Salmon patties are a popular food for us humans. With their crispy outer layer and tender, flaky salmon interior, they make for a tasty and healthy meal. As dog owners, many of us wonder if we can share a bite of our meal with our canine companions. After all, dogs love meat and fish, so salmon patties seem like they should be fine, right?
Well as with most human foods, the answer isn’t quite so simple. While salmon itself can be very healthy for dogs salmon patties often contain other ingredients that could cause issues. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at whether dogs can eat salmon patties, including the benefits and risks, proper preparation methods, and safe serving sizes.
Can Dogs Have Salmon Patties?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat salmon patties, but there are some important caveats.
Salmon meat is an excellent source of protein for dogs. It also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit dogs’ skin, coat, joints, heart, and brain. Some vets even recommend adding salmon to dogs’ diets to promote overall health.
However, most salmon patties aren’t made of just salmon. They often contain additional ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, spices, salt, pepper, onions, and more Many of these extras can be harmful to dogs if consumed in large quantities
So the key takeaway is this: Plain, cooked salmon meat is safe for dogs and provides great nutritional value. But salmon patties with lots of added ingredients should only be fed occasionally and in small amounts.
Nutritional Value of Salmon for Dogs
Let’s take a closer look at why salmon is so nutritious for dogs:
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Protein – Salmon is a high-quality source of protein, which dogs need for energy, muscle growth, and tissue repair. The protein in salmon is easy for dogs to digest.
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Omega-3s – Salmon is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA. These support skin/coat health, joint health, heart health, brain development, and the immune system.
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Vitamins and minerals – Salmon contains vitamins like B12, B6, and D, along with minerals like selenium and phosphorus. All of these support dogs’ overall health.
So by itself, salmon can be a superfood for dogs! It provides complete, highly bioavailable protein along with a powerhouse blend of vitamins, minerals, and omega-3s. No wonder vets often recommend it.
Potential Risks of Salmon Patties for Dogs
While the salmon itself is nutritious, most commercial salmon patties contain additional ingredients that may be problematic:
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Onions/garlic – These contain compounds that can damage dogs’ red blood cells if eaten in large amounts.
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Salt and spices – Excessive salt can cause gastrointestinal issues. Some spices like paprika are also toxic to dogs.
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Breading – Breading provides unnecessary carbs and fat. Dogs have no nutritional need for breadcrumbs or batter.
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Eggs, milk – Some dogs are allergic or intolerant to eggs or dairy. These ingredients provide little benefit.
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Artificial preservatives – Salmon patties may contain preservatives that are not meant for canine consumption.
In general, the more extra ingredients salmon patties contain, the higher the likelihood of adverse effects in dogs. So homemade patties are safest.
How to Prepare Salmon Patties for Dogs
If you do want to share salmon patties with your dog, follow these preparation guidelines:
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Use wild-caught salmon, as it has lower mercury levels than farmed salmon
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Avoid patties with lots of added spices, salt, onions, garlic, or other seasonings
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Cook the patties plain, with no oil, butter, or other fats
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Bake, grill, or pan-fry the patties – do not deep fry them
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Cool patties to room temperature before serving
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Remove any small bones, which are a choking hazard
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Refrigerate leftovers promptly
Following these tips will give your dog the benefits of salmon protein without the risks of unhealthy additions.
How Much Salmon Can Dogs Eat?
It’s important not to overdo it on the salmon with dogs. Follow these serving guidelines:
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Puppies should only get 1-2 servings per week at most
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For adult dogs, 2-3 servings weekly is a good amount
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One serving for a small dog is around 1 oz of cooked salmon
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Medium or large dogs can have 2-3 oz per serving
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Very active dogs like sled dogs can handle more salmon
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Don’t replace your dog’s regular meals with salmon
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Avoid feeding salmon (especially raw) daily due to mercury concerns
Following these portions will allow your dog to reap the omega-3 and protein benefits of salmon safely.
