You’re making dinner, salmon’s sizzling, and your pup’s giving you that look, you know the one. You wonder: Can dogs eat salmon? Can I share some of my delicious dins with my sweet pup?

Good news, your dog can eat salmon. It’s not just a superfood for humans, it’s packed with all sorts of powerful nutrients that benefit dogs. But before you slide a slice into their bowl, you’ll want to know how to safely feed salmon to your dog.

In this post, we’ll explore and expand on the following questions (and a whole lot more!) 

• Is salmon safe for dogs? Absolutely—but prep matters.
  Is salmon beneficial to dogs? Yes! It’s considered a high-quality protein loaded with omega-3s and vitamins.

• Is raw salmon risky for dogs? The rule of thumb is: cooked salmon is safe, raw is risky.

• How to prepare salmon? Keep it simple. Plain, boneless, cooked salmon is best. Say no to seasoning, butter, and sauces.

• How much salmon is too much for dogs? We recommend making salmon a treat, not an everyday meal. A few times a week in small portions is perfect.

• Is salmon kibble a good alternative to actual salmon? You betcha, and thankfully Jinx has all the salmon kibble, treats, and toppers to satisfy your pup.

Next up, let’s break down exactly why salmon benefits your dog and how to serve it up right.

Is Salmon Safe for Dogs?

It sure is. Even better, it’s packed with a whole lotta goodness. We’re talking omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals galore — everything your pup needs to look and feel super. No wonder it’s the star ingredient in several of our Jinx Salmon Recipes.

That said, if you opt for cooked salmon instead, take note of these safety tips when preparing it.

How to Safely Serve Salmon to Dogs

• Fully cooked and boneless — Cook salmon thoroughly then remove any bones. Even itty-bitty bones can pose a choking hazard or cause internal injury.
  
  

• Plain and simple — No frills, please. Skip the oils, spices, and fancy sauces. Your dog’s stomach will thank you (and so will your rugs!)

When Is Salmon a Health Risk for Dogs?

While salmon is generally safe, there are situations when it poses a health risk:

• Raw or undercooked salmon — Raw salmon may contain parasites that cause salmon poisoning disease, a very serious, potentially fatal condition if left untreated.
  
  

• Bones and heavy seasonings — As mentioned, small bones are dangerous, and additives like oils or spices can upset your pup’s digestive system.

Just to recap, when it’s fully cooked, boneless, and served plain — salmon is absolutely safe for dogs. 

If the whole idea of salmon prep and possible parasites (in raw salmon) gives you the heebie-jeebies, keep things simple and explore our range of Jinx Salmon Recipes — made with your pup’s health and taste buds in mind.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Salmon for Dogs?

Salmon is more than just tasty. It can seriously level up your dog’s health and overall wellness. Not only is it packed with protein which builds and maintains your pup’s muscles, it’s filled with super nutrients for a shiny coat and agile joints.

At Jinx, we take it a step further, using only sustainably caught Atlantic salmon. Why? Because we care deeply about what goes into your dog’s body, and not just any salmon will do.

Why is Atlantic salmon so great for dogs?

As we’ve said, Atlantic salmon is full of helpful nutrients. Each plays a different but equally important role in your dog’s well-being.

Omega-3 

Omega-3s can be a game changer for your dog. Not only do these healthy fats help: soothe itchy skin, reduce inflammation, and keep your dog’s joints moving smoothly — they also support brain health! This is especially helpful for growing pups and wise old seniors. Think of omega-3s as brain food and joint juice, rolled into one.

Here’s how omega-3s benefit your pup:

• Healthy Skin, Shiny Coat — Reduces dryness & itching while giving your dog’s coat a shiny glow-up.

• Reduces Inflammation — Can help ease joint pain, particularly in older dogs and those with arthritis.

• Brain Support — Aids cognitive development, making it a big win for both puppies and senior dogs.

• Immune Boost — Helps your pup fight off illness more effectively.

High-Quality Protein

Salmon is a top-tier, protein-rich food for dogs. Protein keeps your pup’s lean muscles strong, powers up their energy levels, and helps repair tissues — perfect for pups who play hard (and nap harder!) 

Vitamins & Minerals

We’d be remiss not to mention the power-punch of vitamins and minerals in salmon for dogs. This fish is loaded with essential nutrients like:

• Vitamin D for strong bones

• B vitamins that convert food into energy

• Selenium and potassium to keep your dog’s immune system firing on all cylinders.

Bonus Benefit: Great for Sensitive Tummies

For pups with a sensitive belly, salmon’s a hero. It’s often easier to digest than other proteins like beef or chicken, hence why it’s a the star ingredient in many hypoallergenic diets, because it’s less likely to cause allergies. 

