Discovering the Nutritional Benefits of Salmon for Dogs

Can Dogs Eat Salmon?

Can Dogs Eat Salmon?

Written by:Dr. Merliza Cabriles

Yes, you can give salmon to your dog provided that it is well-cooked and has been completely deboned. Raw salmon or any other fish or seafood is a total no-go for dogs, because of harmful bacteria and parasites. Salmon is also very high in essential nutrients for dogs. However, there are some important considerations that you should be well aware of before giving some to your pet.

Health benefits of salmon for dogs

The high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids in salmon provide various health benefits in dogs, which include the following:

• Brain health and function
• Help boost your dogs immune system
• Reduce inflammation of the joints
• Alleviate symptoms of arthritis
• Help maintain healthy skin and coat
• Helps with joint mobility
• Reduce skin irritations and allergies
• Salmon is also rich in vitamins A, B-complex, and vitamin D, as well as magnesium, potassium, and zinc.

Health risks of salmon for dogs

Harmful bacteria and/or parasites are a real concern when you feed it raw. Salmon can be filled with flukes, a type of parasite that can cause

• Vomiting,
• Diarrhea, and
• Even death in dogs!

In moderation, salmon can contribute to keeping your dog healthy, but make sure its well-cooked to kill all harmful parasites and bacteria which might be present.

Just in case your dog ate raw salmon by accident, dont panic. A small piece wont likely have adverse effects. Just be on the lookout for digestive upsets, vomiting or diarrhea.

Salmon poisoning disease (SPD) in dogs

This is a fatal condition that can occur when a dog eats raw salmon that contains the parasite,Neorickettsiahelminthoeca. Once the parasite reaches the dogs small intestine, it causes hemorrhaging and gradually invades the entire body.

Important symptoms that you should watch out for include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Eye and nose discharge
• Swollen lymph nodes

If you see any of these signs in your dog it is a good idea to call your veterinarian.

How about dogs and seafood allergies?

Salmon is actually good for dogs with allergies because they are rich in omega fatty acids that can also promote skin and coat health.

How about canned salmon and dogs?

You can give canned salmon to your dog but be sure to choose salmon in water and avoid those that contain brine or oil, because the salt and oil can be harmful to your dog. You dont have to remove the bones in canned salmon because these can usually be eaten. If you want to be on the safe side, however, you can remove those as well of course.

Can dogs eatsalmonskin?

Salmon skin is very high in fats, so you better remove it. If your dog ate some, there is no need to worry about it, but it is recommended to keep a close eye on your dog in case he suffers from digestive upsets.

Can dogs eat smoked salmon?

Never give smoked salmon to your dog because it is cured using ingredients, especially salt, that is harmful to your dog. Smoked salmon may also contain parasites which can cause a fatal condition in dogs.

Can puppies eat salmon?

Cooked or tinned salmon may be offered to puppies as an occasional treat.

Preparing salmon for your dog

Using virgin olive oil or vegetable oil when cooking salmon can further boost the nutritional benefits of the dish. Make sure that its well done; in fact, overcooking is better than raw when it comes to feeding salmon to dogs. It is also a good idea to remove the fish skin because it is very high in fats.

Asgarliccan be very harmful to dogsandonions are also a real threat to dogs, make sure not to use any of those substances when you prepare it at least for your dog!Dogs can eat tunaand sardines as well, which are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Did we miss anything? Please help us improve and share your thoughts in the comments!

Can Dogs Eat Salmon?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially people foods. What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.

Does your pooch have a penchant for fish? Many dogs like the taste and smell of seafood, but its important to understand the benefitsand possible risksanytime you consider adding a new ingredient to their diet.

Thankfully, when it comes to cooked salmon, your dog is safe. Salmon is a popular ingredient in many types of commercial dog food and is also OK for your dog to eat as a food topper or tasty treat. As with any new food, youll want to be careful not to feed your dog too much salmon to start, and be sure to watch out for any extra ingredients that might be included in typical human recipes (like butter or seasonings) that can be dangerous for dogs to eat.

Keep reading to find out how to safely prepare salmon for dogs, and when youll want to ask your vet for advice.

Is Salmon Good for Dogs?

Salmon can be a great addition to your dogs diet, and many high-quality dog food brands use salmon as a protein source. Unlike some seafood, such as tuna, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reportsthat salmon contains very low levels of mercury.

