salmon meal dog food ingredient
What Is Salmon Meal in Dog Food? Is It Safe?
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn moreHave you checked your dogs food ingredient list lately? Odds are, you noticed salmon meal listed. Salmon meal is a popular addition to many dog foods, and dog owners are taking notice. But what is it exactly?
The good news is that salmon meal isnt just another filler. Salmon meal is 100% safe and full of essential nutrients. Plus, dogs love the flavor. Well discuss this in-depth in todays post, so keep reading to learn more!
Salmon Meal vs. Salmon: Whats the Difference?
Salmon meal is the ground tissue of the salmon fish. Its added to salmon pet food recipes because its higher in amino acids and fatty acids than whole fish.
Any seafood can become a fish meal, but generally, wild-caught fish are favored over farm-raised fish. Some fish meal can come from fishery by-products, but it primarily comes from fresh fish.
Although salmon meal has a higher percentage of amino and fatty acids, it takes a lot of salmon to create the salmon meal. Thats why we often see it as an added ingredient with fresh salmon.
What Are the Benefits of Salmon Dog Food?
Dog owners love choosing salmon recipes for several reasons. One of the best benefits of salmon is the flavor. Dogs seem to love salmon. Even picky eaters enjoy a good salmon dog food recipe. But there are other benefits as well, such as:
- Great Protein Source: Salmon is a high-quality source of protein with high levels of amino acids. Its also low-calorie.
- Allergies: Many dogs with chicken allergies can eat salmon recipes.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids and an excellent nutrient for skin, coat, and joint health. Its also highly beneficial for brain health because of its DHA content.
- Low Mercury: Most fish have traces of mercury in them. Salmon is considered a low-mercury fish, so the threat of ingesting toxic metals is much lower.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Salmon is rich in other vitamins and minerals like magnesium, zinc, selenium, potassium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and others.
What to Look for in Salmon Dog Food
Although salmon is an excellent ingredient in dog food, you want to ensure that the food is healthy. Many dog food companies include salmon as a flavoring, but the rest of the food lacks nutritious ingredients.
Here are some guidelines to help you choose the best salmon dog food:
The First & Second Ingredients
A high-quality dog food shows its nutritious content in the first two ingredients. Ideally, the first two ingredients should be real meat or a protein meal. In this case, salmon and salmon meal is best. Salmon meal isnt always listed in the first two ingredients, but some meat-based protein should be listed.
Probiotics
Probiotics are bacteria that can be given to help balance the gut microbiome. This promotes balance within the immune system and digestion. Not all dogs need probiotics, but finding a food with a probiotic listed in the ingredients doesnt hurt. Probiotic names usually go by either of the following Latin names:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus casei
- Enterococcus faecium
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium breve
Fruits and Veggies
Dogs are omnivores, and they benefit from eating a well-balanced diet of fruits, veggies, and meat-based protein. Good dog food will have fruit and vegetable mixtures in the ingredients. Often, youll see ingredients like apple, chicory root, spinach, carrot, and kale.
You might also see the following terms:
- Galactooligosaccharides
- Oligofructose
- Fructooligosaccharides
- Chicory fiber
- Inulin
Plant-fiber prebiotics help fuel the probiotics in dog food, so fresh fruits and vegetables are essential.
Top 3 Quality Salmon Dog Foods
Here are our favorite salmon dog food recipes to show you what were talking about with good dog food.
1. Merrick Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Best for Allergies
The first two ingredients in Merricks Salmon and Brown Rice recipe are deboned salmon and salmon meal. Youll also notice that there isnt a trace of chicken in this food, making it perfect for dogs with a chicken allergy.
2. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
American Journeys Salmon and Sweet Potato recipe is cheaper than Merricks but is still just as nutritious. The first two ingredients are deboned salmon and chicken meal. However, dogs with chicken allergies should avoid this recipe.
3. Natures Recipe Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Best Value
Natures Recipe is always a good budget-friendly choice. It has salmon and chicken meal listed in the first two ingredients, plus the addition of pumpkin for a healthy amount of fiber. This isnt a good option for dogs with allergies, but if your dog has digestion issues, Natures Recipe could be a winner!
Conclusion
Finding a dog that doesnt like salmon is hard since its delicious! Its also one of the healthiest ingredients in dog food, and salmon meal is no different. Salmon meal is a concentrated version of fresh salmon. It lacks moisture, but it certainly doesnt lack nutritious content. So, dont be worried when you see a salmon meal listed in your dogs food. Its a good sign!
