As pet owners, we do our best to keep our furry friends happy and healthy. And when it comes to food, most of us are aware that there are certain foods our pups just can’t eat. Foods that we love, but that may make our puppers sick. One of the foods many pet owners wonder about is salmon. Salmon is often celebrated as a wholesome, nutritious option for humans..but can dogs eat salmon?
We’re here to fill you in on the details. So keep reading to learn more!
Possible Benefits
Go to your local pet store and you won’t have to search far to stumble across several brands of salmon-flavored dog food and salmon dog treats. So can dogs eat salmon? Yes! But with a few caveats (which we’ll get to later). But first, let’s discuss some of the possible benefits of feeding your dog salmon.
Salmon is full of many nutrients known for their nutrition and that may be beneficial to your pup, including:
Omega-3 & 6 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids have several potential health benefits. Not only are they known to contribute to a healthier cardiovascular system but they also have many anti-inflammatory properties. These fatty acids may also boost your dog’s immune system and support their joint health. In addition, these rich fatty acids are known to improve a dog’s skin and coast. So your dog can look as good as they feel. Can dogs eat eggs? Find out here.
Vitamin D
Most of us are somewhat familiar with vitamin D, especially when it comes to the sun. But did you know salmon also contains vitamin D? In fact, many species of fish are high in vitamin D content. Vitamin D is known to promote the absorption of calcium, which can lead to stronger and healthier bones. Not to mention stronger doggy teeth!
Protein
Just like humans, dogs need protein. Fortunately, salmon is known to be a great source of it. And when it comes to dogs that have issues with other meats (such as chicken or beef), salmon may be a wonderful alternative. Though salmon is one of the “fattier” fish, it’s a very lean protein and may be a great option for dogs on a diet. But as always, we recommend speaking to your vet about your specific dog’s dietary needs. They’re your best source of information!
Looking for Salmon Jerky? Get our Salmon Jerky treats here!
Are There Any Risks To Feeding Dogs Salmon?
So now that we know the answer to our initial question, “Can dogs eat salmon,” let’s explore the question in more depth.
As with any dog food or treats, it’s best to choose products made with high-quality ingredients. And ones that are formulated to meet their nutritional needs as best as possible. If you decide to treat your pup to fresh salmon, be sure to cook it thoroughly first. Raw salmon can harbor parasites or bacteria that can cause food poisoning in your dog. And of course, food poisoning can lead to dehydration and in the worst cases, organ failure.
Fish bones can also pose a choking hazard and can become lodged in a dog’s intestines. So only feed your dog boneless or deboned fillets.
Lastly, if you are going to feed your dog fresh salmon, leave it unseasoned. Common seasonings like garlic and onion are toxic to dogs. Other herbs and spices may also irritate your dog’s stomach. Seasoning blends are often high in sodium, which can impact your pup’s health too. So you’ll want to avoid those too.
And what about almonds – can dogs eat them?
Salmon Dog Treats Your Dog Will Love
Would you rather avoid the hassle of preparing your pooch homemade dog treats? Try these delicious salmon dog treats instead. They’re sure to get your dog’s tail wagging!
Salmon & Sweet Potato Fillets: These fillets make for the perfect salmon dog treat, and are ideal for dogs of nearly all sizes. They’re smoky, tender, and oh-so good. Salmon is known for its antioxidants and sweet potatoes are chock-full of vitamins. Not to toot our own horn, but we think this is one winning combination.
Salmon Jerky Tiny Bites: The drying process used to make jerky concentrates the flavor. So your dog gets a big burst of savory salmon in a bite-sized treat. The package might say tiny, but even the largest dogs will love these.
Salmon Topper-Trainer Treats: Whether you’re working on new tricks with your pupper or want to enhance your dog’s dinner, these salmon-flavored topper trainer treats are a great way to reward them. Try mixing them in dry food to add a moist, chewy burst of flavor.
Click here to view our full collection of salmon dog treats. There are many more delicious flavor combinations to choose from! So that covers salmon, but what about pork and pork bones? Find out here!
About Carolina Prime Pet
Vets recommend that treats and snacks make up no more than 10% of your dog’s caloric intake. To get the most of that small allotment, make sure the treats you give your pupper are full of flavor and made with only the best ingredients.
Here at Carolina Prime Pet, we believe quality and taste go hand in hand. All of our treats are made in the United States with premium quality and responsibly sourced ingredients. We steer clear of fillers and low-quality choices. Why? Because we’re dog lovers too. We’re dedicated to providing premium, carefully crafted dog treats that taste great and are composed of nutritious ingredients. We’ve been working hard to make dogs and their humans happy since 1998.
Visit our online shop to find your four-legged friend’s new favorite treat. It may be one of our salmon dog treats, a peanut butter flavored morsel, or our juicy, meaty bones. There are so many possibilities! And if you sign up for our email list, you’ll be the first to hear about new products and learn about great deals.