Ready to feed your dog this nourishing powerhouse? Jinx’s Atlantic Salmon Kibble with Sweet Potato & Carrot delivers premium nutrition down to the very last bite. Even better? Dogs adore the taste. 

Potential Risks of Feeding Salmon to Dogs

It’s probably obvious, we’re big fans of salmon. But even the best foods come with a few caveats. It’s important to understand the risks of feeding salmon to dogs so you serve it to them safely — giving your pup all the benefits without the risks.

Fortunately, salmon risks are easy to avoid with a little know-how so let’s walk through what to look out for.

Salmon Poisoning Disease (SPD)

This one tops the list. Salmon Poisoning Disease is caused by a parasite found in some wild salmon, specifically those that carry harmful bacteria like Neorickettsia helminthoeca (don’t try to pronounce that :) If your dog eats raw or undercooked salmon containing this parasite, symptoms like: vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or lethargy can appear quickly — and evolve rapidly.

The good news: Salmon Poisoning Disease is entirely preventable if you thoroughly cook salmon before serving it to your dog. 

Parasites and Bacteria

Putting SPD aside for a moment, any raw fish can be a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites, and your pup’s digestive system isn’t equipped to handle them. Listeria, salmonella — and other microscopic buggers — can take up residence in salmon, and end up in your pup’s tummy.

All to say, keep the sushi for yourself. Mr. Fur Pants prefers his salmon well-done.

Choking Hazards from Bones

Salmon bones may be small but they can cause serious injury. They're often sharp and brittle, and can easily become lodged in your dog’s throat or stomach. This can lead to pain and potential tears in your dog’s digestive system, that can sometimes require surgery. The solution? Debone. Or skip the stress and grab a Jinx Salmon recipe. As boneless as salmon gets!

Nutritional Imbalance

Even though salmon is a superfood, feeding your dog too much is never a great idea. You’ll need to consider your dog’s overall calorie and fat intake to maintain a healthy balance in their system.

You see, salmon is naturally higher in fat, which, while beneficial, can lead to weight gain or digestive issues if your dog gorges on it. 

The key here? Good ole portion control. When it comes to treats, toss your dog a bit of salmon jerky or top off their bowl with a delicious salmon topper. Of course they’re likely to beg for more, but they’ll just have to wait.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Salmon?

Because this one is so darn important, we’re repeating it. Dogs (and that includes yours!) can not eat raw salmon. Salmon is packed with nutrients when cooked, but serving it raw is a different story — and not a tale you want to risk telling.

Many dog parents ask us, 'Is raw salmon safe for my dog?' Our answer: Even the priciest raw fish can harbor harmful parasites and bacteria. Understanding the risks can protect your pup from serious trouble — and save you from a hefty vet bill!

Here’s why your dog should never eat raw salmon:

• Parasite Danger — Raw salmon can contain a parasite called Nanophyetus salmincola, the baddie responsible for Salmon Poisoning Disease.
  
  

• Bacterial Contamination — Raw fish often has icky bacteria like Salmonella, which can cause major digestive trouble and infections in pups.

Thank dogness, prevention is simple. All it takes is cooking your pup’s salmon until it’s well done. Enough time in the oven or on the stovetop kills parasites and bacteria, making it safe and delicious, not risky and raw.

Signs of Raw Salmon Poisoning

Go on, say it with us: Raw or undercooked salmon is dangerous for dogs. How dangerous? Potentially fatal. 

If you weren’t aware of this until now, and you just fed your dog raw or undercooked salmon, try not to worry. You’ll need to stay vigilant and watch out for the following symptoms as they can show up fast and escalate quickly, requiring immediate help from your vet.

What are the signs of salmon poisoning in dogs?

• Vomiting — Often one of the first red flags.

• Diarrhea — Can be severe and may lead to dehydration.

• Lethargy — Your usually energetic pup may seem unusually tired or weak.

• Lack of Appetite — Even your dog’s favorite foods lose their appeal.

• Fever — Elevated body temperature. You might notice they feel hot to the touch.

• Swollen Lymph Nodes — Check around the neck and behind the legs for any puffiness.

• Dehydration — Watch for dry gums and sunken eyes.

If your pup shows any of these signs after eating salmon, get them to the vet immediately. Bacteria can spread quickly and salmon poisoning, as mentioned, can be fatal within days if left untreated.

Can Salmon Poisoning Disease be Treated?

Thankfully, yes. If SPD is caught early, it’s highly treatable. Your vet will typically prescribe antibiotics and offer supportive care to get your pup back on track. The sooner treatment starts, the better their chances are for a full recovery.

Need to find a vet fast, check out the US Department of Agriculture’s online directory for a trusted vet near you.

Can Dogs Eat Salmon Skin?

