Can Dogs Eat Salmon?

When exploring the possibilities with fish protein for dogs, you’re bound to encounter a few different options. Tuna, trout, whitefish, cod – all of them possess their own unique characteristics and nutritional values that your furry friend will thank you for.

Though, with over 4,000 people searching “can dogs eat salmon?” every month, it seems that salmon is one of the least known/accepted fish proteins for dogs.

At Fish4Dogs, we are big fans of salmon – we’ve made it a core part of our ingredients for all sorts of dog products, from dog food to salmon-based dog treats. Here, we clear up some potential confusion on salmon, while highlighting a few of the salmon-based options available from Fish4Dogs.

What Are The Benefits Of Salmon Dog Food?

Firstly, let’s explore why you’d want to consider offering your dog salmon:

Omega 3: Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid that supports your dog’s skin, coat, heart, and brain. Dogs don’t produce omega 3 naturally, so it is advised to add it to their diets through the use of fish like salmon.
Protein: Salmon is a fantastic source of protein. It has a similar amount of protein per 100g compared to chicken, all while offering lower cholesterol and fat levels.
Vitamins: Salmon is abundant with B vitamins. B12, specifically, is crucial for supporting the brain and nervous system. Thankfully, salmon is rich in B12, making it a great choice for any rounded dog diet.

Can Dogs Eat Salmon?

Now, to the main question: yes – dogs can absolutely eat salmon. As a fish protein, salmon is rich in a wide range of nutrients that perfectly complement your dog’s diet.

Your furry friend can eat salmon so long as it is correctly prepared and cooked, or served in treat/kibble form.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Salmon?

The only exception to salmon’s edibility for dogs is that it cannot be eaten raw. Raw salmon can contain poisonous parasites if left unprepared, which might cause salmon poisoning – a potentially fatal disease.

Unprepared salmon also comes with the risk of choking on leftover bones. You should also never serve your dog salmon with any seasoning, smoked flavouring, or prepared as a part of sushi.

Can Dogs Be Allergic To Salmon?

It is entirely possible for your furry friend to be allergic to salmon. If you notice any lethargy, vomiting, itchy skin, or diarrhoea after feeding your dog salmon, they may well be allergic to it.

The best way to test for this allergy is to start by giving them smaller portions of salmon-based dog food, especially if they’ve previously not eaten an entirely fish-based diet. This should help you test the waters and rule out any allergies before it’s too late.

How to Give Salmon To Dogs

There are many ways of serving salmon to your dog, including:

Salmon Skin

So, can dogs eat salmon skin? Provided it is prepared and cooked properly, we can confirm that dogs can eat salmon skin. The skin should be free of flavourings and cooked with the main flesh. The skin can be served either with the main body of salmon or separately.

Cooked Salmon

As previously mentioned, salmon can be fed to dogs provided it is cooked properly and for the right duration. Whether you bake, pan fry or boil it, just make sure it’s fully cooked through to a temperature of at least 63°C (145°F).

Salmon Oil

The majority of the nutrients and goodness in salmon actually come from salmon oil. As a result, salmon oil is a commonly used supplement for dogs. The oil can be fed to your dog by adding it to their existing food regime in order to reap some of the benefits of a full salmon diet.

Treat/Kibble form

Among the most effective ways of giving your dog salmon is providing it in kibble or treat form. At Fish4Dogs, for example, we offer many salmon-based dog foods and treats that are designed to blend both taste and health benefits for a well-rounded meal, every time.

Salmon Dog Food

There’s our Superior Salmon Adult dog food, which is suitable for mature dogs and made with salmon, potatoes and peas.

For puppies, we have our Finest Salmon Puppy dog food. This dog food is also made from salmon, potatoes, and peas, but with slightly smaller kibble chunks so your pup can digest them more easily.

Salmon Dog Treats

To dogs, salmon is chock-full of flavour, so what better way to serve it than in treat form? For this, we have a few options:

Training Salmon Bites: These treats are made from 100% salmon, giving them a strong aroma that’s sure to attract your dog’s attention. They’re the perfect reward for good behaviour, while still offering nutritional value and aiding digestion. Training Salmon Bites are available for both puppies and adult dogs.
Salmon Morsels: Our Support+ range of dog treats, designed specifically to help with joint health, features Salmon Morsels which offer your dog a delicious treat packed full of omega 3, glucosamine and chondroitin.
Salmon Cubes: Complete with fish skin for enhanced taste and nutrition, this latest addition to our salmon treats range is designed as an occasional reward to show your pooch just how much you love them. If you’re looking for a satisfying, high-value snack that’s packed full of the good stuff, look no further than our Love Salmon Cubes.
Salmon Sticks: Like our Salmon Cubes, our Love Salmon Sticks are a unique option in the salmon-based treat market. While they’re easy to break, their extended size of 10cm can introduce a unique, long-lasting challenge to your dog’s treat, keeping them entertained and healthy.

Choose Health; Choose Fish

If you’re on the hunt for fish-based dog food from a leading brand that’s championed fish for years, you’ve found them in Fish4Dogs. We’re passionate about the health benefits of fish, and we’re proud to produce some of the highest-quality fish-based dog food for your furry friends.

Browse our entire dog food and dog treats ranges today, and help your dog embrace all the benefits of fish.