Can Dogs Eat Salmon? Cooked Is the Rule

The ASPCA warns that raw or undercooked meat and eggs can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Raw salmon from some regions can also carry a parasite that causes a serious illness in dogs sometimes called salmon poisoning disease. For this reason, cook salmon thoroughly, and call your vet promptly if a dog has eaten raw fish and becomes unwell.

Bake, steam or poach it without oil, salt, garlic, onion or lemon. Remove all bones, and cut into small pieces.

• Cook thoroughly.
• Remove skin and bones.
• Do not season.
• Offer a small piece.

Smoked salmon and cured fish are very salty. The ASPCA notes that too much salt can cause thirst, urination, and in large amounts serious problems. Marinated or flavoured salmon often contains garlic, onion or sugar.

A small flake or two as a treat, not a daily food. Extras like this should stay a small part of the day's food. A common vet guideline is that treats and extras make up no more than about 10 percent of daily calories. This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Dogs differ by size, age and health, so ask your veterinarian if your dog has a medical condition, is a puppy, or is on a special diet.

Raw or undercooked fish from certain regions can carry a parasite and a bacterium that together cause a serious illness in dogs. Signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. It can be treated if caught early, so call a vet promptly if your dog ate raw fish and gets sick. This is a good reason to cook any fish before sharing.

Fish bones are small and sharp and can lodge in the throat or gut. Remove all bones. Salmon skin is fatty, and cooked skin can be too rich for some dogs. A small amount is not a problem, but if you want to be careful, leave it off.

Fish oil supplements for dogs are widely sold, but the right product and dose depend on your dog. Ask your vet before starting one. Do not use human supplements without advice.

A few small flakes of cooked salmon is a reasonable treat for most dogs, and slightly more for a large dog. Fish is rich in fat, so a big serving can upset the stomach, and it is not a replacement for a balanced diet. For small dogs, keep to a flake or two.

If you cook salmon for your own dinner, set aside a plain portion before adding oil, salt or lemon, then cool and check for bones.

The most common mistake is serving raw or lightly cooked salmon, particularly sushi or smoked fish. Another is leaving bones in, or sharing skin full of grease. A third is offering salmon cooked with garlic, onion, butter or herbs.

If your dog ate raw salmon, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, fever and tiredness over the following days, and call your vet promptly, since early treatment matters.

Puppies can have a tiny cooked flake, but their main food should be complete puppy food. Seniors with kidney conditions or on special diets should have fish only with vet approval, since salt and phosphorus may matter. Dogs with pancreatitis should avoid rich, fatty fish.

If your dog has fish allergies or a sensitive stomach, skip it. Ask your vet if you are unsure.

Plain baking, steaming or poaching are the simplest ways to cook salmon for a dog. Avoid oil, butter, salt, garlic, onion, lemon and herbs. Cook until the flesh flakes easily, then cool and check carefully for bones, since small bones can lodge in the throat or the gut.

Do not give smoked salmon, cured salmon or sushi. If your dog eats a bone and starts coughing, gagging, drooling or vomiting, call your vet. Canned salmon can be an option if it is packed in water without added salt, but check for bones.