Indeed. Dogs dig the umami taste and salmon-skin crunch as much as humans do! And, if it’s prepped the pup-safe way, it’s not only a decadent treat, it offers them all those healthy omega-3s we keep raving about — keeping your dog’s coat shiny, their skin itch-free, and their joints moving smoothly. Think of it as a wellness boost in crispy form. 

How to Serve Salmon Skin Safely

• Cook it Completely — Raw salmon skin carries the same risks as raw salmon meat, including parasites and bacteria. 

• Skip the Seasoning — Butter, salt, garlic? No way, jose! Only serve plain, well-cooked salmon to your dog.

• Mind the Fat — The fats in salmon skin are healthy but they’re still fats which can lead to weight gain.

• Serve in Moderation — Salmon skin is a snack, not a daily staple. Offer it occasionally in small portions.

Cooked, unseasoned salmon skin as a special treat? Bring it on. Just keep it clean, portioned, and part of your dog’s balanced diet. Your pup will thank you!

Other Fish Options for Dogs

From salmon toppers to full salmon meals, we’re clearly big fans of salmon at Jinx. While it deserves all the praise it gets, there are plenty of other benefit-packed fish options for dogs. 

From providing lean protein to omega-3 healthy fats, different fish can support your dog’s health in various ways, but only if it’s prepared right. 

If you and your dog live by the motto, “variety is the spice of life,” here are other pup-friendly fish options to consider:

• Whitefish — Like the mild-mannered cousin of salmon. A lean source of protein that’s easy on sensitive tummies and rich in omega-3s and vitamin B12, which help support heart health and energy levels.

How to serve: Cook thoroughly, remove all bones, and skip the seasonings.

• Sardines — These small-but-mighty swimmers are packed with omega-3s, calcium, and soft, edible bones — making them great for coat health and bone strength.

Pro tip: Choose sardines canned in water, with no added salt or oil.

• Herring — Another omega-3-rich choice, herring supports your dog’s joint health and helps them maintain a shiny, healthy coat.

Reminder: Always cook herring fully to eliminate any parasites.

• Mackerel — This oily fish is a powerhouse of omega-3s and vitamin D. It helps reduce inflammation and can support cognitive function, especially in senior pups.

Quick note: Stick to smaller varieties like Atlantic or Pacific mackerel. Larger ones like king mackerel may have higher mercury levels.

• Cod — A light, low-fat option, cod is easy to digest and full of high-quality protein. It’s also a source of B vitamins like B6 and niacin, which help with energy production and overall health.

Best served: Cooked, boneless, and unseasoned.

Fish to Avoid

Keep these former swimmers off your pup’s plate:

• Tuna — High mercury levels make this fish risky for regular feeding.

• Swordfish, tilefish, shark — Often high in mercury. Should be avoided.

• Raw fish — Always cook fish thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria and parasites.

Fish Preparation Tips

• Well done is the way to go. Raw fish = risky fish.

• No bones about it. Always debone before serving.

• Keep it simple. Skip oils, seasonings, and sauces.

• Go slow. Introduce new fish gradually over a few weeks to avoid digestive issues.

Whether your dog sticks with salmon or or gets adventurous with  sardines or cod — rotating in safe, nutrient-rich fish options, (cooked well!) can be a healthy, delicious way of keeping mealtime exciting.

Salmon Deserves a Spot in Your Pup’s Bowl — Ruff Said!

Salmon isn’t just safe for your dog, it’s one of the most nutrient-rich foods you can feed them. 

At Jinx, we only use sustainably caught Atlantic salmon, because your pup deserves the absolute best. Our curated salmon bundles will have your pup gobbling up the goodness and feeling like a million barks.

FAQs

Can puppies eat salmon?

Yes, your puppy can eat salmon as long as it’s cooked, boneless, and unseasoned. Start slow and serve it in small amounts so it doesn’t overwhelm your pup’s sensitive tummy.

Is canned salmon safe for dogs?

Yes, canned salmon is safe for your dog if it’s packed in water, with no added salt, oil, or seasonings. Always check for small bones, and stick to plain, low-sodium varieties.

How often can I feed my dog actual salmon?

We recommend salmon once or twice a week, in small portions. Too much salmon, given its higher fat content, can lead to digestive issues or weight gain over time.

What should I do if my dog shows signs of salmon poisoning?

If your dog shows any of these symptoms after eating salmon: vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or lethargy — don’t wait! Take them to the vet immediately. Early treatment can make all the difference.

Are there specific types of salmon that are better for dogs?

Yes, wild-caught or Atlantic salmon are undeniably the best. Wild salmon tends to be leaner while sustainably sourced Atlantic salmon, the core ingredient in Jinx kibble, is rich in quality protein, healthy fats, and a bevy of beneficial nutrients.