Yes, dogs can eat salmon and many other fish, as long as it is cooked, boneless and served plain. Well-cooked salmon and white fish like cod, haddock or pollock make a lovely, protein-rich treat, and fish is a good source of the omega-3 fatty acids that help support a healthy skin and coat. There are two firm rules, though: never feed raw salmon, and always remove every bone.
Coat condition is my day job here in the salon in York, so I am a fan of anything that helps skin and coat from the inside. Fish is a good one, done properly. Here is how to serve it safely.
Is fish good for dogs?
Cooked, boneless fish has genuine benefits as an occasional treat or food topper:
- A lean source of protein, easy to digest for most dogs.
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, something I notice on the grooming table.
- Generally gentle on the tummy when served plain.
That said, fish is a treat or an addition, not a replacement for a complete, balanced diet. Your dog's normal food is doing the heavy lifting nutritionally.
Which fish are safe, and how to serve them
Good choices include salmon, cod, haddock, pollock, whiting and other plain white fish. To serve safely:
- Cook it thoroughly. Bake, steam or poach until fully cooked through.
- Serve it plain. No oil, butter, salt, garlic, onion or seasoning.
- Remove every bone. Cooked fish bones can splinter and cause choking or damage the gut.
- Let it cool and flake it into small pieces before offering.
- Keep portions small, as an occasional treat rather than a daily meal.
Tinned fish can work in a pinch, but choose fish tinned in spring water, never brine (too salty) or oil, and drain it well.
> Groomer's tip: If your dog's coat looks a little dull, a small amount of cooked, boneless salmon now and then can be a nice addition, but it is not a substitute for regular grooming and a good diet. Persistent dull, flaky or itchy skin is worth a vet check, as it can point to something underlying.
Why raw salmon is dangerous
This is the part that catches people out. Never feed your dog raw or undercooked salmon (or raw trout). Raw salmon from certain waters can carry a parasite that harbours the organism causing salmon poisoning disease, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Signs can include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, weakness and swollen lymph nodes, and it needs urgent veterinary treatment.
Thorough cooking destroys the parasite, which is exactly why cooked salmon is fine and raw is not. If your dog does snatch a piece of raw salmon, watch them closely and speak to your vet, especially if any symptoms appear.
What to avoid with fish
- Raw or undercooked salmon and trout: the salmon poisoning risk.
- Any bones, cooked or raw, which can splinter or lodge.
- Salted, smoked or heavily seasoned fish, which is too salty and can contain garlic or onion.
- Fish fried in batter or oil, too fatty and can upset the tummy or worse.
- Fish tinned in brine or oil, high in salt or fat.
For general guidance on canine diet and health, the PDSA's guide to a healthy dog's diet and Vets Now's pet care library are both reliable UK sources.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat raw salmon?
No. Raw or undercooked salmon can carry a parasite linked to salmon poisoning disease, which can be fatal to dogs. Always cook salmon thoroughly and remove the bones.
Can dogs eat cooked salmon skin?
Only if it is plain and well cooked, and even then in small amounts, as the skin is fatty. Skip it if it has been fried, oiled or seasoned.
What white fish can dogs eat?
Cod, haddock, pollock and whiting are all fine when cooked plain and deboned. Serve in small, flaked pieces with no salt or seasoning.
Can dogs eat tinned fish like tuna or sardines?
In small amounts occasionally, choosing fish tinned in spring water and well drained. Avoid brine and oil, and do not make oily fish a frequent habit.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. A shiny coat starts from the inside and finishes on the grooming table, so book a groom to keep your dog looking their best. Book their next groom.