Featured Image Credit: Yuriy Golub, Shutterstock
What is Salmon Meal in Dog Food?
Do pet parents consider getting Salmon Meal in Dog food?
Salmon is considered to be the most nutritious nourishment on earth. It is loaded with a ton of nutrients and may reduce the risk of different diseases.
It is likewise scrumptious and greatly accessible and hence it is common to find salmon meal in dog food. Furthermore, it brings a rich source of omega 3 fatty acid and other essential fatty acids to the table. And yes, dogs do eat fish! So dont worry, your pooch wont deny eating salmon meal.
Salmon meal is good for your pups health. They are a great source of protein as well as other imperative minerals and vitamins. But to know the true facts and risks associated with it, go on reading the article and find out more.
What is Salmon Meal?
Salmon meal is a fish meal that has many advantages if fed to your little furry fella.
Salmon meal is created from fresh salmons by grinding and rendering them with whole fish as well as the bones and offal. The salmon meal generally conveys a strong smell that is liked by dogs while it might not smell appealing to you.
The salmon meal is the most preferred choice amongst dogs and pet owners compared to other sources like meat. It is in fine powdered form and has several health benefits for your dog which are discussed in the ensuing paragraphs.
Read More: Lamb Meal In Dog Food | Corn Gluten Meal In Dog Food | Canola Meal in Dog Food
Benefits of Salmon Meal for Your Dog
There are a ton of healthful benefits for your canine if they have a salmon meal in their diet. Now before just rushing with benefits, there is something that you should know.
You see the meal is created by the grinding and rendering process.
So what this process does is, it cooks, in this case, overcooks the fish to remove all the moisture, water, and bacteria.
After the process, you are left with a highly concentrated fish meal
If you were not aware the salmon meat has roughly 70% water whereas the meal has only 5 to 7% water, this implies that the fish meal or in this case salmon meal has more protein as well as the fish.
As for the benefits, a salmon meal is an excellent source of protein for your dog, which can help to maintain muscle growth, bones, and improve the immune system.
The main reason for such high protein has to do with the number of amino acids that come with the meal. It also offers an adequate level of fats, minerals, and vitamins that are crucial for your little furry guys body functioning and development.
When we talk about fish the next thing that they can offer is oils, the needed fatty acids for a better body and heart. They are also an abundant source for omega-3 as well as omega-6 fatty acids. They also improve your dogs skin and coat health.
Providing fatty acids in the food can also help your canine with dull, dry, and itchy skin. Omega-3 unsaturated fats likewise might be valuable in canines experiencing allergic skin infections.
Note: Do you know that the primary ingredient in most dog meals is the meat meal. Because it has a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids to provide strong muscles and energy to your dog. So, you must consider a beef meal in dog food.
Things to Know About Salmon Meal
When looking for meals it is important to avoid the ones that dont specify their source, by this, we mean that it is crucial to look for the ones that mention exactly the source of the meal in this case it is salmon.
Similarly, for other sources, it could be chicken or lamb and so forth.
The primary reason for this is that it ensures that the product is not made from low-quality blended items and scraps.
Fish meals are prone to rancidity and thus it is important that there are natural stabilizers that forestall the item going rancid. Salmon meals are no exception, and they must have some sort of antioxidants that prevents rancid nature.
With that being said, it is also important to look for natural antioxidants such as vitamin E, C, and so forth, even rosemary oil can get the job done. It is crucial to check if there are no other additives rather than the natural ones, artificial additives or antioxidants can be dangerous for the health of your pup.
So we emphasize more on checking the pet food ingredients and find the one that guarantees that it is free from any additives. Here is the shocking truth about rendered ingredients in dog food.
Some Good Salmon Meal Dog Food for your Pup
Talking about dog food with salmon meal here are some with excellent quality as well as amount of salmon food that provides all the necessary and adequate levels of other minerals and nutrients to keep your dog sound safe and healthy.
Blackwood Salmon Meal Pet Food
Blackwood Salmon Meal Pet Food provides an excellent holistic source of salmon with other vital minerals and vitamins that boost the immunity and growth of your canines body.
The food has added probiotics that assist in better digestion.
The dry dog food provides all the needed levels of nutrients and is formulated to support your dogs health.
