If your pup also likes Salmon fish, then you must wonder if it is good for dogs. Before feeding anything to your dog it is essential to know the possible risks and benefits of adding new food to their meal.
Salmon is a good health option for various dog breeds. It’s not only super tasty for pets but healthy, too. There are some exceptional risks depending on how your pooch will digest this oily fish. Salmon is the most popular fish for humans to eat, but sometimes, when pet parents prepare Salmon for themselves, they also share it with their dogs. Knowing whether it will keep your pet happy and healthy is paramount.
So let’s go through the blog to know everything about Salmon fish for your furry friend.
Is Salmon Good For Dogs?
Salmon is a beneficial food for humans, and the good news is that the same applies to dogs. Your pet can’t produce Omega-3 fatty acids, so they get it from their diet. Supplementing your dog with Salmon nourishes them with Omega-3 fatty acids. Let’s know what else they get when they eat Salmon fish:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon contains loads of Omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for your dog’s skin and coat health, and can even improve mobility in cases where dogs may be plagued with joint problems or other inflammatory diseases.
- Protein: Besides being a good source of healthy fats, Salmon is also a good source of protein that helps your dog build and repair muscle tissue. In many high-quality dog foods, Salmon is the main protein source – it is ideal for pets allergic to other proteins such as chicken, beef, or lamb.
- Vitamin, Minerals: Salmon is also an excellent source of Vitamin B complex. One key nutrient essential to maintaining the healthy functioning of your dog’s brain and nervous system is Vitamin B12, and Salmon is an enriched source that.
How much Salmon should I Give My Dog?
Feeding your dog with the right food keeps your dog healthy. For most dogs, Salmon is limited to once a week, not as the main course of the day. Whereas some dogs have Salmon as their main meal.
Make sure the fish you are feeding to your dog is suitable for them. But before adding new to their diet always consult your Vet.
Below we have mentioned the amount of Salmon fish you feed your pup:
| Extra-small dog (2–20 pounds) | 1–2 ounces of fresh cooked, boneless Salmon per week | Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs |
| Small dog (21–30 pounds) | 2–3 ounces of fresh, cooked, boneless Salmon per week | Basenjis, Beagles, Scottish Terriers |
| Medium dogs (31–50 pounds) | 3–4 ounces of fresh, cooked, boneless Salmon per week | Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs |
| Large dogs (51–90 pounds) | 4–6 ounces of fresh, cooked, boneless Salmon per week | Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds |
| Extra-large dogs (over 90 pounds) | 6–8 ounces of fresh, cooked, boneless Salmon per week | Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees |
What are the Health Benefits of Salmon?
Let’s unpack the health benefits of feeding your pet pup with Salmon fish:
- It is a rich source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which is a vital condition for good skin and coat condition, development of the nervous system, heart function, and brain health, and at the same time, will have an anti-inflammatory action for pain relief in a dog’s joints, for example. These fatty acids are not produced by the body in a dog so must be obtained through feeding, in the form of oily fish.
- Lean Protein: Salmon is a good source of lean protein, very essential in muscle growth, repair, and strength. Lean proteins are the basis of healthy canine diets, so if your pup is allergic to chicken or beef, Salmon is an excellent alternative.
- Vitamins D & B12: Niacin, and Pyridoxine; these are essential for skin and bone health, immune system boosts, and energy metabolism.
- Super yummy: Pooches enjoy the flavor of fresh Salmon, so they will leave feeling fed up.
How to Safely Feed Salmon to Your Dog
- Salmon fish is a healthy and tasty snack for your pup, but it doesn’t mean that you can grill the entire fish for tonight’s dinner.
- Feeding Salmon as a treat for your dog can gradually be perfect but feed a limited one so that your dog’s body adjusts to the new food.
- Feeding safely alleviates adverse effects like upset stomach or diarrhea, which can happen due to unusual changes in the menu.
- Is cooked Salmon good for dogs? Yes cooked, fresh Salmon is good for your dog.
- Avoid the seasonings or extra ingredients.
- Canned Salmon in water is better than Salmon packed in oil, rinse it to remove excess salt, and oil before adding it to your dog’s bowl.
When is Salmon unsafe for dogs?
Though it entails many benefits your dog can go through some problems as well:
- A fish can easily carry bacteria. Be sure to choose fresh fish from a reputed fishmonger or supermarket- if it’s frozen cook it well before feeding.
- It can be unsafe when served with bones or when served with seasonings or flavorings.
- If your pet is suffering from pancreatitis or any other digestive issue, be sure to visit your vet first before taking any step.
- There is a small chance of allergy to Salmon fish, which makes it unsafe for your pet.
Alternatives to Salmon
While Salmon and Salmon oil are loaded with healthy omega-3 fatty acids … the danger of other contaminants is very high. Try these 2 alternatives;
Green Lipped Mussels
Green-lipped mussels are bursting with EPA and DHA. It’s because they filter phytoplankton from the water. Phytoplankton is a marine plant that is high in EPA and DHA. When green-lipped mussels filter the water, phytoplankton gets stuck. The mussels then devour phytoplankton and get a healthy dose of EPA and DHA. Green-lipped mussels are originally from New Zealand but … they also can be sustainably farmed, which protects the oceans.
Brain And Eyes
Other good sources of EPA and DHA are organs like the brain and eyes. It’s a bit more weird, but just like other organs, the brain and eyes contain plenty of omega 3s. Particularly DHA because the brain and eyes require that fatty acid to function. And 4 OZ of brain contains about twice as much DHA and more EPA as a teaspoon of fish oil. These organs can be a little more difficult to find. But you’ll have the most luck at the butcher shop, an abattoir, or a meat processor.
