Can dogs eat salmon? Yes, you can feed salmon to your dog. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and helps prevent and reduce chronic inflammation that largely contributes to developing diseases in dogs, such as arthritis.
Salmon also has ample amounts of protein and other nutrients, including magnesium and zinc. Before adding salmon to your dog’s regular diet, there are a few caveats that you should be aware of.
Is salmon safe for dogs?
Generally speaking, salmon is safe for dogs as it does not produce natural toxins. However, it does not mean that you can just give salmon to dogs without any consideration.
Salmon is often prone to chemical contamination. Chemical pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxin, and heavy metals such as mercury are potentially acquired by salmon through the small fish that they eat.
Salmon are classified based on where they are from. So there are two types of salmon: Atlantic salmon and Pacific salmon. Regardless of where it was caught in the wild, it is advised that you pick younger and smaller-size salmon as it has lesser exposure to toxins in the water, making them a safer and healthier option.
If possible, consider buying salmon from Scandinavia or Canada. The water in these regions has a lower percentage of pollution compared to the water surrounding the United States. Therefore, salmon from these regions are less likely to be contaminated with hazardous chemicals. Avoid getting farmed fish and wild fish from the US as they are often highly contaminated with chemicals.
For raw feeding, deep freeze the fish for a minimum of seven days before feeding it to your dog. Doing so greatly helps in reducing the toxins found in the fish, and minimizes the risk of salmon poisoning.
Is salmon good for dogs?
Salmon is widely popular for being a great source of eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are omega-3 fatty acids. Other nutritional benefits to dogs are its abundance of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, D, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
Here are some of the health perks dogs can gain from eating salmon:
- Keeps skin healthy and coat shiny
- Lessens the risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Lowers high blood pressure
- Reduces inflammation and alleviates joint pains
- Helps in the brain development of puppies
- Enhances brain functions in senior dogs
- Promotes a healthy immune system
- Hinders cancer cell growth
- Aids in collagen production
Can dogs have salmon regularly?
Regularly feeding salmon to your dog is okay, but in moderation. Its high-fat content is beneficial to your dog, but in large amounts, it can cause digestive problems, including vomiting and diarrhea. Consuming excessive amounts could lead to pancreatitis.
The standard serving size of salmon for dogs is 100 grams per 10 pounds of the dog’s body weight.
Dogs have a sensitive digestive system, so avoid abruptly changing your pet’s meals, or he may end up having an upset stomach. Begin by introducing salmon to your dog in small amounts.
If he shows no digestive issues, you can gradually increase its quantity the next time you feed him. Just keep in mind to follow the serving suggestion of salmon for dogs and do not overfeed.
Can dogs eat salmon skin and is salmon skin good for dogs?
Salmon skin is okay for dogs to eat if it is cooked thoroughly. Do not use additional ingredients like oil, spices, and seasoning, as these can cause gastric issues such as stomach pains and diarrhea.
Salmon skin for dogs is very high in fat, so serve it as an occasional treat. It should not be given to obese dogs and dogs with pancreatitis since it could worsen their conditions.
Is salmon oil for dogs safe?
Yes, salmon oil is safe for dogs as long as you follow the recommended dosage. Dogs that weigh approximately 26 pounds should only have 4 ml of salmon oil per day. Dogs that weigh 27–53 pounds only need 8 ml per day.
On the other hand, dogs that weigh 54–106 pounds can only have 12 ml per day. Dogs weighing over 107 pounds should only consume a maximum of 16 ml of salmon oil per day.
You may mix the salmon oil with his dog food. Never go overboard in giving salmon oil to your dog since it can lead to a slew of health problems. Salmon oil is high in fats, and excessive dosage can greatly contribute to stomach upset and pancreatitis.
Too much salmon oil can hinder a dog’s healing process and increase the chances of infection. That’s because the salmon oil’s anti-inflammatory properties interfere with and slow down the white blood cells, which are responsible for blood clotting.
Giving salmon oil to dogs with injuries and those that need to undergo surgery is not advised unless your vet recommends it.
Can dogs eat raw salmon?
Do not feed your dog raw or undercooked salmon as it may contain roundworms and flukes that can be transmitted to him. Dog owners should know that flukes are bacterial hosts of Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which causes salmon poisoning disease in dogs.
It will take at least six days for the symptoms of salmon poisoning to manifest. The most common signs are fever, appetite loss, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, swollen lymph nodes, and weakness. Bring your dog to the vet immediately if he exhibits these symptoms.
Bring your dog to the vet immediately if he exhibits these symptoms. Never leave salmon poisoning untreated as it can result in death within 14 days.
Can dogs eat cooked salmon?
Cooking is the preferable way to prepare salmon for dogs. The cooking process gets rid of harmful bacteria and toxins by exposing them to high heat.
It is best to buy boneless salmon fillets as they contain little to no bones. Always double-check the salmon for small bones to keep your dog from choking. After that, you can poach, bake, grill, roast, or steam the salmon for your dog.
Cooked salmon is best served plain to your dog. Avoid oil, salt, spices, and other seasonings like chili and onion. Do not forget to exercise portion control to prevent him from having stomach issues.
Can dogs eat smoked salmon?
No, smoked salmon is unhealthy for dogs. Since it is cured, it has high levels of salt. Renal issues and sodium toxicity are often attributed to consuming large quantities of salt.
Although not common. There is also a small chance that smoked salmon is contaminated with parasites and bacteria.
Can dogs eat canned salmon?
Canned salmon that is soaked in water is okay for dogs to eat. Avoid the ones that contain brine or oil, as they are loaded with added salt and fats.
It is always a good idea to check the labels of canned salmon. Some canned salmon may have high concentrations of sodium even if they don’t contain brine.
Canned salmon is a great topper on dog foods. Just make sure to limit the serving size. In this way, you can avoid overfeeding and prevent your dog from experiencing digestive problems.
