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Yes, dogs can safely eat canned salmon in moderation. Salmon has incredible health benefits and it retains its nutrients even in canned form, however, it can also be high in fat and sodium, which can be harmful to dogs. It is best to feed salmon canned in water and low in sodium to your dog.

Canned Salmon
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Safe: This food is generally considered safe by the veterinary community. Dogs can eat this food sometimes or in small amounts but contains little to no nutritional value.

Food Safety Safe in moderation.
Nutritional Value Salmon is full of nutrients that are essential for a dog’s health. It is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium. It also contains collagen which helps with the bone health of senior dogs.
Potential Risks Feeding your dog too much salmon canned in oil can lead to issues such as obesity and pancreatitis. Excess fat can also lead to vomiting and diarrhea. The high sodium content of canned salmon can also lead to sodium toxicosis in dogs.
Every dog is different. For specific feeding guidelines, including quantities and beneficial foods that are best for your dog, please consult your vet.

How Much Canned Salmon is Safe for Dogs?

As a rule of thumb, you should not give your dog more than 100 grams of canned salmon per 10 kg of their body weight. This will help you determine the ideal portion for your dog according to its size.

How to Safely Prepare Canned Salmon for Dogs?

To feed canned salmon to your dogs, it is essential to cook it since raw salmon can lead to conditions such as salmon poisoning disease. Make sure to not season the salmon, however, you can always sprinkle some beneficial herbs for dogs on top of the fish. You can feed canned salmon as a snack or as a meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Canned salmon is the best kind of canned fish for dogs since it contains a negligible amount of mercury compared to other fish.

  • Canned salmon is not toxic to dogs, however, feeding too much of the high-sodium canned brands of salmon can lead to sodium toxicosis in dogs.

About the Writer
Dan Greco , Dog Dad

Having been a dog dad for 5 years, I know how hard it is to make sure your dog gets the right nutrients and stays away from hazardous foods. With the help of a veterinarian who specializes in nutrition, I created this blog to help dog owners quickly access food information they need.

photo of vet holding a pup
About the Contributor
Dr. Hillary Wolfe , Veterinarian & Certified Food Therapist

Dr. Wolfe holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University and holds nutrition certifications from the NAVC and CIVT. Her business, Tula Veterinary Nutrition, hosts online courses that teach owners how to cook for their pet for optimal health and longevity. Follow her on Instagram at @doctorwolfe.dvm for dog nutrition tips, recipes and insights.