It's a common question for pet owners who want to share healthy, tasty food with their furry friends. The short answer is yes—dogs can eat salmon, but only when it's cooked properly, boneless, and served in small portions. Raw or undercooked salmon can carry harmful parasites, and seasoned or smoked salmon often contains excess salt that’s bad for your dog.
This UK-focused guide covers everything you need to know about feeding salmon to dogs—from health benefits and safe preparation to risks like salmon poisoning and allergies. Whether you're curious about salmon skin, canned salmon, or how much is too much, we’ve got clear answers.
Can Puppies Eat Salmon?
Yes, puppies can eat salmon—but only in small amounts and only when it’s cooked, plain, and boneless. Puppies are still growing and need a balanced, complete puppy diet, so salmon should be treated as an extra, not a main food source.
Here’s what to know:
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Puppies have more sensitive stomachs than adult dogs.
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Feeding raw salmon to puppies is risky due to parasites like Anisakis.
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Cooked salmon, flaked and plain, can be a safe occasional treat.
Make sure the salmon is:
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Thoroughly cooked to kill bacteria and parasites.
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Free from bones, skin, and added salt or spices.
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Given in tiny portions: start with ½–1 teaspoon, depending on your puppy’s size.
Salmon may help support brain development and skin health in growing puppies, thanks to its omega‑3 fatty acids. However, there’s no substitute for a complete puppy food that includes all required vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
Is Salmon Good For Dogs?
Salmon is good for dogs when served safely and in moderation. It provides omega‑3 fatty acids, which help support brain function, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy skin and coat. These benefits make salmon one of the most popular fish used in premium dog food.
According to the NHS, oily fish like salmon are rich in long‑chain omega‑3s such as EPA and DHA, which are also beneficial for people’s hearts, joints, and brains. Dogs benefit in similar ways.
Here’s why salmon is a healthy option:
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Protein boost: Salmon is a great source of complete animal protein to support muscles.
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Skin and coat: The fats in salmon help reduce dry, itchy skin and support a shiny coat.
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Joint care: Older dogs may benefit from anti-inflammatory effects.
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Immune system support: The B vitamins and omega‑3s help boost immune function.
That said, too much salmon can be a problem. It’s rich and high in fat, which can cause issues like an upset stomach or pancreatitis if fed often or in large portions.
How Much Salmon Can a Dog Eat?
When it comes to how much salmon dogs can eat, the golden rule is the 10% treat rule. According to the British Veterinary Association (BVA), treats—including human foods like salmon—should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Let’s break that down:
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A 15kg medium-sized dog needs around 700–800 calories/day.
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That means ≤70–80 calories can come from treats.
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Cooked salmon has about 200 calories per 100g, so limit to 30–40g, cooked weight.
More tips:
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Small dogs: 1–2 tablespoons per serving.
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Large dogs: 2–4 tablespoons.
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Serve once or twice a week—not daily.
Avoid feeding too much salmon, as it can unbalance your dog's diet, especially if it replaces a complete food. Also, salmon is high in fat, and overfeeding can lead to obesity or digestive problems.
Feeding guidelines also depend on age, dog breed, and health. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or health issues may need a custom feeding plan. Always check with your vet if unsure.
Can Dogs be Allergic to Salmon?
Yes, dogs can be allergic to salmon, although it’s not as common as allergies to beef, dairy, or chicken. Still, if your dog has food allergies, salmon can be a trigger.
Signs of a dog salmon allergy may include:
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Itchy skin (especially ears, paws, or belly)
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Hair loss or skin infections
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Upset stomach: vomiting, diarrhoea, or gas
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Ear infections
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Excessive licking or chewing
Even though salmon is good for most dogs, it isn’t safe for all. Always introduce it slowly and monitor for reactions—especially if your furry friend has had allergies before.
How to Safely Give Salmon to Your Dog
Feeding salmon to your dog can be a healthy choice—if done the right way. Most dogs can eat salmon when it’s been cooked properly, deboned, and served plain.
Here’s how to feed your dog salmon safely:
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Cooked only: Never give your dog raw or undercooked salmon. It may carry parasites like Anisakis or bacteria that can upset their stomach or cause infections. The Food Standards Agency advises cooking fish thoroughly to kill parasites.
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Keep it plain: Don’t add salt, butter, oil, garlic, or other seasonings. These can harm dogs or upset their digestive systems.
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Check for bones: Salmon bones can be sharp and may get stuck in your dog’s throat or cause damage to the stomach. Always use boneless fillets.
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Stick to small portions: Use salmon as an occasional treat, not a main meal. Mix a few flakes into their usual dog food.
