Salmon is a popular fish loaded with healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. As such, many dog owners wonder if they can add salmon to their Yorkie’s diet I did some research on this topic and here is what I learned
The Short Answer
Yes, Yorkies can eat salmon, though there are some important things to keep in mind. Salmon offers nutritional benefits but also potential risks if not handled properly. Overall, salmon can be fed to Yorkies in moderation as an occasional treat if it is cooked thoroughly, deboned, unseasoned, and given in small portions.
An Overview of Salmon for Dogs
Salmon is considered a safe and nutritious food for dogs in general According to the FDA, salmon contains low mercury levels compared to some other fish. It is a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and various minerals These nutrients provide many health benefits including
- Promoting skin, coat, heart, immune and brain health
- Reducing inflammation
- Aiding mobility for dogs with joint issues
- Providing an alternative protein source for dogs with allergies to other meats
Many premium dog foods use salmon as their main protein ingredient for these reasons.
Can Yorkies Eat Raw Salmon?
Raw or undercooked salmon is not considered safe for Yorkies or dogs in general. Raw salmon may contain parasites like Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which can cause salmon poisoning disease. This disease can be fatal if left untreated.
Additionally, small bones found in raw salmon can pose a significant choking hazard or damage the gastrointestinal tract. For safety, salmon should always be thoroughly cooked before feeding to Yorkies.
How to Prepare Salmon for Yorkies
When preparing salmon for your Yorkie, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use fresh, boneless salmon fillets and check for any remaining small bones
- Cook the salmon thoroughly – baking, broiling, grilling, poaching or steaming are best
- Do not add any oil, salt, spices, onions, garlic or other dangerous seasonings
- Plain, cooked salmon with no additives is safest
- Consider canned salmon packed in water, but rinse off excess salt and oil
- Always serve salmon fully cooled down – never feed hot or warm
How Much Salmon Can Yorkies Eat?
Yorkies have small stomachs so portions should be kept minimal. About 1-2 small bites of salmon 1-2 times per week is recommended. Avoid overfeeding, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset or obesity.
Guidelines for weekly salmon amounts based on Yorkie size:
- 2 – 5 lbs: 1 – 2 oz
- 6 – 10 lbs: 2 – 3 oz
- 11 – 15 lbs: 3 – 4 oz
Of course, check with your vet before significantly changing your Yorkie’s diet. Introduce new foods slowly while watching for any digestive issues.
Benefits of Salmon for Yorkies
When fed properly and in moderation, salmon can provide Yorkies with:
- Omega-3 fatty acids for skin/coat health and reduced inflammation
- High-quality, easily digestible protein for muscle maintenance
- B vitamins to support brain, nerve and digestive health
- A tasty flavor and texture they enjoy
Risks of Feeding Salmon to Yorkies
Potential risks to be aware of include:
- Bones – can cause choking or internal damage
- Raw salmon – may contain dangerous parasites
- Overfeeding – can lead to obesity or diarrhea
- Allergies – some Yorkies may be sensitive or allergic
Signs of a Salmon-Related Problem
Consult your vet promptly if your Yorkie shows these signs after eating salmon:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or lack of energy
- Swelling of the face or throat, hives, itchy skin
- Increased thirst or urination
- Abnormal behavior such as restlessness or agitation
Bottom Line
In moderation, cooked, deboned, unseasoned salmon can be a healthy supplemental food for most Yorkies as part of a balanced diet. Be cautious with raw salmon and portions. Introduce slowly while monitoring for any adverse effects. Check with your veterinarian for advice regarding your individual Yorkie. With some care and precautions, salmon can be a beneficial treat.
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 you’ve baked a nice salmon dinner but don’t care much for the skin, it’s 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 isn’t 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 it’s 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 you’re not a fan of the skin, topping off Fido’s 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.
Can Dogs Eat Salmon? | Health Benefits of Salmon for Dogs!
FAQ
Is salmon ok for yorkies?
Salmon should be unseasoned and cooked otherwise it could contain parasites and bacteria that can make your dog sick.Jul 2, 2024
Is cooked salmon ok for dogs?
Can yorkies eat cooked fish?
Left uncooked, fish can contain bacteria like salmonella or certain parasites. “Dogs can eat cooked fish. It’s even more digestible if it’s cooked and deboned. Cooking also eliminates any bacteria from the fish you’re serving your dog,” Dempsey says.
How much salmon should I give my dog?
You can give your dog about 12 ounces of salmon per 50 pounds (your dog’s weight) per day.
Can dogs eat salmon?
Serve your dog an appropriate portion size, and limit salmon intake to once a week or less. You may even feed your dog canned salmon, although it’s best to choose one packed with water. AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org.
What should a Yorkie eat?
A good Yorkie diet must include a precise blend of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. In this guide, you will learn more about what to feed a Yorkie and what foods to avoid. The Dog Tale is reader-supported. We may earn a commission if you buy something through our site; this doesn’t change our recommendations.
Can Yorkshire Terriers eat fish?
Smaller, younger, wild-caught, shorter-lived species like salmon, shrimp and tilapia are safe for your Yorkshire Terrier while longer-lived species like tuna, shark and swordfish contain heavy metals like mercury, which can be harmful to their health. This means that it’s important to always clean them properly before feeding them to your pup.
Can Yorkies eat fruit?
Fruits are perfect for a snack or to add to your Yorkie’s food. They are filled with many essential nutrients that Yorkie foods sometimes lack, including antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, fiber, vitamin C, and folate. And they can help fight disease and inflammation.
Can Yorkies eat grains?
According to Dr. Pitcairn, incorporating grains into your Yorkie’s diet can be beneficial to their health. Not only can grains sustain energy levels, but they also support healthy skin, coats, immune systems, and metabolism. Grains are rich in fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, iron, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and magnesium.
Can Yorkshire Terriers eat chicken?
Chicken contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that are essential to your Yorkshire Terrier’s diet. Boneless cooked breast meat is the best option because it has less fat than other parts of the chicken. Chicken skin contains a high amount of fat that can cause diarrhea in Yorkies who have allergies to it.