So, adding a little cooked, plain salmon to your dogs bowl can be a great way to give them an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. A few nutritional benefits of feeding your dog salmon include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon is a great source of omega-3s, which are good for dogs skin and coat health, and can even improve mobility for dogs with joint issues or other inflammatory diseases.
• Protein: In addition to being an excellent source of healthy fats, salmon is also a good source of protein, which helps your pooch build and repair muscle tissue. There are many high-quality dog foods that use salmon as a main source of protein, which can be a great option for dogs who have allergies to other proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb.
• Vitamins and minerals: Salmon is also a good source of B vitamins. One important nutrient thats critical for keeping your dogs brain and nervous system healthy is vitamin B12, and salmon is rich in B12.

Just be sure to check with your vet before making any major changes to your dogs diet, especially if your dog has any health conditions or sensitivities.

Can Dogs Eat Salmon Raw?

Even with all the health benefits of salmon for dogs, pet parents should be cautious about feeding their pooch raw or undercooked salmon. Feeding your dog uncooked salmon can make them very sick. Raw and undercooked salmon can contain a parasite known to cause salmon poisoning disease, which can be fatal for dogs if left untreated. So sorry, sushi-sniffing hounds! Baked, broiled, grilled, and boiled fish are all much safer options for dogs to eat.

If your dog does get ahold of raw salmon or raw fish of any kind, give your vet a call so they can help you determine next steps.

Can Dogs Eat Salmon Skin?

If youve baked a nice salmon dinner but dont care much for the skin, its fine to share that leftover bite with your pooch. Salmon skin is safe for dogs to eat. Just be sure the fish has been thoroughly cooked and isnt seasoned with spices or ingredients that are toxic to dogs (like onions, butter, or garlic).

In fact, that scraping of salmon skin can be a great way to give Fido extra nutrients rather than throwing it into the compost if its not to your taste. Salmon skin actually contains even more of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids than the rest of the fish. So if youre not a fan of the skin, topping off Fidos food dish with a small amount of your leftovers can be a win-win for you both. Just remember to feed your dog salmon skin only in small amounts.

How to Safely Feed Salmon to Your Dog

Salmon is a safe snack for dogs, but that doesnt mean you should grill them an entire fish for dinner tonight! Giving salmon as a treat is a good place to start, and you can gradually increase amounts to let your dogs body adjust to the new food. This can help them avoid adverse effects like an upset stomach or diarrhea, which can happen when your dogs usual menu changes.

Any salmon given to your dog should be fresh, cooked, and free from bones, which pose a choking hazard. Avoid any seasonings or extra ingredients, as many common ingredients are not safe for dogs to consume.

Canned salmon is also OK for dogs to eat, but youll want to watch the sodium. While canned salmon in water is a better choice for dogs than salmon packed in oil, rinse it thoroughly to remove any excess salt or oil from the canning process before adding it to your dogs dish.

How Much Salmon Can Dogs Eat?

Feeding small amounts of fresh, cooked, boneless salmon as an occasional treat is considered safeand even healthyfor dogs. But as with any new food, start slow! Its always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your dogs health.

Here are some general guidelines for how much salmon is safe for dogs to eat, based on their weight:

• Extra-small dog (220 pounds): 12 ounces of fresh, cooked, boneless salmon per week
• Small dog (2130 pounds): 23 ounces of fresh, cooked, boneless salmon per week
• Medium dogs (3150 pounds): 34 ounces of fresh, cooked, boneless salmon per week
• Large dogs (5190 pounds): 46 ounces of fresh, cooked, boneless salmon per week
• Extra-large dogs (over 90 pounds): 68 ounces of fresh, cooked, boneless salmon per week

Note that these are just general guidelines. Its always best to check with your vet before making major changes to your furry friends food bowl.And remember: Raw seafood can contain harmful bacteria and/or parasites that can cause illness in dogs.

Featured Image: iStock/O_Lypa

Salmon Nutrition and Health Benefits

Salmon is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet.

This popular fatty fish is not only loaded with nutrients but also may reduce certain risk factors for several diseases.

Whats more, its tasty, versatile, and widely available.

This article will explore some of the key benefits of salmon, along with a few easy ways to add it to your diet.

Salmon nutrition facts

The nutritional value of salmon can vary slightly among the varieties. For example, farmed salmon contains slightly more healthy fats and calories, whereas wild-caught salmon is a bit higher in protein (1, 2).

However, both types are great sources of many key nutrients, including selenium, phosphorus, and B vitamins (1, 2).

