Salmon or other fish smells can often excite dogs, especially if they don’t get any of it themselves. But are dogs allowed to eat salmon, or is it harmful?
Dogs are allowed to eat salmon. In fact, in moderation, it is very healthy for them. It provides high-quality proteins and healthy fats essential for a balanced diet. However, raw salmon is off-limits for dogs.
Salmon poisoning can be fatal for dogs. Therefore, it is essential that you know what types of salmon you can give your dog and how much of it he can eat.
However, you don’t have to worry if your dog ate a piece of salmon off the kitchen floor or if you want to give him a piece of your salmon roll.
Is Salmon Good for Dogs?
Salmon is healthy for dogs, but only in moderation and when appropriately served. As with most things in life, it’s not that simple.
You should know a few crucial things before you put a bowl of salmon out for your dog to eat. Before we get to the limitations, here are the main benefits of salmon for dogs:
- Salmon is an excellent source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These support your dog’s immune system, keep his heart healthy, and can also inhibit inflammation.
- Salmon is rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These are important omega-3 fatty acids for eye and brain development in puppies. And these ingredients also have benefits for fetal development.
- Salmon is a high-quality protein comparable to beef and poultry. Protein is vital for maintaining bone health, helping the body heal and regenerate, and preventing muscle atrophy.
- Salmon supports joints and mobility. Fish oil is known to have a positive effect on joint health. Salmon also contains astaxanthin, an anti-inflammatory substance.
- Salmon supports coat and skin health and has a conditioning effect. Omega-3 fatty acids improve skin barrier function by locking in moisture and protecting against irritants.
- Salmon is highly digestible. A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that salmon is even more digestible than chicken. So, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, salmon might be an excellent alternative to other protein sources.
- Salmon is rich in micronutrients that are important for a balanced diet. These include vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), and D, as well as selenium, potassium and folic acid.
However, not every dog can benefit from these advantages. As with humans, there are food allergies in dogs. So, it could be that your dog is allergic to salmon.
Therefore, if you want to include salmon in your dog’s diet, you should try a small portion first.
What Types of Salmon Can Dogs Eat?
The only salmon you should give your dog is well-done, deboned salmon. Always choose fresh, boneless salmon fillets.
However, there is still a chance that they may contain small bones, so inspect the salmon for tiny bones before cooking.
Bones are a hazard to dogs. They can get stuck in or pierce the digestive tract, and your dog could even choke on them.
It doesn’t matter how you prepare the fish, as long as it is cooked thoroughly. Baking, grilling, poaching, frying, or steaming are all fine.
However, do not cook the salmon with oil, sauce, salt, or other seasonings, such as garlic, as these are toxic to dogs and can cause stomach upset.
You can also give your dog canned salmon as long as it is in water, not brine or oil.
What Types of Salmon Should Dogs Not Eat?
Never give your dog raw or undercooked salmon. This also means that your dog should never eat sushi under any circumstances.
It also means that he should not eat smoked salmon. Not only is smoked salmon undercooked, so harmful bacteria may not have been killed, but it also contains a lot of salt.
Although dogs need salt in their diet, too much is bad for them because it can lead to dehydration and salt toxicity.
Raw or uncooked salmon can contain bacteria and other parasites. These parasites can cause salmon poisoning in dogs, which can even be fatal.
Symptoms of salmon poisoning in dogs include:
- Fever
- vomiting
- Diarrhea
- lethargy
- weakness
- Dehydration
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Discharge from nose and eyes
- Decreased appetite
However, it may take six to ten days for symptoms to appear. If you suspect your dog has eaten raw or undercooked salmon, call your veterinarian immediately because time is of the essence.
If your vet diagnoses salmon poisoning, he or she will likely prescribe antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection.
With proper treatment, most dogs recover completely. However, if left untreated, most dogs die within two weeks.
How much salmon can dogs eat?
As with most foods, giving salmon only in moderation is essential to keep your dog happy and healthy. For healthy, active dogs, you should, therefore, only offer salmon once a week.
It is also essential that the portion is suitable for the size of your dog. A healthy dog can safely consume up to 10 g of salmon per 500 g of body weight.
When giving salmon to your dog for the first time, give him only a tiny portion and observe him for the following two days to ensure he does not have an allergic reaction.
Which Fish is Best for Dogs?
There is no one best fish for feeding dogs. Salmon is healthy and delicious when given in moderation and prepared correctly.
However, salmon has the same health benefits as various other fish, such as whitefish or cod.
Dogs may also eat tuna, but only in small amounts. However, due to its high mercury content, tuna should not be fed to pregnant dogs or puppies.
From When Are Puppies Allowed to Eat Salmon?
Puppies are also allowed to eat salmon. However, this is after they have been weaned from their mother’s milk and eat other solid foods.
Note that puppies should only eat 10 mg of salmon per 500 g of body weight. So, the amount you can give a puppy is much less than for an adult dog.
Can dogs eat salmon skin with scales?
Dogs can eat the salmon skin, even with scales. The scales are nutritionally valuable and contain protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
However, always ensure the salmon is well-cooked and the scales are not unusually large or sharp. Otherwise, like small bones, they can get stuck in your dog’s digestive tract.
Consideration: Can dogs eat salmon?
Dogs can eat salmon without any problem. However, only salmon that is well cooked and does not contain bones. Salmon fillet is, therefore, most suitable for dogs.
However, canned salmon is also allowed for dogs, but only in water and not pickled in brine or oil.
Do not give your dog other types of salmon, particularly raw or uncooked salmon. And don’t give them smoked salmon, either.
Such salmon could contain parasites that can cause salmon poisoning. If left untreated, salmon poisoning can be fatal to dogs. Giving your dog salmon in moderation and only as a weekly treat is best.
