Mary Allen
Until a few years ago, salmon was still considered a delicacy. Today salmon is on every supermarket shelf. In addition, dog foods always contain salmon.
Not without reason. Because fish is a great source of nutrients for your dog. You can therefore feed this fish to your four-legged friend from time to time.
Salmon is considered very healthy. For example, eating salmon lowers the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Salmon for dogs
Dogs are allowed to eat salmon. You can give your fur nose ready-made dry or canned food with salmon. On the other hand, you can buy fresh wild salmon. Mix the fish into the regular food if your dog likes raw fish. If not, salmon oil is a great alternative.
However, before feeding, check the fish for large bones. This makes it easier for your four-legged friend to eat. Bone-experienced dogs are welcome to eat small bones.
Identify types of salmon
In the grocery store, the wide variety of salmon can be confusing. What’s the difference between:
- farmed salmon
- wild salmon
- coalfish
Farmed salmon is sometimes questionable
Almost all salmon in German supermarkets come from Norway. The farmed salmon comes from farms in the fjords off the Norwegian coast.
There, the breeders feed these salmon with pellets made from fish oil and fishmeal. However, the majority of the feed consists of protein concentrates and vegetable oil. Farmed salmon are therefore mainly fed on a vegetarian diet. As a result, they have fewer healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Wild salmon provide more omega-3 fatty acids
Unlike farmed salmon, wild salmon feed on smaller fish and crustaceans. It is from eating these animals that they get their beautiful orange-pink color. Wild salmon also have less fat.
They swim around freely and get lots of exercises. During their lifetime, fish swim thousands of kilometers in the sea. You can find a lot of healthy omega-3 fatty acids in wild salmon.
How healthy is salmon?
Wild salmon is very healthy. It offers you and your dog unsaturated fatty acids. Like the well-known omega-3 fatty acid. It also provides important minerals and vitamins.
Farmed salmon grow up in floating cages. These are up to 50 meters deep. As a result, the salmon only have a tiny fraction of movement. Unlike wild salmon.
Pollock is not salmon
The name indicates that pollock is related to salmon That’s not the case. Saithe is a species of cod. It doesn’t have much in common with a real salmon.
During World War I, around 1915, salmon imports dropped drastically.
The meat of this substitute came from a species of white fish. Their flesh was dyed red. You can still find this salmon substitute in grocery stores today. Although real salmon is no longer scarce due to artificial farming.
Buy farmed or wild salmon?
To drive away annoying parasites and to keep the farmed salmon healthy, the farmers give the animals medicines. They also use chemicals to make the artificial feed durable. These chemicals and drugs are detectable in the fish you buy at the supermarket.
When buying salmon for your dog, be sure to buy wild salmon. This one has less fat. In addition, wild salmon is far less contaminated with pollutants.
Make no mistake about the omega-3 content of farmed salmon. The breeders increase this artificially by adding it to the feed. Wild salmon is the better choice for your dog.
Feed only fresh salmon
Salmon and fish in general should only be given to your dog very fresh. Older fish are susceptible to parasites and bacteria. To be on the safe side, you can lightly sear the fish before feeding.
Salmon is available in different varieties as a chew. Dried fillets are very fatty. You should therefore not feed salmon fillets while your pet is on a diet.
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Small treats with salmon meat, on the other hand, are very suitable for training your furry friend.
Can dogs eat raw salmon?
Dogs are descended from wild animals. Therefore, they are well adjusted to raw feeding. This applies to salmon as well as to other types of fish.
As in nature, raw salmon should ideally be fresh. Since the fish meat is untreated, you can only prevent bacteria and other germs and pathogens with complete cooling. As a dog owner, always ensure the best possible hygiene during storage and preparation. It is best to feed raw salmon as soon as possible.
Raw bones are soft and pliable. Only when exposed to heat do they become sharp, hard, and potentially a problem. However, the salmon is relatively boneless. In general, dogs do very well with it.
Can dogs eat salmon skin?
The skin of the salmon contains valuable nutrients and can be eaten by dogs without hesitation. The salmon skin is less fatty than the salmon meat. In specialist shops, dried salmon skin pieces are sold as treats for four-legged friends or as chewing snacks in between meals.
Can dogs eat smoked salmon?
Smoked salmon has the advantage that it has a longer shelf life. The intensive smell and taste experience appeal to many dogs. However, you should portion smoked salmon appropriately for your dog. The amount depends on the body weight and the constitution of your furry friend.
Do not add smoked fish to the menu too often. In addition, the dog must then drink enough.
If you are feeding salmon for the first time, it is best to check how your dog’s digestion reacts afterward. If there are any abnormalities, you should reconsider the amount or ask your veterinarian for advice. In most cases, however, salmon is very well tolerated.
What fish can the dog eat?
Fish is considered a healthy alternative to meat. Roughly speaking, this also applies to dogs. You can give the most edible fish to your four-legged friend without hesitation.
Frequently Asked Question
Which salmon for dogs?
When buying salmon for your dog, be sure to buy wild salmon. This one has less fat. In addition, wild salmon is far less contaminated with pollutants. Make no mistake about the omega-3 content of farmed salmon.
How often can a dog eat salmon?
Salmon is a fish that is known to be particularly healthy. It provides valuable omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Fish should be on our menu at least once a week, with salmon leading the way.
How much fish can a dog eat a day?
How much fish can dogs eat? It depends on the dog and how the fish is fed. It depends on whether it should be the main meal or a small amount as a treat between meals.
Can a dog eat smoked salmon?
Dogs are allowed to eat smoked salmon. But always make sure that he doesn’t get too much. Only use it as a treat now and then. Smoked salmon is very salty and too much salt is not good for your dog.
Can a dog eat smoked fish?
Dogs are allowed to eat smoked fish. You are allowed to eat this because the harmful substance thiaminase would be rendered harmless by smoking. So your dog can eat any type of fish.
How to prepare salmon for dogs?
Either way, you should remove the bones from the salmon. Smaller bones can be eaten when fed raw but cooked they harden and become a danger to your dog. The best and easiest way to feed fresh salmon is raw.
Can I give rice to my dog?
Rice, a popular staple food, can be eaten by dogs. In theory, a dog could even eat rice every day. If a bland diet has been prescribed for a dog, rice is even ideal. Rice should not be consumed in large quantities by a dog if it has diarrhea.
Are potatoes bad for dogs?
Boiled potatoes are harmless and even very healthy for your furry friend. Raw potatoes, on the other hand, must not be fed. The green parts of tomatoes and Co. contain a lot of solanine and are therefore particularly harmful.