Why is Salmon Good for Dogs?

We want to feed our pets the best we can, they’re an important part of the family after all! Salmon is one of the best proteins you can feed your pet, and if you’ve ever wondered what makes it such a good choice or were thinking about making a change in their diet, we’ve got all the info you’ll need!

the Nutritional Benefits of Salmon

Salmon is chock full of tons of essential nutrients that your pet needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of how salmon supports a healthy dog:

Protein: An adult dog should be getting around 20% crude protein in their diet. Salmon is a great source of that, similar to the levels found in chicken and beef but with less fat which makes it a great choice for weight loss and management.

Vitamins: Salmon is full of micronutrients that can help increase your pet’s energy and brain function like selenium and essential B vitamins.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: One of the biggest benefits of salmon is the high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids (one of the highest of any fish).

They act as an anti-inflammatory and moisturizer which can help soothe irritated skin, reduce dandruff, ease seasonal allergies, and stop excess scratching (which can help reduce shedding).

Omega-3s are also great for joint health, acting as a lubricant that can increase mobility and help prevent joint pain and arthritis, making salmon a great choice for older dogs.

Heart Health: The anti-inflammatory properties of salmon are also great for the heart. Salmon can help maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce arrhythmias, which is great for dogs with heart conditions.

Allergies: If your dog has a lot of allergies, salmon may be a good alternative protein source, as common proteins like chicken and beef are two of the most common allergies in dogs.

Stomach Health: Salmon is one of the easiest sources of protein to digest, more so than other common sources like poultry and beef. If your dog has a sensitive tummy, a salmon-rich diet can help ease some of their discomfort or help with potty problems.

If you think that a Salmon based diet could be a good fit for your pup it’s always a good idea to check with your vet before making the switch.

Feeding Salmon to your dog safely

While salmon is a great choice for your pet, if you decide to prepare it yourself there are some things you should keep in mind:

Cooking: You should never feed your dogs raw salmon. Raw salmon has the risk of carrying bacteria and parasites that can be dangerous if fed to your pet. The parasite that causes this is rare and usually only seen in certain regions of the US and Canada, but it’s always better to err on the safe side and cook your salmon before feeding it to your pet to kill off anything that could pose a risk.

You can cook your salmon however you want; seared, baked, poached, etc.. The only thing to remember is to make sure it’s unseasoned and deboned (small bones can be a choking hazard). Salt is the big thing to avoid here, as too much salt is bad for dogs and can lead to health complications. This also means no smoked or cured salmon.

Prepared Foods: A great way to get salmon into your pets’ diet without having to cook it is to use prepared dog foods and treats. Using prepared foods ensures that the salmon is completely safe for your pets, giving them all of the health benefits without the risks that could come with home-prepared meals. Evolve Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food is our recommendation!

Remember, it’s always best practice to talk with your vet before making any major dietary changes.

FAQs about salmon and dogs

Can Puppies Eat Salmon?

Salmon is one of the best choices for puppies, as its cognitive benefits and high protein are great for development and growth. Omega-3s are actually added to baby food as an essential component for human development, so the benefits of salmon don’t just apply to pups but people too.

It’s recommended that if you go with salmon for your puppy it’s best to avoid cooking it yourself since their digestive systems are more sensitive at that young age. Instead, feed them premade treats and puppy food.

Is Salmon Good for Training?

Salmon is great for training! In addition to all of the health benefits, salmon has a flavor that dogs love, making salmon-based treats great for rewarding and reinforcing good behaviors.

Try Evolve’s Salmon Jerky Bites, which are soft and easy to tear.

Is Salmon Good for Cats?

Salmon is great for cats! It provides them with the same health benefits as dogs and can help improve joint health, cognition, coat, and even eyesight. Just keep in mind that like with dogs salmon should be cooked, deboned, and unseasoned.

Evolve offers salmon-based cat food in both dry and wet options.