Here is a closer look at the nutritional value for a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of cooked wild or farmed salmon (1, 2):

Salmon is particularly high in selenium, an important nutrient that is involved in DNA synthesis, thyroid hormone metabolism, and reproductive health (3).

Its also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of heart-healthy fat that can decrease inflammation and support brain health (4).

Whats more, salmon is rich in vitamin B12, which is necessary for producing red blood cells and regulating the health of the central nervous system (5).

summary

Salmon is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and various essential vitamins and minerals.

Watch now:

Get the recipe: Andys Crispy Salmon

Salmon health benefits

1. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Salmon is one of the best sources of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) portion of farmed salmon has 2.3 grams of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, while the same portion of wild salmon contains 2.2 grams (1, 2).

Unlike most other fats, omega-3 fats are considered essential, meaning you must get them from your diet since your body cannot create them.

Generally, most health organizations recommend that healthy adults get a minimum of 2501,000 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day (6).

EPA and DHA have been credited with several impressive health benefits, such as decreasing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of cancer, and improving the function of the cells that line your arteries (7, 8, 9, 10).

One review of 22 studies found that using an EPA and DHA supplement consistently could significantly improve arterial function, especially in people who smoke, are overweight, or have high cholesterol levels or metabolic syndrome (11).

Whats more, studies have shown that getting these omega-3 fats from fish increases levels in your body even more effectively than supplementing with fish oil capsules (12, 13).

As for how much fish to eat, consuming at least two servings of salmon per week can help you meet your omega-3 fatty acid needs.

Summary

Salmon is rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease risk factors for disease.

2. Great source of protein

Salmon is rich in high quality protein.

Like omega-3 fats, protein is an essential nutrient that you must get from your diet.

Protein plays a number of important roles in your body, including helping you heal after injury, protecting bone health, and maintaining muscle mass during weight loss and as you get older (14, 15, 16, 17).

Recent research has found that for optimal health, each meal should provide at least 2030 grams of high quality protein (18).

For reference, a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of salmon contains 2225 grams of protein (1, 2).

Summary

Your body needs protein to heal after injury, protect bone health, and prevent muscle loss, among other things. Salmon provides 2225 grams of protein per 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving.

3. High in B vitamins

Salmon is an excellent source of B vitamins.

Below is the B vitamin content in 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of wild salmon (2):

• Vitamin B12: more than 100% of the DV
• Niacin: 63% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 56% of the DV
• Riboflavin: 38% of the DV
• Pantothenic acid: 38% of the DV
• Thiamine: 23% of the DV
• Folic acid: 7% of the DV

These vitamins are involved in several important processes in your body, including turning the food you eat into energy, creating and repairing DNA, and reducing chronic inflammation, which can lead to disease (19, 20).

Additionally, studies have found that all the B vitamins work together to maintain optimal functioning of your brain and nervous system (19).

Summary

Salmon is an excellent source of several B vitamins, which your body needs for producing energy, controlling inflammation, and protecting heart and brain health.

4. Good source of potassium

Salmon is quite high in potassium.

This is especially true of wild salmon, which provides 13% of the DV per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), versus 8% for farmed salmon (1, 2).

In fact, wild salmon contains more potassium than an equivalent amount of banana, which provides just 9% of the DV (21).

Potassium helps manage your blood pressure and may also reduce the risk of stroke (22, 23).

One review found that supplementing with potassium significantly reduced blood pressure levels in people with high blood pressure, especially for those consuming large amounts of sodium (24).

Potassium also works with sodium to help regulate fluid balance and lower blood pressure by preventing excess water retention (25).

Summary

A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of salmon provides up to 13% of the DV for potassium, which helps manage blood pressure and prevent excess fluid retention.

5. Loaded with selenium

Selenium is a mineral found in soil and certain foods, including salmon (3).

Its considered a trace mineral, meaning your body needs only a small amount. Nevertheless, getting enough selenium in your diet is important.

Studies have shown that selenium helps protect bone health, decreases thyroid antibodies in people with autoimmune thyroid disease, and may potentially reduce the risk of certain types of cancer (26, 27, 28).

A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of salmon provides 7585% of the DV for selenium (1, 2).

Consuming salmon and other types of seafood has been shown to improve blood levels of selenium in people whose diets are low in this mineral (29, 30).

One older study found that blood levels of selenium increased significantly more in people who consumed two servings of salmon per week than in those who consumed fish oil capsules containing less selenium (30).

