Can My Dog Eat Salmon?
As salmon continues to grow in popularity among health-conscious households across Canada, many dog owners are starting to ask: “Can my dog eat salmon too?” Whether your pup has been sniffing around your dinner plate or you're looking for high-protein treat alternatives, you’re in the right place!
Quick Quiz: Test Your Salmon Smarts!
Before we dive in (pun intended), let’s see what you already know about dogs and salmon:
Is salmon safe for dogs?
Can dogs eat raw salmon?
Can salmon help support my dog’s skin and coat?
(Keep reading to find out!)
Can My Dog Eat Salmon? The Short Answer
Yes, dogs can eat salmon! In fact, salmon could be a highly nutritious addition to your dog’s diet when prepared properly. This tasty fish is rich in:
Omega-3 fatty acids
High-quality protein
Vitamin B12
Vitamin D
Selenium
These nutrients may help support everything from healthy skin and coat to immune system function and joint health. While you’ll find salmon in many high-quality commercial dog foods, it can also be offered as an occasional treat or topper.
How Much Salmon is Safe for Dogs?
As with any treat or addition to your dog’s regular meals, moderation is key. While salmon is packed with benefits, too much—especially if prepared improperly—can lead to health issues.
When it comes to safe feeding practices, Jennifer Sperry, DVM and veterinary contributor for Pets Plus Us, advises:
“Treats should never make up more than 10% of a pet's total food intake, as measured in calories. So the right portion will depend on your dog's caloric needs (by size, weight, and activity level) as well as what else they are eating in a day in terms of treats and food.”
Knowing that salmon has about 30 calories per 14 gram portion (approximately a tablespoon), you can use this calorie calculator to find the recommended amount safe for your dog.
Introduce salmon slowly to see how your dog tolerates it and always monitor for signs of an upset stomach or food sensitivity.
Can Dogs Eat Other Fish?
Yes—but with caution. Some fish are safer than others, and preparation matters!
Safe fish for dogs: Salmon (cooked), sardines (packed in water, no salt), whitefish, herring, trout
Fish to avoid: Raw salmon, tuna (high mercury), swordfish, farmed fish with additives or dyes
Always remove bones and cook the fish thoroughly. Avoid fish with high mercury levels or added oils, salt, or seasonings.
Can Salmon Help with My Dog’s Skin and Coat?
Absolutely! One of the biggest benefits of salmon for dogs is its high omega-3 content. Omega-3s can help:
Improve skin hydration and reduce itching
Add shine and softness to your dog’s coat
Reduce inflammation in joints (great for senior dogs)
Support brain and eye development in puppies
That’s why salmon is such a popular ingredient in skin-supporting dog foods and supplements.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Salmon?
No—raw salmon is not safe for dogs. Raw salmon can carry a parasite called Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which can cause salmon poisoning disease (SPD)—a serious and potentially fatal condition if left untreated.
Symptoms of SPD include:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
Lethargy
Swollen lymph nodes
Always cook salmon thoroughly before serving it to your dog. If your dog has eaten raw or undercooked salmon and shows any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.
How to Prepare Salmon for Dogs
Here’s how to safely serve salmon to your pup:
Basic Cooked Salmon for Dogs
Ingredients:
1 small salmon fillet (boneless, skinless)
Instructions:
Bake, grill, or steam the salmon until fully cooked (no pink inside)
Let cool completely
Flake the salmon into small, bite-sized pieces
Mix into your dog’s regular food or serve as a treat
Avoid adding salt, garlic, onions, oil, butter, or other seasonings.
Salmon Dog Treats Recipe
Want to spoil your pup with something special? Try this easy homemade salmon treat:
Ingredients:
1 cooked, boneless salmon fillet
1 cup whole wheat or oat flour
¼ cup plain canned pumpkin (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F)
Mix all ingredients into a dough
Roll out and cut into bite-sized pieces or use cookie cutters
Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm
Let cool and store in an airtight container for up to one week
These are great as training treats or a healthy snack!
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Raw or Too Much Salmon
If your dog accidentally eats raw salmon or too much cooked salmon, monitor them closely for:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Fatigue or low energy
Signs of choking (if bones were ingested)
For raw salmon ingestion, contact your vet immediately due to the risk of salmon poisoning disease. For minor overeating of cooked salmon, symptoms may pass on their own—but consult your veterinarian if they persist beyond 24 hours.
Finding the Right Balance
Like all treats, salmon should be a supplement, but not a substitute, for a balanced dog diet. It’s best used as an occasional protein boost or enrichment snack.
If you're considering making fish a regular part of your dog’s meals, consult your veterinarian to ensure it meets your dog’s individual nutritional needs.
The Bottom Line
Salmon can be a tasty, nutritious treat for your dog when cooked and served properly. Widely available in Canadian grocery stores and packed with omega-3s and protein, it's a paw-some way to boost your dog’s skin, coat, and overall well-being!
Remember these key takeaways:
Yes, dogs can eat cooked salmon (never raw!)
No bones or skin for safer digestion
Serve plain—no spices or sauces
Feed in moderation
Always monitor for any changes in digestion or behaviour
Pet Insurance Protection for Peace of Mind
Accidents can happen to even the most cautious pet parents. If your pup eats something they shouldn't, pet insurance can help cover emergency vet visits, tests, and treatments. Many policies, like our accident and illness plans, can help cover the costs associated with eligible emergency veterinary visits, diagnostic tests, and treatments related to accidental ingestion.