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Choose fresh, high-quality fish: Farmed Atlantic salmon sold in UK supermarkets is usually safer due to parasite control measures, but still cook it thoroughly.
By preparing salmon the right way, you help your furry friend enjoy its nutritional benefits—without the risks. If it’s your dog’s first time eating salmon, start small and monitor for any signs of allergies or upset stomach.
How to Prep Salmon Safely
Preparing salmon for your dog is simple, but it’s important to follow a few safety rules to avoid illness or injury.
Step-by-step guide to preparing salmon:
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Buy salmon from a trusted source. Choose fresh or frozen boneless fillets.
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Avoid raw or undercooked salmon—it can cause salmon poisoning disease in some countries, and in the UK it may contain parasites like Anisakis.
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Cook the salmon thoroughly using steaming, boiling, or baking. Ensure it’s fully opaque and flakes easily.
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Let it cool to room temperature before serving.
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Remove all bones and skin. While some people let dogs eat salmon skin, it should be plain and cooked—but it's safer to remove it, especially for dogs prone to digestive issues.
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Serve in small amounts. Mix a few teaspoons into their normal food.
Cooking salmon properly helps protect your dog’s health. Raw fish may sound trendy, but it comes with risks—especially for dogs that aren’t used to it. When in doubt, always cook the fish first.
Is My Dog at Risk of Poisoning from Salmon?
If you’re worried about salmon poisoning, here’s the good news: UK dogs are not at risk of the disease known as salmon poisoning disease. This illness is caused by a bacteria called Neorickettsia helminthoeca, found only in Pacific salmon from the Pacific Northwest region of the US and Canada.
Still, raw or undercooked salmon can be dangerous in the UK for a different reason—parasites and bacteria. These include:
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Anisakis worms
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Listeria monocytogenes
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Salmonella
Even though farm-raised Atlantic salmon is considered low-risk, it’s safest to cook any fish before feeding it to your dog.
Salmon Types and Parts
Not all parts of the salmon are suitable for dogs. Let’s look at the types and forms you might find in UK shops, and whether dogs can safely eat them.
Can dogs eat salmon fillet?
Yes—boneless salmon fillets, fully cooked with no seasoning, are the safest choice. Dogs can eat cooked salmon in this form as a healthy treat.
Can dogs eat smoked salmon?
No—smoked salmon is high in salt, which can lead to salt poisoning or kidney strain. The smoking process doesn’t always kill bacteria. It’s best to steer clear.
Can dogs eat salmon skin?
Dogs eat salmon skin only if it’s cooked and plain. Even then, limit the amount. Salmon skin is high in fat and may upset sensitive stomachs.
Can dogs eat raw salmon?
No—dogs eat raw salmon at their own risk. Parasites and bacteria can cause illness. Always cook fish before giving it to dogs.
Can dogs eat salmon heads?
Avoid feeding salmon heads. They contain tiny bones that can be a choking hazard. Boiled and strained fish broth is a safer option if you want to use heads for flavour.
UK pet owners should also know that most farmed salmon in UK shops is Atlantic salmon, which is less likely to carry parasites—but it's still not safe raw.
Signs to Watch and When to Call the Vet
Even when feeding cooked salmon, you should keep an eye on your dog—especially if it's their first time eating fish.
Watch for:
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Vomiting or diarrhoea
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Lethargy or drooling
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Scratching or redness
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Swelling around the face
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Signs of choking (from bones)
These may be signs of a food allergy, salmon bones causing injury, or rare cases of infection.
Call your vet if:
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Your dog shows symptoms for more than a few hours
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You suspect your dog ate raw salmon, bones, or smoked fish
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Your puppy or elderly dog seems very weak or tired
When in doubt, it’s safer to skip the fish and contact your vet for advice.
FAQs
Can I feed a dog cooked salmon?
Yes—dogs can eat cooked salmon as long as it’s plain, boneless, and cooked thoroughly. It should be served in small portions as an occasional treat.
How much salmon is okay for a dog?
Follow the 10% treat rule. For a 15kg dog, that’s about 30–40g of salmon once or twice a week.
How do I cook salmon for my dog?
Bake, boil, or steam the salmon with no salt or seasoning. Cool it, remove all bones and skin, and flake it into their regular food.
What fish can dogs not eat?
Avoid fish with high mercury (e.g., swordfish), salted or seasoned fish, and raw or undercooked salmon. Also steer clear of smoked and canned fish in brine or oil.
Conclusion
Adding salmon to your dog’s diet can support healthy skin, a strong immune system, and brain function, thanks to its omega‑3 fatty acids and B vitamins. But always cook salmon properly and make sure it’s just an occasional treat, not a daily meal.
