Salmon makes an exquisite addition to any dog’s diet and when cooked properly is safe for consumption by canines. When fed raw, however, it could contain Neorickettsia helminthoeca which causes Salmon Poisoning Disease which could potentially prove fatal without prompt medical intervention.
Steam, bake or lightly fry. When using boneless fillets, be sure to grind or scrape away large rough scales so as to prevent choking hazards.
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High in Protein
Salmon is an excellent source of protein for your pup’s wellbeing, providing all the amino acids they require for building muscle tissue as well as essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Salmon contains important vitamins A and B12 for your pup’s brain and nervous system health, in addition to providing valuable dietary fiber.
Before giving fish to your dog, it is crucial that it is cooked thoroughly to eliminate the possibility of parasites causing disease or even death. Furthermore, bones with sharp edges or large rough scales should never be fed as these could get caught in his throat and require medical intervention to extract.
Grilled, baked or poached salmon is an ideal and healthy food option for your dog provided it’s plain without added sugars or sauces. As with all foods containing proteins such as this one, only offer it on occasion and aim to feed just a few bites each week.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon, particularly smoked salmon, is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which provide dogs with essential lipids necessary for maintaining healthy skin and coat as well as reducing inflammation. Furthermore, it’s highly digestible making this an excellent solution for those suffering from food sensitivities.
Salmon can be an excellent protein source, but shouldn’t be the sole meat your pup consumes. With such a high caloric density and many potential health risks associated with eating too much at one time, proper measures must be taken when feeding this to your pup.
Avoid feeding raw or undercooked salmon to your dog as this could contain bacteria and parasites that could lead to salmon poisoning (Neorickettsia helminthoeca) which is potentially lethal if untreated. If symptoms appear, contact your veterinarian immediately; they may prescribe rickettsial wormers, antibiotics and intravenous fluids in order to rehydrate your pup and improve chances of recovery.
Boosts Brain Power
Salmon is an excellent source of protein and helps increase brain power and promote muscle development, particularly for puppies. Furthermore, salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA which are vital in maintaining a healthy skin and coat.
Care should always be taken when selecting salmon for dogs, since raw fish carries with it the risk of parasites that could harm them. While a raw food diet (also called BARF) has its advocates who feel raw foods more closely mimic a dog’s natural diet.
Cooked salmon can be an ideal addition to your dog’s meals or used as a treat, though any bones should be removed prior to serving as they can cause choking hazards. Baked or canned canned options that do not contain added salt, seasonings or oils are ideal options.
Helps Maintain Healthy Skin and Coat
Dogs can eat salmon skin provided it has been cooked well and does not contain any spices or condiments (e.g. garlic). However, for their safety it is wise to only feed a small piece at once so as to prevent choking on it.
Salmon skin contains Omega-3 fatty acids that promote healthy coat and soft skin in dogs, while also relieving itching caused by allergies.
Salmon provides your dog with protein, vitamins, and minerals they’ll love – just remember to thoroughly cook it so as to eliminate parasites or bacteria that may exist in raw fish – even canned varieties can contain Neorickettsia Helminthoeca parasite that cause Salmon Poisoning Disease which could potentially prove fatal for their wellbeing.
Reduces Inflammation
Salmon’s healthy omega-3 oils and collagen offer valuable relief to dogs with joint pain, arthritis or skin issues, such as coat health issues. By reducing inflammation these oils improve coat quality while decreasing itching.
Salmon may also help treat chronic ear infections. Research suggests that its omega-3 fatty acids reduce bacteria levels and speed healing processes.
Cooked salmon (boiled, poached, baked, fried or dehydrated) can be fed to dogs as long as its bones have been removed and any large scales removed; mashing or grinding the cooked fish into smaller pieces to reduce choking risk is recommended to prevent choking hazards. Wild-caught is best to minimize toxic load while farmed fish may contain antibiotics and disease-causing parasites that pose potential threats.
