can frenchies eat salmon

Can Frenchies Eat Salmon? A Complete Guide for Frenchie Owners

As a proud Frenchie parent ensuring your pup gets the right nutrition is a top priority. You want to provide them with foods that are not only delicious but also healthy. Salmon is a popular fish that’s chock-full of beneficial nutrients so it’s natural to wonder — can Frenchies eat salmon?

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about feeding salmon to your French Bulldog. We’ll explore the health benefits of salmon, any potential risks, proper preparation methods, recommended serving sizes, and more. Let’s dive in!

The Nutritional Benefits of Salmon for Frenchies

Salmon is one of the best fish options you can feed your Frenchie for several reasons

• High-Quality Protein: Salmon contains around 20 grams of protein per 3 ounce serving. Protein is essential for building strong muscles and supporting overall growth and development in dogs. The high protein content makes salmon an excellent choice.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA. These healthy fats support skin/coat health, joint health, brain development, and immunity in dogs.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Salmon provides dogs with important vitamins like B12 and D, as well as minerals like selenium. Vitamin B12 aids cell function, vitamin D promotes bone health, and selenium acts as an antioxidant.

• Low Mercury Compared to larger fish salmon tends to be low in mercury. This makes it safer for long-term feeding compared to fish like tuna.

Potential Risks of Feeding Salmon to French Bulldogs

While salmon has many benefits, there are a few potential risks to consider:

• Raw Salmon Risks: Raw salmon may contain parasites like Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which can cause a potentially fatal condition called salmon poisoning disease. For safety, salmon should always be cooked before feeding.

• Choking Hazard: Salmon bones can pose a major choking risk or damage the gastrointestinal tract if swallowed. Make sure all bones are removed before feeding salmon.

• High Fat Content: The fat in salmon can cause pancreatitis or other issues if a Frenchie eats too much. Stick to occasional small servings.

• Allergies: Some dogs may be allergic or intolerant to salmon. Diarrhea, vomiting, itching, and skin irritation can occur. Discontinue feeding if any allergy symptoms appear.

Proper Preparation of Salmon for French Bulldogs

To safely feed salmon to your Frenchie, follow these preparation tips:

• Purchase fresh, sushi-grade salmon whenever possible and ensure proper storage and handling to prevent bacterial growth. Canned salmon works too but check the label to make sure it doesn’t contain any potentially harmful additives.

• Cook the salmon thoroughly by baking, broiling, or grilling until it flakes easily with a fork. Cooking helps kill any parasites or bacteria present.

• Once cooked, check carefully for any remaining small bones and remove them completely. Even tiny bones can injure dogs or get lodged in the throat, stomach, or intestines.

• Do not add any seasonings, herbs, salt, oil, or sauces to the salmon, as these additions can be harmful. Plain, cooked salmon is safest.

• Allow the salmon to cool completely before serving. Hot foods can burn a dog’s mouth and throat.

• Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces for easy chewing and digestion.

Recommended Serving Size & Frequency

When introducing any new food, start slowly with small amounts. Here are some general salmon serving guidelines for Frenchies:

• Give your dog no more than 1-2 ounces of salmon one to two times per week at first.

• Adjust serving sizes based on your individual Frenchie’s size, age, and activity level. Larger/active dogs can handle slightly bigger servings.

• To avoid pancreatitis and other issues, salmon should never make up more than 10% of your Frenchie’s total daily calories.

• For puppies, give tiny shreds of salmon no more than once or twice a week. Their digestive systems are extra sensitive.

• Monitor your dog’s stool and energy level when first feeding salmon. Discontinue if soft stools or lethargy occur.

• If your Frenchie tolerates salmon well after the introductory phase, you can increase frequency to two or three servings per week.

Healthy Salmon Recipes for French Bulldogs

Once you know basic salmon prep safety, it’s easy to incorporate into your Frenchie’s home cooked meals. Here are two simple Frenchie-friendly salmon recipes:

Baked Salmon and Sweet Potato:

Ingredients:

• 3 oz salmon fillet, cut into cubes
• 1 small sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. In a baking dish, toss chopped sweet potato with olive oil.
2. Bake sweet potatoes for 10 minutes.
3. Add salmon cubes and return to oven. Bake 10-15 more minutes until salmon is flaky.
4. Allow to cool. Mash sweet potatoes and mix with salmon before serving.

Salmon and Rice:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz cooked, deboned salmon
• 1/4 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, sauté salmon and rice in olive oil for 2-3 minutes over medium heat.
2. Mash lightly with a fork to break up the salmon into bite-sized flaky pieces.
3. Allow to cool before serving over your Frenchie’s regular dog food.

Alternatives to Salmon for French Bulldogs

If your Frenchie doesn’t tolerate salmon well or you want to mix up their fish options, here are some alternatives:

• Canned sardines packed in water
• Cooked white fish like tilapia, cod, or flounder
• Canned jack mackerel
• Cooked shrimp
• Canned herring

Introduce any new protein gradually and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction. A vet may be able to help you identify the best fish or meat proteins for your Frenchie.

The Bottom Line

Salmon can be a nutritious supplement to your French Bulldog’s diet when introduced properly. Focus on purchasing high quality salmon and preparing it safely with no seasonings or bones. Feed cooked salmon in moderation 1-2 times per week. Monitor your Frenchie’s reaction closely and discontinue use if any digestive upset or allergic symptoms occur. Pair salmon with digestible carbs like rice or sweet potato for balanced nutrition. With some smart preparation and portion control, salmon can be a delicious and healthy treat for your precious Frenchie!