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Salmon

Backed by Dr. Susan Recker

BenefitsServing SizeFrequencyHow to Serve

BENEFITS

Salmon may be best known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, specifically EPA and DHA. Providing these omega-3 fatty acids in the diet has demonstrated a beneficial effect for dogs with arthritis, heart disease, allergies, eye disease, cancer, and other conditions. It also promotes better brain health in both growing puppies and aging dogs. 

As one of only a handful of foods that are super-rich in vitamin D, salmon was shown to correct deficiencies in dogs with low circulating vitamin D levels. Whether part of a complete and balanced diet or used as a treat or topper, salmon supplies protein, B vitamins, and selenium, making it a good option to include in your dog’s rotation.


Serving Size

XS dogs
(< 10 lbs)

¼ oz

S dogs
(10 - 20 lbs)

½ oz

M
(21 - 50 lbs)

¾ oz

L dogs
(51 - 90 lbs)

1-1½ oz

XL dogs
(> 90 lbs)

2 oz



FREQUENCY

Limit to once per week due to mercury concerns. According to Dr. Lily Chen, many pets who routinely ingest salmon are coming up high on their mercury testing at her practice, Integrative Pet Wellness Center. If feeding salmon, consider regular mercury testing.


HOW TO SERVE

  1. Salmon can be purchased fresh, frozen, canned, and even pre-cooked.
  2. Cook salmon all the way through to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
  3. If buying canned salmon, purchase salmon canned in water only with no added oils, salt, or spices.
  4. Serve as a healthy treat or directly on your dog’s food as a meal topper.
warning

IMPORTANT

Raw salmon from the Pacific Northwest may contain a parasite that can lead to salmon poisoning disease. Cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F removes this risk.



arrow_rightReferences

Striker KA, Jerome SP, Lila MA, Høe-Raitto M, Falkenstein LK, Duffy LK, Dunlap KL. Wild Alaskan salmon supplementation increases 25-OHD levels in sled dogs. GSC Adv Res Rev. 2024 Feb;18(2):395-401. doi: 10.30574/gscarr.2024.18.2.0036. PMID: 40463332; PMCID: PMC12133100.

Magalhães TR, Lourenço AL, Gregório H, Queiroga FL. Therapeutic Effect of EPA/DHA Supplementation in Neoplastic and Non-neoplastic Companion Animal Diseases: A Systematic Review. In Vivo. 2021 May-Jun;35(3):1419-1436. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12394. Epub 2021 Apr 28. PMID: 33910819; PMCID: PMC8193331.

Blanchard, T., Eppe, J., Mugnier, A. et al. Enhancing cognitive functions in aged dogs and cats: a systematic review of enriched diets and nutraceuticals. GeroScience 47, 2925–2947 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-025-01521-z

Rodrigues RBA, Zafalon RVA, Rentas MF, Risolia LW, Macedo HT, Perini MP, Silva AMGD, Marchi PH, Balieiro JCC, Mendes WS, Vendramini THA, Brunetto MA. The Supplementation of Docosahexaenoic Acid-Concentrated Fish Oil Enhances Cognitive Function in Puppies. Animals (Basel). 2023 Sep 16;13(18):2938. doi: 10.3390/ani13182938. PMID: 37760338; PMCID: PMC10525578.