Fish is a delicious dish loved by both humans and canines.
In fact, your dog may enjoy it even more than you do!
If you’re worried about feeding your dog canned salmon, don’t be!
The risk is relatively minimal if the salmon is adequately prepared and served in moderation.
Can dogs eat canned salmon?
Yes, dogs can eat canned salmon since it’s an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
These may help your dog’s cardiovascular and nervous systems as well as reduce inflammation.
Canned salmon is also easily digestible, breaking it into smaller particles when your pup digests.
This article will discuss how to give canned salmon to your pet and the health benefits and risks associated with feeding your pet salmon.
What are the health benefits of salmon to dogs?
Canned salmon is an excellent source of protein for your dog, and it can also provide several health benefits.
High-quality proteins
Salmon for dogs is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for your dog’s health and longevity.
These fatty acids have been shown to help with joint pain and inflammation, making them an excellent option for older dogs experiencing joint issues.
They also help with cognitive function, keeping your dog’s brain healthy as they age.
Vitamins rich
Salmon is high in vitamin D, which helps dogs metabolize their food and absorb calcium.
Another benefit is that salmon contains high vitamin B12, which helps keep your dog’s heart healthy by reducing homocysteine levels.
Homocysteine levels increase when there isn’t enough B12 available for cells in the body to use during metabolism; this can lead to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease if left untreated over time.
Rich in minerals
Salmon also contains selenium, which has antioxidant properties and helps protect against oxidative stress on cells in the body.
This assists in lowering the risk of certain cancers.
Why you shouldn’t feed your dog canned salmon
While salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, it can cause serious health complications if fed to dogs in large quantities.
Gastrointestinal issues
Canned salmon is preserved in both oil and water.
Most omega 3 fatty acids drain out when packed in oil, thus should be avoided.
Pick the salmon canned in water instead.
Too many fats in the oil-packed salmon can cause gastrointestinal issues and pancreatitis at worse.
Symptoms of pancreatitis include; severe thirst, vomiting, low appetite, and lethargy.
Allergic reactions
The primary concern is the presence of histamine in these types of fish, which can trigger an allergic reaction if consumed in large amounts.
However, if you cook your canned salmon thoroughly and store it properly (in an airtight container), there’s no need to worry about your dog getting sick from it.
The high level of vitamin E may also cause stomach upset or diarrhea for some dogs.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach or is prone to diarrhea, you should avoid feeding them canned salmon altogether.
Cancer risks
Mercury is concentrated in canned salmon.
The buildup of mercury in your dog’s body can cause severe issues like blindness, cancer, and kidney and brain damage.
Sodium poisoning
Canned salmon contains increased salts which are harmful to your dog.
High salt levels in your canines lead to dehydration and eventually sodium poisoning.
Signs of sodium poisoning are;
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Fever and body weakness
- Swollen lymph nodes
How to feed your dog salmon
Salmon type matters – It’s essential to choose the right kind of salmon.
Avoid farmed salmon as most may be genetically modified (GMOs) containing many polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), which are highly harmful to dogs.
Boneless canned salmon – Salmon bones are brittle and may choke or injure your dog’s digestive tract.
Eliminate the bacteria – Freeze the canned salmon for about 7 days to kill the parasites.
Alternatively, you can steam the salmon at high temperatures to destroy the bacteria and preserve more omega 3s.
Salmon skin – The skin is filled with nutritional fatty acids beneficial to your dog’s health.
Ensure it’s fully cooked with no added flavors or seasonings, and feed your dog sparingly.
Moderation is vital – Salmon is loaded with fats that should be served sparingly, although healthy.
The high fat can easily contribute to weight gain and other health complications like pancreatitis in dogs.
How much canned salmon is enough for my dog?
Canned salmon can be a regular dog treat if adequately prepared.
Senior dogs can handle a considerable amount depending on their food composition during the day.
A tiny amount of canned salmon is enough for puppies since their digestive systems are not fully developed to break down too much protein.
Dog size and pre-existing medical conditions also matter when it comes to portions.
The 10 percent rule for treats should guide you on how much to feed your dog.
Consult your vet for further assistance.
Can dogs eat smoked salmon?
Dogs shouldn’t eat smoked salmon since the fish is cured instead of cooked.
Therefore it may still contain bacteria and parasites, leading to salmon toxicity.
Smoked salmon also has too much, which, if consumed in large amounts, could cause sodium poisoning.
So, while cooking fish for your dog, do not add seasonings or salt.
Can dogs eat raw, canned salmon?
No.
Most rainwater fish have parasites and bacteria dangerous to dogs.
The symptoms of bacterial infection include loss of appetite, lethargy, and weight loss.
Ensure the salmon skin is fully cooked to kill these parasites and bacteria.
Likewise, remove the hard scales to avoid scratching your dog’s throat.
Conclusion
Canned salmon for dogs is an affordable, tasty and nutritious meal for your pet.
It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that can benefit your furry friend, from increasing their energy levels to keeping their coat in tip-top condition.
The simple preparation makes it a tasty alternative when you simply don’t have any time to cook.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
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