Can dogs eat salmon? Yes, they can. You just need to know how to prepare it.
Salmon is an excellent source of protein for pets just as it is for us. Known as a super food for humans, it has many health benefits. This is also true for your pet.
It’s important to note that you should not feed your pet undercooked salmon. Always fully cook salmon, smoked or make sure it's freeze-dried before serving it to your pet. Undercooked salmon may contain parasites and bacteria that can make your pet very ill.
Safest way to serve your pet salmon is freeze-dried or cooked. Try PetWell freeze-dries salmon fillets |
Undercooked salmon may contain flukes, a parasitic flat worm. If your pet consumes salmon contaminated with flukes, they may become ill and exhibit symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration.
In addition, undercooked salmon can also contain the bacteria Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which causes an illness known as salmon poisoning disease for dogs. Some symptoms of salmon poisoning can include:
- Fever
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Decrease in appetite
- Weakness and lethargy
- Extreme weight loss
- Swelling of lymph nodes
- Discharge from eyes and nose
- Dehydration
- Death (if not treated)
Symptoms of salmon poisoning don't appear for roughly five to seven days after ingesting it. NOTE: Salmon poisoning only affects dogs. Cats are not affected by raw salmon.
Benefits of salmon
Boneless cooked or freeze-dried salmon is especially good for pets with many health benefits such as;
High in protein
Required for essential amino acids which provide structure for the body as skin, muscle, and collagen. It aids tissue repair, and joint health and can be metabolised for energy.
Highly digestible
Salmon is highly digestible, absorbing easily into the body for maximum health benefits.
High in omega-3’s
Salmon is rich in EPA and DHA. These omega 3s work to reduce inflammation and play a role in the structure of cell membranes, improve cognitive function, especially in association depression. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for making hormones, balancing the immune system, and maintaining blood pressure. Also aids in healthy skin and coat, and reducing allergies due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties.
High in vitamins and minerals
Importantly, salmon also contains essential vitamins and minerals. Such as vitamin A, a natural immune booster, vitamin D for joint health and the B-group aiding red blood cell production and normal nervous system function. Along with potassium, selenium and phosphorus for cell and tissue growth, including strong bones and teeth.
Joint Health
Salmon has an abundance of:
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Vitamin B12
- Niacin
- Vitamin B6
- Pantothenic acid
- Riboflavin
- Thiamin
- Folic acid
These vitamins play key roles in your pet including generating energy, maintaining and repairing DNA, and lowering inflammation which aid in joint health and better mobility.
In Summary
Only give your dog freeze dried or cooked salmon without bones and seasoning,
Remove the risk altogether - the safest way to provide your pet salmon is in the form of a single ingredient, freeze dried treat.
The Science Behind It
Don’t just take our word for it, here are some evidence-based studies for you to review.
Protein digestibility evaluations of meat and fish substrates
Inflammatory tumorigenesis in the gut
Clinical Trial Evidence and Use of Fish Oil Supplements – omega 3’s
Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA: Health Benefits
potassium supplementation on blood pressure
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this email and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet healthcare decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
Freeze-dried salmon fillets are available from PetWell
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