Can dogs or cats eat salmon?

September 11, 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat salmon?

It seems logical that dogs can have salmon, considering many pet foods feature the fatty, nutrient-packed fish.

But before you toss some fish your furry friend's way, there are a few things to know. Salmon is generally safe for dogs to eat when it is cooked properly. Raw or undercooked salmon may contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella that can cause digestive problems or even serious illness in dogs.

Cook the salmon thoroughly by baking, boiling, or grilling it until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. And while you might love seasoning it up, keep it plain for the pup. (They'll still love it, promise.)

If your dog eats salmon and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, dog insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat salmon?

Many manufacturers include salmon in cat food, and for good reason: salmon is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients such as vitamin D and B12 that are great for growing kitties.

Cats require a high-protein diet, which makes salmon an ideal food choice. Protein helps to build strong bones, muscles, and tissues in your cat's body while also providing it with energy.

However, certain precautions should be taken when feeding salmon to your cat.

Keep it plain: We love our salmon with butter or lemon, but seasoning or flavoring could cause health issues like vomiting or diarrhea in cats.

Additionally, cook it well—up to an internal temperature of 145°F. And again, whether you're steaming, broiling, or grilling, remember that seasonings and oils are off limits.

If your cat eats salmon and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, cat insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Information Purposes Only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet Poison Emergency Protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Food Safety Statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet