Yellow: with caution
Yes, but only cooked and with the bones removed. The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes cooked salmon as an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It considers raw salmon unsafe.
Why salmon gets a yellow rating
Raw or undercooked fish can carry parasites and bacteria. The MSD Veterinary Manual describes salmon poisoning disease, an infection caused by bacteria within a fluke that dogs ingest through raw salmon and trout. Without treatment, up to 90 percent of affected dogs die. For context, MSD says this disease occurs only in the north-western USA. The general rule of always cooking fish thoroughly for dogs still applies.
How to serve salmon safely
- Cook thoroughly: Steam, bake or grill until the flesh is no longer translucent inside.
- Remove the bones: Fine fish bones can become lodged or injure the intestines.
- No seasoning: No oil, sauce or salt.
- No smoked salmon: The AKC specifically advises against raw and smoked fish products.
- Occasionally: Salmon is high in calories. Once in a while is plenty.
What if your dog has eaten raw salmon?
If your dog has eaten raw fish, perhaps from a kitchen worktop or the shore, call your vet and explain what was eaten and when. In the following days, watch for fever, weakness, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea. If a bone is stuck in the mouth or throat, or your dog is gagging or drooling heavily, go straight to the vet and do not try to pull it out yourself.
If you suspect poisoning, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Our free feeding calculator shows you how much food your dog needs each day and how to account for snacks. You can find more on meal plans and treats in our book “Dog Nutrition and Meal Plans” (book in German), and our free Puppy Starter Pack helps you get ready for a puppy. To give your dog a place on your wall, explore our dog portraits from your own photo or choose an individual portrait.
Further reading
- How to calculate how much food your dog really needs
- Is my dog overweight? How to assess body condition and ideal weight
- Labrador Retriever: why a quarter are always hungry
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: American Kennel Club, Can Dogs Eat Salmon?; American Kennel Club, People Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat (Fish, Salmon); MSD Veterinary Manual, Salmon Poisoning Disease and Elokomin Fluke Fever in Dogs.
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