Salmon is not only a delicacy for humans but also offers numerous health benefits for our four-legged friends. Whether as part of a balanced diet or as a special treat, serving salmon the right way can contribute to the health and well-being of your dog. However, as with any food, there are several things to consider.
Below, you will learn whether salmon is a healthy or potentially harmful food for dogs. You will also learn which type of salmon is most advantageous and how to prepare it best – raw, smoked, cooked, with or without skin.
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the health of dogs. These fatty acids not only support a shiny coat and healthy skin but also contribute to the health of the cardiovascular system and can have anti-inflammatory effects on arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are also present in salmon oil, which can be easily added to regular dog food to benefit from these advantages.
The other key nutrients in salmon are:
A significant advantage of salmon over other types of fish is that it does not contain thiaminase. This enzyme, which is present in many fish, can cause a deficiency of vitamin B1 in dogs, leading to health problems. Therefore, feeding certain types of fish is not recommended. However, this concern does not apply to salmon.
Generally, there are three types of salmon: wild salmon, farmed salmon, and pollock.
Advantages: Wild salmon is an excellent source of unsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and high-quality proteins. Since it does not require antibiotics and moves freely in nature, it is a healthy option for your dog.
Disadvantage: Wild salmon may be more expensive than other types of fish, and its availability may vary depending on the region and season.
Advantages: Farmed salmon can be a convenient option as it is available year-round. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids and proteins, although the fat content may be higher.
Disadvantage: The quality of farmed salmon can vary significantly, and there is a possibility that antibiotics are used in fish farming. Therefore, be sure to choose high-quality farmed salmon that is free from harmful residues.
Advantages: Although pollock is not salmon and offers fewer valuable nutrients, it can still be a good source of protein for your dog.
Disadvantage: Compared to types of salmon, pollock contains fewer omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats.
For your dog's diet, it is important to opt for high-quality and sustainably caught or farmed salmon. Bellfor offers extruded grain-free dry food with wild salmon & trout for medium-sized dog breeds (Wildbach-Schmaus) and cold-pressed grain-free dry food with salmon & trout for large dogs (Forstbach-Schmaus) in its range.
When it comes to feeding raw or cooked salmon to dogs, some points must be considered. In fact, raw fish is susceptible to germs and parasites, so it is important to exercise extreme caution when feeding raw salmon to your dog.
Here are some additional points to consider:
Freshness: When feeding raw salmon, it should be of the highest quality and absolutely fresh. Ensure that it has been stored cool and safely to minimize the risk of contamination. Make sure the cold chain has not been interrupted.Smoked salmon can appeal to many dogs due to its intense flavor and smell and has the advantage of lasting longer. However, it is important to give this treat in moderation and be aware that it is not suitable as a main food for dogs.
The following points are crucial:
Portioning: Smoked salmon should only be given occasionally and in small quantities as a reward or treat. Making a whole meal out of it is not advisable.It is always important to monitor the amount and type of treats you give your dog to ensure they fit into their overall diet. If your dog has accidentally eaten a small amount of smoked salmon, you usually don't need to worry, but it is best to avoid this in the future and use suitable treats for dogs instead. Your pet's well-being and health should always be top priority.
At Bellfor, our goal is to provide dog owners who value quality with a species-appropriate diet for their dogs. Our Freeze Snacks, just like our dry and wet food, are free from artificial additives. Instead, these tasty treats consist exclusively of food-grade salmon fillet.
Thanks to gentle freeze-drying, the natural dog snacks remain rich in nutrients and extremely flavorful, which your dog will surely confirm.
With Bellfor Freeze Snacks made from salmon fillet, you are opting for healthy rewards in the form of low-carb treats that provide your dog with high-quality and easily digestible animal protein.
Our Bellfor Wildbach Bites are also a healthy reward for your dog. As a grain-free snack with a particularly high fish content, they are ideal for dog training in obedience school or at home.
The high-quality salmon, which accounts for at least 26% of the snack, makes Bellfor Wildbach Bites a particularly tasty reward. In addition, selected ingredients such as linseed oil with valuable omega-3 fatty acids as well as fruits and vegetables from regional sources are integrated into these healthy soft snacks.
Salmon skin can be a good source of omega-3 fatty acids when consumed in moderation and properly prepared. However, it should only be served cooked and without seasoning to avoid potential risks.
To prepare salmon safely for your dog, thoroughly cook it until fully cooked through and remove all bones. Salmon for dogs can be served in the form of cooked fish, salmon oil, or salmon cream. It is important to offer salmon only as a supplement to regular diet and not as the main food source.
If you have concerns about feeding your dog salmon, there are numerous alternatives. Salmon dry food (extruded or cold-pressed) or omega-3-rich oils can offer similar health benefits without the risks associated with raw or poorly prepared salmon.
Salmon can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet as long as it is properly prepared and served in moderation. Pay attention to the quality of the salmon and avoid raw or smoked salmon to minimize health risks. With the right preparation and products, salmon can help support your dog's well-being.
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