Whats more, it is free from any added preservatives, corn, gluten, wheat, and soy.
The pet food is best for dogs with sensitive stomach as it contains limited numbers of ingredients, it is also an excellent alternative for pups who are reactive to other sources of protein and food.
The food manufactured in keeping the guidelines of AAFCO and can be used in everyday diet. It supports all stages of life.
Zignature Salmon Meal Dry Dog Food
The next salmon meal dog food is from Zignature Salmon Meal Dry Dog Food that provides just what your dogs health needs.
It is a limited ingredient formula that is made in the USA.
Zignature Dog food with Salmon Meal is a good source of protein and necessary fatty acids that improves immunity as well as the skin coat of your little furry guy.
The food is a hypoallergenic formula which means that the item is free from all the potential foods that can cause allergic reactions.
Dogs generally thrive on a protein rich diet and so it is important to provide them food that is not only rich in protein but also low in carbs this ensures better dietary fiber food as well as stable blood sugar.
Moreover, it has a limited number of ingredients. This ensures better digestion while at the same time forestalling any possible allergens that can cause any allergies to your dogs.
An excellent option for sensitive dogs either by the stomach or to other protein sources.
Fact: To keep your dogs muscles strong, protein is a vital source. Turkey meal provides a great amount of protein to improve the strength of your dog and make them energetic. So, try turkey meal in dog food today.
Is Feeding Salmon Meal Safe for My Dog?
Yes, it is safe to feed your little pup salmon meal, it contains all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and fats that help your canines body grow and function properly. Salmon meal is also an abundant source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which not only keeps your dogs skin healthy and shiny but also decreases inflammation as well as help the dogs that are suffering from any sorts of skin allergies.
In fact, most dog foods contain salmon meal as a common ingredient and if you are looking for a number then according to some research about 23% of dog food contains salmon meal. It is also an excellent source of protein for dogs that are sensitive to other sources like a chicken meal in dog food, duck meal, and the rundown goes.
FAQs About Salmon Meal in Dog Food
Is Salmon Meal good for dogs?
Of course, it is not only good for your canines but also for you not the one for dogs but in general, salmon has many health benefits for you and your pup. With that being said, make sure to avoid the foods that are not specifying the source of protein. Also, they must contain natural antioxidants that forestall the item going rancid.
What is Salmon Meal made of?
Salmon is made from ground tissues of clean and dried medium-sized salmon fish. It is an excellent wellspring of amino acids that are the building blocks of amino acids. Thanks to rendering it contains a low level of water and a high level of proteins.
Is Salmon easy for dogs to digest?
Yes, it is easy to digest and in fact, the salmon meal is an excellent alternative for dogs with a sensitive stomach. It contains an easily digestible form of carbohydrates as well as proteins. The fewer the ingredients the better for dogs with sensitive metabolism.
Does Salmon dog food have mercury?
Salmon is an inexorably basic ingredient in commercial canine foods as the producers are looking for something that can offer both a good level of protein and unsaturated fatty acids. Salmon possesses all the necessary qualities on the two tallies. It also contains mercury but at healthy levels.
Read More: Alfalfa Meal In Dog Food | Duck Meal in Dog Food
The Final Note
Feeding salmon based diet is totally your call, but aforementioned how your canine can benefit from a salmon based diet it is not a bad idea after all. It can easily provide all the needed nutrients to your pup as well as the required vitamins and fatty acids.
When looking for a salmon meal make sure to avoid the products that do not specify the protein source, having said that look for the ones that are free from any sort of additives and artificial antioxidants.
Salmon meal is an amazing source of proteins as well as essential fatty acids like omega3 and omega6, so incorporating a salmon based diet for your little fuzzy fella is not a bad option, rather it is the best option.
You can also read about what is ash in dog food and what is the importance of an ash in the dog food.
Also Read:
- Pork/Porcine Meal in Dog Food
- Venison Meal In Dog Food
References:
- Determination of Total Mercury and Methylmercury Concentrations in Commercial Canine Diets ScienceDirect
- Study: Does salmon pose a health risk to dogs? AAHA
When things come crashing down, Tiffany comes to the rescue! As a veterinary medicine graduate, she is the brain behind the in-depth analysis of the products. Asan avid dog lover, she is earnestly driven to find the finest options. Any article on DogNeedsBest that has to do anything with your pets health goes under scrutiny before getting published.
