Can dogs eat salmon?

Updated 18/04/2024

Salmon has to be one of the most popular fatty fishes going - packed with omega 3 and all kinds of micronutrients, it's no wonder. And we wouldn't be surprised if your furry friend takes an interest when you're tucking in - nothing beats a well-cooked filet of salmon with fresh vegetables (for seafood lovers, at least). 

So that begs the question - can dogs eat salmon? Fortunately for your furry friend, the answer is yes, dogs can eat salmon safely, as long as it's cooked properly and without any seasonings. In fact, salmon has a whole host of health benefits for your pup, so much so that it's found in many popular dog foods. To find out more about the safest ways to feed salmon to your pup and the health benefits for our canine companions, take a look below.

Related article: Can dogs eat bones?

Is salmon poisonous to dogs?

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs eat salmon - as a diligent pet parent, you might be wondering if salmon can be poisonous to dogs in any way. Well as we mentioned earlier, the salmon you feed your pooch needs to be cooked all the way through. Otherwise, there's a risk of salmon poisoning in dogs, which can lead to all kinds of nasty symptoms typical of food poisoning. Take a look below for the signs your pup has food poisoning.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Dizziness 

Related article: Can dogs eat potatoes?

Is salmon good for dogs?

As we've mentioned, as long as salmon is cooked all the way through and served without any seasonings (these can have serious health implications for dogs), salmon has a variety of properties that can support your pup's health in a number of ways. We'll get into the micro and macronutrient make up of salmon later on, but first, let's explore some of the overall health benefits that salmon can bring to your furry family member.

• Healthy, shiny coats
• Healthy skin
• Supports the immune system
• Reduces inflammation
• Supports cognitive function
• Easy to digest   

Related article: Can dogs eat grapes?

Health benefits of eating salmon

Now we know that dogs can eat salmon and get a whole host of health benefits just like we humans can, let's explore exactly why that is. Below, find the micro and macronutrients in salmon that help to support a variety of your pup's bodily functions.

• High in protein
• Omega 3 fatty acids (these are great for the skin and coat)
• Vitamins A, B3, B5, B6, B12, D and E
• Selenium, calcium and potassium

Related article: Can dogs eat apples?

Feeding your dog salmon

We wouldn't blame you if you're now sitting there thinking about feeding your beloved pooch a salmon dinner - it does have a whole host of health benefits, afterall. But can dogs eat salmon straight off your plate, or is there a particular way the fish needs to be prepared, so that it's safe for canine consumption? Well let's take a look below at some of the most commonly asked questions about preparing salmon for dogs so that you're clued-up on feeding the fish to your pooch. 

Can dogs eat cooked salmon?

Certainly, dogs can eat cooked salmon. In fact, cooked salmon is the only way that you should be serving up the fish to your pup. Raw salmon may contain bacteria that can make both humans and dogs seriously ill, so always make sure the salmon for your dogs is properly cooked all the way through. 

How to cook salmon for dogs  

Salmon for dogs can be cooked in multiple ways - steam, poach, dry fry or grill the fish all the way through. Just don't fry the salmon as the extra fat is bad news for dogs, and of course don't add any seasonings or flavorings. Too much salt is bad for dogs and there are multiple ingredients present in other seasonings and flavorings that can be poisonous to dogs. 

Can dogs eat canned salmon?

And can dogs eat salmon if it's from a can? Technically yes, but check the sodium levels first, only serve canned salmon if it's stored in water (as opposed to oil or vinegar), and always wash the salmon thoroughly to get rid of any excess salt. 

Can dogs eat salmon raw?

No, we wouldn't advise serving up raw salmon to your pup, no matter how much they pine when you're treating yourself to a sushi night. Raw salmon can contain a bacteria that causes salmon poisoning in dogs, where they'll experience symptoms similar to food poisoning.  

How much salmon can a dog eat? 

And can dogs have salmon on the daily  or should it be more of a treat food? Well as you may already know, salmon is high in fat, which means it should be an occasional treat for your pup. Around once a week should be the sweet spot, but ask your vet for advice for your dog's specific breed, age and with the consideration of any particular health issues they're experiencing.

Is salmon skin good for dogs?

Salmon skin is okay for dogs, so long as it's cooked all the way through and free of any seasonings or other ingredients. So if you were wondering - can dogs eat raw salmon skin - it's a definite no, unfortunately.

Related article: Can dogs eat eggs?

Salmon dog foods

If you're thinking about serving up a salmon portion to your pup but you're not so keen on cooking the fish yourself, here are a few popular salmon dog foods below to get you started. Just be sure to always pick dog food that's right for your pup's age, breed and any health issues they've got. And if you're unsure about your dog's diet, consult your vet before making any changes.

• Purina puppy salmon food
• Purina pro plan salmon dog food
• Hill's perfect digestion salmon dog food
• Merrick limited ingredient salmon dog food
•  Taste of the Wild salmon dog food
• Grain-free salmon dog food by Nature's Recipe
• Salmon and sweet potato dog food by Rachael Ray Nutrish

Other salmon products

So now that we've covered home-cooked salmon for dogs and salmon dog foods, can dogs have salmon if it's cooked into a dish of some kind? What about popular dishes with us humans like fish cakes and fish pie? Well the rule of thumb when cooking for pups is to keep it as plain and low fat as possible. Ingredients that we cook with can be high in fat or just plain toxic to dogs, so never feed your dog salmon cooked into any of your favorite dishes - it's just not worth the risk. Check out our blog on toxic foods for dogs for what to avoid serving with your dog's salmon.

Meet our veterinary expert, Hannah

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCV.

Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and worked in mixed practice for a few years before focusing on small animal work. Clinically, she worked in a busy, multi-center hospital practice until 2018, where she underwent training in advanced canine and feline dentistry and began working towards a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. She then moved to a local independent practice to care for the pets nearby, allowing more time to focus on other career avenues, which include writing for a diverse range of pet websites, vet practices, drug companies, journals, and veterinary educators.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we've answered the question - can dogs have salmon - what about other foods? What human foods can dogs eat? Take a look below to find out some of the foods safe for dogs, and how to prepare them.  

• Eggs
• Cheese
• Oranges
• Fennel