How to Make Salmon for Dogs: A Complete Guide

Salmon can be a healthy and tasty treat for dogs. It provides important nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals. However, proper preparation is essential to make sure the salmon is safe for your dog to eat. In this comprehensive guide, I will cover everything you need to know about making salmon for dogs

Can Dogs Eat Salmon?

Yes, dogs can eat salmon. Salmon flesh is a lean source of high-quality protein for dogs. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA, which have anti-inflammatory effects and support cognitive function.

Salmon is an excellent occasional treat for dogs. However it should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calories. Too much salmon can lead to an inflammatory imbalance in the body.

It’s also important to note that only cooked salmon should be fed to dogs. Raw salmon may contain parasites which can make your dog sick.

Benefits of Salmon for Dogs

Here are some of the top benefits of adding salmon to your dog’s diet:

• Omega-3 fatty acids – Salmon is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s that support skin, coat, joint, heart and brain health

• Protein – Salmon provides high-quality, easy-to-digest protein to help maintain and build muscle mass.

• Astaxanthin – This antioxidant compound in salmon supports immune function and protects cells from damage.

• Vitamin D – Salmon is one of the few natural sources of vitamin D, which regulates calcium for strong bones.

• B vitamins – Salmon contains B vitamins like niacin and B12 to support energy metabolism and red blood cell production.

• Selenium – This essential mineral boosts thyroid function and antioxidant status.

Choosing Salmon for Dogs

Wild vs Farmed

You can purchase wild-caught or farmed salmon for your dog. Wild salmon tends to be more expensive but contains higher omega-3 levels. Farmed salmon may contain antibiotics, hormones and dyes. However, farmed salmon farming practices have improved regarding contaminants.

Canned vs Fresh

Both canned and fresh salmon work for dogs. Canned salmon contains soft, tender meat soaked in liquid which makes it easy to portion out. Fresh salmon will need to be cooked but has a firmer texture.

Bones/Skin

Do not feed your dog raw salmon bones as they can splinter and cause choking or punctures. It’s also best to remove the skin which is high in fat.

Salt/Seasonings

Avoid salmon seasoned with garlic, onion or excess salt. Go for plain salmon with no added seasonings.

How Much Salmon Can Dogs Eat?

For a supplemental treat, a general guideline is:

• Small dogs: 1-2 oz salmon per week
• Medium dogs: 3-4 oz salmon per week
• Large dogs: 5-6 oz salmon per week

Again, salmon should not exceed 10% of your dog’s total calories. Too much can cause an omega-6/omega-3 imbalance. It’s best to feed salmon in moderation a couple times a week.

How to Prepare Salmon for Dogs

Follow these steps for cooking safe, delicious salmon for your dog:

Ingredients

• Salmon fillet (skinless, boneless, no seasonings)
• Olive oil or cooking spray (optional)

Instructions

1. Thaw frozen salmon if using frozen. Rinse the salmon under cold water and pat dry.

2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

3. Brush salmon lightly with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.

4. Bake salmon for 10-12 minutes until it flakes easily and is opaque throughout.

5. Let salmon cool until warm but not hot. Break into bite-sized pieces or flake with a fork.

6. Refrigerate leftover salmon within 2 hours and use within 3 days. Discard any spoiled salmon.

Tips

• Cook to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F.
• Broiling, grilling or poaching also work well.
• Add salmon pieces to kibble or mix into homemade dog food recipes.
• Store cooked salmon in an airtight container and limit storage time.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Salmon?

No, raw salmon should not be fed to dogs. Raw salmon may contain harmful bacteria like salmonella. Freezing for a week or so will not necessarily kill off all parasites and pathogens either.

Cooking salmon thoroughly destroys any dangerous organisms, making it safe for dogs to eat. Always cook salmon to the proper internal temperature before feeding it to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Smoked Salmon?

It’s best to avoid feeding your dog smoked salmon. The smoking process does not kill all the harmful microbes like parasites and bacteria that may be present. Also, smoked salmon contains high amounts of sodium which can be unhealthy for dogs.

If you want to add salmon to your dog’s diet, bake, broil, grill or poach fresh salmon instead of using smoked salmon.

Salmon Oil for Dogs

If your dog won’t eat salmon flesh, you can also give salmon oil supplements. Salmon oil delivers omega-3s in a convenient way. Look for a quality oil that’s been filtered for purity. Follow dosage instructions from your vet or the product label.

Introduce oil gradually to avoid stomach upset. Rotate salmon oil with other fish oils for variety. Monitor your dog for allergies, which are rare but possible.

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Salmon?

Salmon allergies are uncommon in dogs, but possible. Symptoms may include:

• Itchy skin or ears
• Hives
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Paw licking

If you suspect an allergy, stop feeding salmon and talk to your vet. They can help you determine the food allergen and recommend a salmon-free diet.

Salmon Poisoning Disease

This potentially fatal condition is caused by a parasite called nanophyetus salmincola that can be present in raw salmon. Dogs get infected by eating raw salmon contaminated with the parasite.

Cooking salmon destroys these parasites, preventing salmon poisoning disease. Symptoms include vomiting, fever, diarrhea and dehydration. Left untreated, salmon poisoning can be fatal within 14 days.

Feeding only cooked salmon prevents salmon poisoning in dogs. If your dog eats raw salmon and shows concerning symptoms, go to the vet immediately.

When prepared properly, salmon can provide great nutritional value for dogs. Be sure to cook salmon thoroughly and feed it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Check with your vet about integrating salmon into your dog’s meal plan. With the right recipe and portion size, salmon can be a tasty and healthy treat!

A small amount of cooked, boneless salmon can be a healthy treat for dogs, but moderation is key due to potential risks like Salmon Poisoning Disease. Generally, smaller dogs (under 20 lbs) can have 1-2 ounces per week, while larger dogs (over 90 lbs) can have 6-8 ounces per week, according to PetMD.