Signs of a Salmon Allergy in Dogs
Like any protein source, some dogs may be allergic to salmon. Signs of an allergy include:
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Hives, rashes, or skin irritation
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Itching, licking, or biting at the skin
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Vomiting or diarrhea
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Swelling of the lips, eyes, ears, or face
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Wheezing, coughing, or trouble breathing
If you notice any of these salmon allergy symptoms in your dog, discontinue feeding salmon and see your vet. They can prescribe allergy medication or an elimination diet.
Alternatives to Salmon Patties for Dogs
If your dog doesn’t tolerate salmon well, some other healthy, dog-friendly fish options include:
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Canned sardines or mackerel
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Cooked fresh whitefish like cod or tilapia
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Canned jackfish or tuna (in water)
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Anchovies, herring, or other small oily fish
Just be sure to cook the fish fully and remove small bones before serving. The omega-3s, protein, and low mercury levels make these alternatives a great choice.
Homemade Dog-Friendly Salmon Patties
Want to whip up a batch of homemade salmon patties for your pup? Here’s an easy recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb cooked wild salmon, flaked
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1 cup whole wheat flour
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2 eggs
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1/4 cup minced carrots
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1/4 cup minced spinach
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1 tsp salmon or fish oil
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
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In a large bowl, mix together the salmon, flour, eggs, carrots, spinach, and oil.
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Form into patties, place on the baking sheet, and bake 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
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Let cool fully before cutting into bite-sized pieces for your dog.
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Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
This recipe minimizes any unhealthy additions, so your dog can reap the full benefits of the salmon safely. Mix the patties into their kibble or serve as occasional treats.
The Verdict on Salmon Patties for Dogs
Can dogs eat salmon patties? In moderation, yes, as long as you choose dog-friendly recipes without unhealthy add-ins. Salmon meat offers protein, omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals galore. But stay away from patties with excessive salt, spices, onions, garlic, or other questionable ingredients.
When preparing salmon for your dog at home, cook it plain with no seasonings, spices, oil, or butter. Let it cool fully before serving bite-sized portions. Avoid feeding raw salmon or salmon daily.
With these precautions in mind, the occasional salmon patty can be a nutritious, fishy delight for your pup! Just be sure to monitor for any signs of an allergic reaction. Consult your vet if you have any concerns about incorporating salmon into your dog’s diet.
Storage Tips for Dog-Friendly Salmon Patties
- Refrigeration: Store cooled salmon patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place patties in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to serve, thaw a frozen patty in the fridge overnight. Avoid microwaving, as it can create hot spots.
- Serving Tip: Always check the patties for freshness before giving them to your pup!
Serving Sizes for Dog Salmon Patties
The ideal serving size depends on your dog’s size, weight, and dietary needs. Here’s a general guide:
Small Dogs (Under 20 lbs): ½ to 1 small patty per serving Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 1-2 patties per serving Large Dogs (50+ lbs): 2-3 patties per serving
Tips:
- These patties are meant as treats or healthy meal toppers, not a full meal replacement.
- Always consider your dog’s daily calorie intake to prevent overfeeding.
- If introducing for the first time, start with a small portion and monitor for any sensitivities.
Your pup will love these nutritious, tail-wagging treats!
Can Dogs Eat Salmon? | Health Benefits of Salmon for Dogs!
FAQ
FAQ
Can my dog have salmon patties?
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Salmon
Salmon is a fish that’s nutrient rich and full of essential fats, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a lean source of protein, and is a great alternative to some of the red meat in your dog’s diet.
Is canned salmon safe for dogs?
Can I give my dog fried salmon?
The short answer is yes. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support the immune system, may decrease inflammation, and can keep your dog’s coat looking shiny and healthy. Along with some other types of fish, salmon is also a good protein source.
Is salmon gentle on a dog’s stomach?
Salmon is a lighter protein that can be great for that sensitive tummy. Fish also tends to be super helpful for skin and coat in general because of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids naturally found in fish proteins, so this salmon dog food recipe is a great option for dogs who struggle with dry, itchy skin.