Are you planning to feed canned salmon to your dog but are not sure if it’s safe? It is important to learn more about the benefits and potential dangers of adding salmon or any new food to your dog’s diet before letting them try it.
So, can dogs eat canned salmon? The answer is yes, as long as it meets some simple guidelines.
Find out whether salmon is safe for dogs, as well as the difference with canned salmon.
We also discuss the best canned salmon for dogs and some tips on what you should definitely not feed to your dog!
Is Salmon Safe for Dogs?
Salmon is a saltwater fish from the ocean waters of Alaska, Pacific Northwest, and California. This popular dish is loaded with healthy fats and other nutrients that can aid in reducing the risk of many diseases.
It is a great source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids. But is it safe for our beloved dogs to eat as well?
Yes. Dogs can eat salmon.
And it is usually good for them. In fact, a lot of fish that is good for humans is also safe for dogs to eat. It can be prepared in many ways for you and your dog.
Two dense nutrients in salmon that are beneficial to your dog are eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are both long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
Some advantages that salmon provides:
- Regulates immune system.
- Reduces inflammation that can lead to arthritis.
- Helps with bowel diseases.
- Slows down cancer cell growth.
- Produces more collagen in your dog’s system.
- Can fight heart disease and lower blood pressure.
- Can help brain development in fetuses of pregnant dogs and puppies.
- Helps improve cognitive function in older dogs.
On top of all the great benefits this food provides, it is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, D, and B complex.
Serve salmon cooked and boneless to your pooch. Make sure to use fresh boneless fillets and cook them thoroughly without using any oil or seasoning.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Salmon?
Yes. Canned fish like salmon makes a healthy dish for your dog. It is nutritious, considering that it has omega 3 fatty acids and important protein. It can even be great alternative food if your dog is allergic to chicken.
When choosing tinned fish, look for fish packed in water without added salt or flavors. Salmon in itself is already high in sodium, which can be an issue for dogs who suffer from some health conditions.
It should also be free of bones as they can be a choking hazard for dogs.
A serving should not exceed more than 100 grams per ten pounds of their body weight.
Canned salmon is, therefore, safe as long as you’re giving your dog reasonable amounts. Many high-quality dog foods contain salmon as the major ingredient.
Watch this amazing video to learn how you can make salmon treats for your dog!
Canned dog food made with salmon may also be better than kibble since they usually contain more meat protein than their dry counterparts.
Plus, due to their air-tight packaging, canned dog foods contain no synthetic preservatives. So, fats and oils sealed inside cans don’t easily become rancid.
Wet dog food is also more palatable and appetizing since the salmon ingredient is closer to its natural state. Lastly, the moisture content of canned dog food can occupy more volume and help your overweight dog.
Don’t Do This!
Never give your dog raw and uncooked salmon.
Make sure it is well cooked since raw salmon can contain parasites and bacteria, specifically a parasite called Neorickettsia helminthoeca. This parasite can cause salmon poisoning to your dog and can be fatal.
Signs of salmon poisoning include:
- fever
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- decrease in appetite
- weakness and lethargy
- depression
- extreme weight loss
- dehydration
- swelling of lymph nodes
- discharge from eyes and nose.
If your dog starts showing these symptoms after consuming salmon, make sure to take them to the vet right away.
Raw salmon also contains small bones that can be hazardous, leading to choking or even damage the dog’s intestines and cause serious consequences.
With all these risks of feeding salmon to your dog, not to mention the time and effort it takes to cook it, canned salmon is a better option.
The only things you should avoid when feeding canned salmon are too much oil and sodium.
Best Canned Salmon for Dogs
Although you can feed canned salmon for humans to your dog, dog food products are always the safest option.
The best dog food with salmon is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken and Salmon Grill. This high-protein dog food is wet and tasty since it is made of grilled pieces of salmon and chicken, as well as fruits and veggies.
It’s formulated to promote an active lifestyle and healthy muscle growth because of its wholesome ingredients that do not contain any grain, gluten, by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
Remember that once opened it should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures between 40-45°F, for a maximum of 5-7 days.
You can also try adding a spoonful of this mixed with dry dog food like Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Wild Caught Salmon.
It’s great for dogs with skin sensitivities, and it’s loaded with real probiotics for optimal nutrition and digestive support for dogs of all sizes and ages. This kibble is also free from grains, corn, fillers, colors, or preservatives.
Add Salmon to Your Dog’s Diet!
Salmon is a yummy fish option for us humans to eat. Luckily, dogs can also enjoy small amounts of salmon, whether cooked by yourself or canned!
It is great for them because it is loaded with protein and healthy fats that aid in heart health, skin and coat improvement, bones, and more!
Make sure that the salmon is finely cooked and served only once or twice a week and does not exceed more than 100 grams per ten pounds of their body weight for each serving.
For convenience and guaranteed health of your dog, try canned dog food and kibble instead!
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken and Salmon Grill and Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Wild Caught Salmon are at the top of our list!
