Can dogs eat salmon?

Yes — fully cooked only

Yes. Fully cooked, boneless, plain salmon is excellent for dogs. Never feed raw salmon in the UK or North America.

The full picture

Cooked salmon is one of the best foods you can give a dog — rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high in protein, and excellent for skin, coat, and joint health. It's a common ingredient in premium dog foods for a reason. The critical rule is fully cooked only. Raw or undercooked salmon from the Pacific Northwest can carry a parasite that causes 'salmon poisoning disease' in dogs, which is potentially fatal. UK-sourced salmon has a lower risk but should still be cooked. Remove all bones — salmon bones are small and can lodge in the throat or gut.

Risks to watch for

  • Salmon poisoning disease from raw fish
  • Bones causing injury
  • Mercury if fed daily in large amounts

Potential benefits

  • High in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Excellent protein
  • Supports skin and coat health
  • Anti-inflammatory

Safe portion size

A palm-sized piece for a medium dog, once or twice a week.

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Related foods

Tuna caution Chicken yes Sardines yes
Written and reviewed by
The Can My Dog Eat editorial team

Every food page is cross-checked against UK veterinary sources including the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), the Animal PoisonLine, PDSA, and the Merck Veterinary Manual before publication. We do not accept paid placements from brands. If you spot an inaccuracy, please let us know — we take errors seriously and correct them quickly.

Spot an error? Report it

Checked against UK veterinary guidance — see our editorial standards and source list. If your dog has eaten something and you need urgent advice, call a vet or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000.

Important: This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different, and individual factors (age, breed, health conditions, medications) can change what's safe. If in doubt, always contact your vet — or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 in the UK.