Summary

A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of salmon provides 7585% of the DV of selenium, a mineral that may support bone health, improve thyroid function, and protect against certain types of cancer.

6. Contains astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a compound linked to several powerful health effects. As a member of the carotenoid family of antioxidants, astaxanthin gives salmon its signature red hue (31).

Astaxanthin appears to lower the risk of heart disease by reducing the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol (32).

Some research also suggests that astaxanthin may reduce inflammation, decrease oxidative stress, and protect against the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, which could potentially reduce the risk of heart disease (33).

In addition, astaxanthin is believed to work with the omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon to protect the brain and nervous system against inflammation (34).

Whats more, astaxanthin may even help prevent skin damage and help you look younger.

In fact, one review reported that astaxanthin could act as an antioxidant, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and protect skin cells against damage (35).

According to a 2014 review, salmon contains 0.43.8 mg of astaxanthin per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), with sockeye salmon providing the highest amount (36).

Summary

Astaxanthin is an antioxidant found in salmon that may benefit heart, brain, nervous system, and skin health.

7. May reduce the risk of heart disease

Eating salmon on a regular basis may help protect against heart disease (37).

This is due, in large part, to salmons ability to boost levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood. Many people have too many omega-6 fatty acids in their blood in relation to omega-3s (38).

Research suggests that when the balance of these two fatty acids is off, the risk of heart disease increases (39).

In one older study, consuming 2 servings of farmed salmon per week increased omega-3 blood levels by 89% and decreased omega-6 levels after 4 weeks (40).

Additionally, some research suggests that regular consumption of fish may be linked to lower triglyceride levels and improvements in several other risk factors for heart disease (41, 42).

Summary

Consuming salmon can help protect against heart disease by increasing levels of omega-3 fats, decreasing levels of omega-6 fats, and lowering triglycerides.

8. May benefit weight management

Consuming salmon frequently can help you lose weight and keep it off.

Like other high protein foods, it helps regulate the hormones that control appetite and help you feel full (43).

In addition, your metabolic rate temporarily increases more after eating protein-rich foods, such as salmon, compared with other foods (43).

Plus, research suggests that the omega-3 fats in salmon and other fatty fish may promote weight loss and decrease belly fat in people with obesity when combined with an active lifestyle, though more research is needed (44, 45).

One study in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease found that supplementing with DHA, the main omega-3 found in salmon, led to significantly greater reductions in liver fat and belly fat compared with a placebo (45).

In addition, salmon is fairly low in calories. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of farmed salmon has only 206 calories, and wild salmon has even fewer at 182 calories (1, 2).

Summary

Consuming salmon may help you manage your weight by reducing your appetite, temporarily boosting your metabolism, and decreasing belly fat.

9. Can help prevent inflammation

Salmon can provide powerful protection from chronic inflammation.

Many experts believe that inflammation is the root cause of most chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer (46).

Several studies have found that eating more salmon and other types of seafood could help reduce several markers of inflammation (47, 48).

In fact, one study in 4,105 people found that frequent consumption of fish was associated with lower levels of white blood cells, which are often used as a measure of chronic inflammation (47).

According to another review published in 2014, fish oil supplementation was found to significantly reduce levels of several specific markers of inflammation, including CRP, IL-6, and TNF-alpha (49).

Summary

Salmon and other fatty fish can help lower inflammation, which may reduce risk factors for several diseases and improve symptoms in people with inflammatory conditions.

10. May protect brain health

A growing number of studies suggest that including salmon in your diet might improve brain function.

Both fatty fish and fish oil have been found to protect fetal brain health during pregnancy, slow cognitive decline, and preserve brain function (50, 51, 52).

One review found that consuming at least 2 servings of fish per week was associated with a 10% lower risk of dementia and a 30% lower risk of Alzheimers disease (51).

Another 2020 review concluded that fish consumption could improve memory performance, promote brain function, and protect brain structure in healthy adults (52).

Summary

Frequent salmon consumption may help protect fetal brain health in pregnancy, preserve brain function, and decrease the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

11. Can improve mental health

In addition to protecting brain health, some promising studies suggest that salmon could support mental health, thanks to its content of omega-3 fatty acids.

According to a review of 10 studies, consuming at least 1 serving of fish per week or 500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per day was associated with a lower risk of depression, especially in women (53).

However, more high quality randomized control trials are needed.

Another small study in 23 young adults found that taking an omega-3 fatty acid supplement led to significant improvements in symptoms of depression after 21 days (54).

Some research also suggests that omega-3 fatty acids could reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve mood, though more studies are needed (55, 56, 57).

Summary

Some studies have found that eating fish or increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids could reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve mood.

12. May help maintain healthy vision

Salmon contains several nutrients necessary for promoting eye health and maintaining vision.

For example, astaxanthin has been studied in humans and animals for its ability to prevent certain disorders that can affect eye health, including age-related macular degeneration, eye fatigue, uveitis, and cataracts (58).

Salmon also contains a good amount of vitamin A in each serving, with around 8% of the DV in a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of farmed salmon (1).

Vitamin A is essential for vision and is a precursor for certain pigment molecules in the photoreceptors of the eye (59, 60).

Whats more, other research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids could be beneficial for the treatment of dry eye disease (61, 62).

Summary

Salmon contains nutrients like astaxanthin, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which could help promote eye health.

13. Could support bone health

Salmon is a great source of vitamin D, with around 66% of the DV in a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of farmed salmon (1).

Vitamin D is an important micronutrient that plays a central role in bone health by increasing the absorption of calcium (63).

Research shows that low levels of vitamin D may be linked to an increased risk of bone loss and reduced bone mineral density in older adults (64).

Salmon also contains phosphorus, another nutrient important for maintaining bone strength (65).

Interestingly, some studies have found that eating more fish could be tied to a lower risk of osteoporosis for certain populations, but more research is needed (66, 67).

Summary

Salmon is rich in vitamin D and phosphorus, which can support bone health. Some studies show that eating fish could be linked to a lower risk of osteoporosis, but more research is needed.

14. Delicious and versatile

Salmon is undeniably delicious. It has a unique, delicate flavor with a less fishy taste than many other varieties of fatty fish, such as sardines and mackerel.

It is also extremely versatile. It can be steamed, sauteed, smoked, grilled, baked, or poached. It can also be served raw in sushi and sashimi.

Additionally, canned salmon is a quick and inexpensive option that provides the same impressive health benefits as fresh fish. In fact, almost all canned salmon is wild rather than farmed, and its nutrition profile is excellent.

Look for it in BPA-free cans to avoid the potential health risks that have been linked to this chemical.

How to incorporate more salmon into your diet

Here are some healthy ideas for incorporating salmon into your diet:

• Use canned salmon in place of tuna when making tuna salad with healthy mayo.
• Whip up a Cobb salad with canned salmon, hard-boiled eggs, avocados, lettuce, and tomatoes.
• Enjoy smoked salmon and cream cheese on sprouted-grain bread with cucumber or tomato slices.
• Try making grilled salmon with avocado sauce.
• Bake an herb-crusted salmon with a side of veggies for an easy weeknight dinner.

Summary

Salmon has a delicious flavor and can be prepared in many different ways. Canned salmon is a convenient and inexpensive option.

Potential health risks of eating salmon

Though salmon is a nutrient-dense food and can be a great addition to a balanced diet, there are a few downsides and risks to consider.

For starters, both wild and farmed varieties of salmon often contain contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxin, which can alter hormone levels and negatively affect other aspects of health if consumed in high amounts (68, 69, 70).

However, there are strict government regulations for the number of contaminants permitted in feed, which are intended to reduce the number of contaminants in seafood (71).

Antibiotics are also often added to feed for farmed fish. Antibiotic use is associated with environmental concerns and could increase the risk of antibiotic resistance and other long-term health effects (72, 73).

Avoiding fish from areas with less strict regulations on antibiotic use such as Chile could be beneficial if youre concerned about antibiotic resistance (74).

Additionally, keep in mind that salmon contains some mercury, though it is much lower in mercury than some other fish, such as swordfish and shark (75).

If youre pregnant, its generally recommended that you consume 23 servings of fatty fish, including salmon, per week and avoid uncooked or raw seafood (76, 77).

Summary

Salmon contains some contaminants and heavy metals, such as mercury, which can be harmful if consumed in high amounts. Farmed fish from some areas, like Chile, may be treated with high amounts of antibiotics, which may contribute to antibiotic resistance.

The bottom line

Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse that provides several impressive health benefits.

Consuming at least two servings per week can help you meet your nutrient needs and reduce the risk of several diseases.

In addition, salmon is tasty, satisfying, and versatile. Including this fatty fish as a regular part of your diet may very well improve your quality of life and your health.