As dog owners, we always want to give our furry friends the very best. And when it comes to food, salmon is one of the healthiest and tastiest options But before you go cooking up a salmon fillet for your pooch, there are some important things to know. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cooking salmon for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Salmon?
The short answer is yes! Salmon is perfectly safe for dogs to eat and is in fact, really good for them. Here’s why
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Salmon is an excellent source of protein, which gives dogs energy and helps maintain and repair muscles.
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It’s loaded with omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA which are good for skin, coat, heart, kidney, and joint health.
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Salmon is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B, selenium, potassium, and iron that support immune system function and overall wellbeing.
So by occasionally feeding your dog some salmon, you’ll be providing some great health benefits.
How Should You Prepare Salmon for Your Dog?
When cooking salmon for your pup, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Choose Wild-Caught Salmon
Farmed salmon tends to have higher concentrations of pollutants and toxins. So opt for wild-caught varieties like sockeye, coho, or pink salmon which will be healthier for your dog.
Cook Thoroughly
Salmon needs to be thoroughly cooked to kill any potential parasites or bacteria. Cook until the thickest part of the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The fish will turn opaque and flake easily with a fork when fully cooked.
Remove Bones
Fish bones can pose a choking hazard or damage the digestive tract. Be sure to remove all bones before feeding salmon to your dog. Opt for boneless fillets or canning the salmon yourself after removing bones.
Skip Seasonings
Avoid adding any seasonings, herbs, salt, oil, or other flavorings when cooking salmon for dogs. These additions can upset their stomachs. Plain, boiled or baked salmon is best.
Cut Into Bite-Sized Pieces
Once cooked, cut the salmon into small, bite-sized pieces for your dog. This makes it easier and safer for them to chew and digest.
Limit Portion Size
Since salmon is very rich, limit portion sizes to around 1-2 oz per 10 lbs of body weight once or twice a week. Too much can cause gastrointestinal upset.
How to Cook Salmon for Dogs
Now let’s talk about quick and easy cooking methods for making tasty salmon for your furry pal!
Pan-Seared
- Pat dry salmon fillets and season only with a little black pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over high heat.
- Cook fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until opaque.
- Flake salmon and cut into pieces before serving.
Baked
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place fillets on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until fish flakes easily.
- Let cool before cutting into pieces.
Poached
- Fill a skillet with 1-2 inches water and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add fillets and poach for about 8-10 minutes until opaque.
- Drain and flake fish before cutting into pieces.
Canned
- Look for wild caught salmon canned in water.
- Drain and rinse the salmon before serving to your dog.
Feeding Your Dog Salmon
Once you’ve cooked up some yummy salmon for your pup, follow these tips for serving it:
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Let the salmon cool to room temperature before feeding.
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Introduce salmon slowly mixed with their regular food.
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Give small portion sizes, about 1-2 oz per 10 lbs body weight.
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Only feed 1-2 times per week, not daily.
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Refrigerate leftover portions and use within 3 days.
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Discard any uneaten salmon after 20 minutes.
With its stellar nutritional profile and amazing taste, salmon can be a fabulous occasional treat for your dog. Follow this advice on how to properly prepare and serve it, and your pup is sure to gobble it up! Let us know if your dog loves salmon as much as mine does!
How to Cook Salmon for Your Dog
FAQ
What is the best way to cook salmon for my dog?
Simmering is the best way to ensure that the temperature does not get too high. It also ensures that the fish is tenderly and evenly cooked.
Can I give my dog a piece of cooked salmon?
Yes – cooked is the preferred way to serve salmon to your pooch. Lightly cooking a piece of fresh salmon, such as pan-frying, poaching or baking, without any added salt or flavourings, is the safest way for your dog to eat salmon. Try to remove all the bones before cooking, too, to avoid unnecessary choking hazards.
What is the best way to cook fish for dogs?
Boiling is one of the safest and simplest ways to prepare fish for dogs, as it preserves most nutrients while removing any potential toxins.
Is chicken or salmon better for dogs?
How do you cook salmon for a dog?
Cook the salmon on the stove or in the oven until the meat is opaque and has an internal temperature of 145 °F (63 °C). Give your dog salmon once or twice a week as a treat, or mix it with rice, green beans, sweet potatoes, or broccoli to make homemade dog food. Choose boneless salmon filets to cook for your dog.
Can dogs eat salmon?
Cooking salmon is a pretty straightforward process. To make the salmon safe for your dog, remember to cook it to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure you cook the salmon with no garlic, onions, or other seasonings that could make your dog sick. As long as you’re not using spices, you can cook salmon for your dog the same way you cook it for humans.
How much salmon should a dog eat?
While it may vary, a good rule of thumb is serving ½ cup (100 g) of food per 25 lb (11 kg) of your dog’s weight. Break the meat into small bite-sized chunks. Once your salmon is fully cooked, pull it apart with a fork or spatula into smaller pieces.
Can dogs eat cooked salmon skin?
Dogs can eat cooked salmon skin, but it has more fat than the rest of the meat and could upset your pup’s stomach. If you want to stay on the safe side, just peel the skin off before giving it to your dog. Limit feeding your dog salmon to once or twice a week.
Can dogs eat salmon if they have a sensitive stomach?
Some dogs with sensitive stomachs may be able to tolerate salmon, but others may experience digestive upset or food sensitivities. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, introduce salmon gradually into their diet and monitor for any signs of gastrointestinal distress. 13. How should I store leftover salmon for my dog?
Can dogs eat chicken fried salmon?
Although both chicken and salmon are healthy for dogs salmon is much better if you have a dog with allergies. Salmon is also very high in omega 3 which helps with inflammation, organ health and skin health. Can dogs eat fried salmon?