Can Dogs Eat Salmon Skin? Everything You Need to Know Before Sharing This Treat
Bay the Doberman Pinscher is munching down a big piece of salmon skin, and she’s having no trouble getting this delicious treat down in just seconds! Watching Bay enjoying her snack, you might be thinking about whether your own dog would eat salmon skin; but is salmon skin safe for dogs, and do you need to do anything to prepare it?
Let’s get the big question out of the way: can dogs eat salmon skin? Yes!
Salmon skin is perfectly safe for dogs (and humans, by the way) and is a great treat or addition to your dog’s diet when fed in moderation.
@baythedoberman What’s for dinner? Salmon Skin. 🍣 #BayTheDoberman #Doberman #ASMR #dogsoftiktok #dobermans_of_tiktok #asmrdog #salmon #salmonskin #puppytok #puppy ♬ I Think I Like When It Rains – WILLIS
Benefits & Considerations for Feeding Your Dog Salmon Skin
Can dogs eat cooked salmon skin only, or is raw fish skin also safe for dogs? How much salmon skin can a dog eat? Are there health risks or digestive issues to be aware of before feeding the skin of salmon to your dog?
We know the answer to “Can dogs eat salmon fish skin” is yes, but should you give this treat to your furry friend?
Nutritional Benefits of Including Salmon Skin in Your Dog’s Diet
Salmon skin is packed with nutrients like protein, vitamins B6 and B3, and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy treat for dogs. “Salmon skin actually contains even more of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids than the rest of the fish,” says Dr. Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM adding that it’s best to give your dog only small amounts of the skin since it is high in fat and can cause some digestive issues.
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to support healthy immune systems, skin and coat health, cognitive function, and much more. Salmon skin can support health in almost every area of the body, and most dogs love how it tastes—healthy and delicious? That’s a treat we can get behind.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Salmon Skin?
Cooked, unseasoned salmon skin is safe for your dog, but most vets say it’s best not to feed your dog raw salmon skin. Raw salmon skin is not toxic to dogs, but it could contain harmful parasites or bacteria.
“Even with all the health benefits of salmon for dogs, pet parents should be cautious about feeding their pooch raw or undercooked salmon. Feeding your dog undercooked salmon can make them very sick,” Dr. Mitchell, DVM says. “Raw and undercooked salmon can contain a parasite known to cause salmon poisoning disease, which can be fatal for dogs if left untreated.”
Skin from frozen salmon may be safer than fresh salmon skin since commercial freezers reach temperatures low enough to kill parasites and bacteria in fish. However, it’s still best to play it safe and prepare salmon skin by cooking it for your pooch. The parasite responsible for salmon poisoning disease (also called salmon poisoning or fish poisoning) occurs in more than one type of fish and may also be caused by raw or undercooked trout and steelhead.
Interestingly, dogs can also contract salmon poisoning disease from giant salamanders!
How Much Salmon Skin Can a Dog Eat?
Eating too much salmon skin can cause health issues like gastrointestinal distress, so it’s important to feed it to your dog in moderation. If you notice your dog is having stomach trouble even when you feed them small portions of salmon skin, stop giving it to them immediately and consult your vet.
To guide how much salmon skin you feed your dog, consider that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet. Vets also recommend that small dogs have no more than 1–3 ounces of fresh salmon a week (weight will be different for dried or dehydrated salmon skin), medium dogs can have 3–4 ounces of fresh salmon a week, and large dogs can have 4–8 ounces per week.
Easy & Affordable Salmon Skin Dog Treat Recipe
Can dogs eat the skin of salmon plain, or should it be prepared first? It’s best to avoid feeding your furry friend raw fish skin, but preparing it doesn’t have to be complicated. Baked, grilled, and lightly pan-seared are all good options for cooking salmon skin for dogs—just don’t add seasonings, spices, or aromatics like garlic since these can be toxic and unhealthy for dogs.
If you like giving your dog salmon skin treats regularly, you can purchase them at most pet stores or make them yourself!
Created by Dog Child, this crunchy salmon skin dog treat recipe is a great way to feed yourself and make something special for your dog! Use the salmon flesh cooked in this recipe to make your own salmon cakes, a salmon dip, or simply add it to pasta or a salad. The skin is for your dog, so avoid seasoning the salmon until you have separated the flesh from the skin.
Ingredients:
- 1 salmon filet, skin on
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Place the salmon on a baking sheet, skin side down and put in the oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and flip so the skin is facing up. Carefully remove the skin from the flesh and set the flesh aside to use however you want.
- Put the skin back onto the baking sheet with the scales up, and return to the oven for 10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy.
- Remove the skin from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Cut the skin into strips, cool completely, and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator or two months in the freezer.
Can My Dog Eat Salmon Skin? FAQ
Dog owners like you want all the details on feeding their dogs salmon skin—here’s what they’re asking and quick answers to help you become an expert!
Can dogs eat salmon skin with scales?
I know my dogs can have salmon skin, but aren’t the scales tough to chew? Can my dogs eat salmon skin with scales, or should I remove them? Dogs can eat salmon skin with scales—there’s no need to take them off!
Can dogs eat smoked salmon skin?
No. Smoked salmon is heavily seasoned with salt and other spices and isn’t good for your dog. Dogs eating smoked salmon can experience serious gastrointestinal issues, particularly if the smoked salmon is seasoned with garlic, pepper, or chilis.
Can dogs eat salmon skin cooked with spices and seasonings?
No. Dogs should only eat unseasoned salmon skin. If your dog accidentally gets a piece of seasoned salmon skin they will likely be fine, but don’t make it a habit.
Can dogs eat salmon skin fried?
Yes, but you should avoid it. Salmon skin is already high in fat, so frying it in oil can make it excessively oily and upset your dog’s stomach.
Can dogs eat grilled salmon skin?
Yes, as long as it is unseasoned.
Can dogs eat baked salmon skin?
Yes, as long as it is unseasoned.
Can dogs eat salmon skin from a can?
Yes, if it is unseasoned and unsalted.
