For a large dog, you can serve six pieces over the sweet potato and broccoli.
How to Cook Salmon
Cooking salmon is a pretty easy and straightforward process. If you want to make sure the salmon is safe for your dog, make sure you cook it to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This will kill any bacteria and parasites.
Ensure you cook the salmon with no garlic, onions, or other seasonings that could make your dog sick. Salmon can be cooked the same way you cook it for people, as long as you don’t add any spices. Dogs shouldn’t eat garlic or onions, and you shouldn’t use their powdered forms to season fish either. Granulated garlic and onions are even more hazardous for your pet and must be avoided.
A vet has approved these recipes because they only use ingredients that are good for dogs. However, some of these recipes are not complete and balanced diets that you should feed your dog every day. These recipes are a great add-on to your dog’s diet. They are only meant to be fed on occasion and not as a regular staple diet. Please consult your veterinarian to help you decide what is the best diet for your dog.
Cooking fresh salmon for your dog food recipe
FAQ
How should salmon be cooked for dogs?
How much salmon can I give my dog?
How to cook fish for dogs?
Can I steam salmon for a dog?
How to cook salmon for dogs?
Best Ways to Cook Salmon for Dogs (Solved & Explained!) The best way to cook salmon for dogs is to boil a fresh, boneless piece of fish. You should remove any small remaining bones and serve unseasoned and not hot.
What are the benefits of smoked salmon over raw salmon?
It actually has the same characteristics as raw salmon, being relatively low in calories, it is an excellent source of protein, good fat and several vitamins and minerals. The smoking process just adds an aroma.
How to feed a dog a salmon sandwich?
Shred the salmon in a large mixing bowl. Now, add the broccoli, squash and carrots. Mix thoroughly. Finally, add the sweet potatoes and mix until everything is completely combined. Once the food has cooled, you can feed it to your pet. The serving size for this recipe is about 1/2 cup per 25 pounds of weight.
Is salmon dog food good for dogs?
If you ask your veterinarian what the best indicator of your dog’s overall health and well-being is, he’ll likely tell you that it is your pup’s skin and coat. Proper nutrition may just be the easiest way to improve your dog’s skin and coat health, and this salmon dog food recipe could be a good option.