Can Dogs Eat Canned Salmon Every Day? A Pet Parent’s Guide to Safe Feeding

It’s a quiet evening, and you’re fixing yourself a quick dinner—salad, maybe some rice, and a can of wild-caught salmon. As you scoop the pink fish into your bowl, your dog trots over, tail thumping, nose twitching at the salty-savory scent. “Just a little taste?” you wonder, dropping a tiny piece into their bowl. They devour it, then look up at you with those “more, please!” eyes.

Salmon is often hailed as a superfood for humans, packed with omega-3s, protein, and vitamins. But can dogs enjoy it too? And more importantly—can they eat canned salmon every day? If you’ve ever asked yourself this, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll break down the benefits and risks of feeding canned salmon to your dog, how much is safe, healthier alternatives, and answer your most pressing questions. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

1. Can Dogs Eat Canned Salmon Every Day? The Short Answer
2. The Benefits of Canned Salmon for Dogs
3. The Risks of Feeding Canned Salmon Daily
4. How Much Canned Salmon Can Dogs Safely Eat?
5. Healthier Alternatives to Canned Salmon
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
7. Conclusion: Moderation is Key
8. References

Can Dogs Eat Canned Salmon Every Day? The Short Answer

No, dogs should not eat canned salmon every day.

While canned salmon can be a healthy, occasional treat for dogs (when served properly), daily feeding poses significant risks, including excess sodium intake, potential mercury accumulation, and nutrient imbalances. Think of it like chocolate for humans—delicious and fine in small doses, but not a daily staple.

Dogs thrive on balanced diets, and even nutrient-dense foods like salmon can throw off their nutrition if overfed. Let’s explore why, starting with the benefits.

The Benefits of Canned Salmon for Dogs

Canned salmon isn’t all bad—in fact, when given in moderation, it offers several health perks. Here’s what makes it a popular treat among pet parents:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: For Skin, Coat, and Joints

Salmon is rich in EPA and DHA, two omega-3 fatty acids that support your dog’s skin and coat health (hello, shiny fur!), reduce inflammation (great for dogs with arthritis or allergies), and boost brain and eye development in puppies ¹.

2. High-Quality Protein: For Muscle and Energy

Protein is essential for dogs, and salmon delivers a lean, complete protein source. It helps maintain muscle mass, repair tissues, and keep your dog feeling full and energized ².

3. Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Canned salmon is packed with nutrients like:

• Vitamin D: Supports bone health and immune function (many dogs are deficient in vitamin D, especially those who live indoors) ³.
• Vitamin B12: Aids in red blood cell formation and nerve function.
• Selenium: An antioxidant that protects cells from damage and supports thyroid health.
• Potassium: Regulates heart rate and muscle function.

4. Easy to Digest (For Most Dogs)

Canned salmon is soft and moist, making it a good option for dogs with dental issues or sensitive stomachs (as long as it’s plain and unseasoned).

The Risks of Feeding Canned Salmon Daily

Now, let’s talk about why daily canned salmon is a bad idea. These risks often outweigh the benefits when overfed:

1. Excess Sodium: A Hidden Danger

Most canned salmon (even “low-sodium” varieties) contains added salt to preserve freshness. Dogs need only small amounts of sodium—too much can lead to:

• Thirst and excessive urination: Straining the kidneys over time.
• Salt toxicity: Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, or even death in severe cases ⁴. The FDA recommends dogs consume no more than 100 mg of sodium per kg of body weight daily; a single can of salmon can contain 200–400 mg of sodium, which quickly adds up ⁵.

2. Mercury and Environmental Contaminants

While salmon is low in mercury compared to larger fish (like tuna), daily consumption can cause mercury to accumulate in your dog’s body over time. Mercury toxicity leads to neurological issues, kidney damage, and digestive problems ⁶.

3. Bones: A Choking or Blockage Hazard

Some canned salmon (especially “bone-in” varieties) contains small, soft bones. While these are technically edible (they’re cooked and soft), they can still pose a choking risk for small dogs or cause intestinal blockages if swallowed whole ⁷.

4. Additives and Seasonings

Avoid canned salmon with added oils, sauces, garlic, onion, or spices. Garlic and onion are toxic to dogs (they damage red blood cells), while oils can cause pancreatitis in sensitive dogs ⁸. Always choose canned salmon in water (not oil or brine) with no added ingredients.

5. Nutrient Imbalance

Dogs need a balanced diet with the right mix of protein, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Feeding canned salmon daily can unbalance their intake—for example, too much protein can strain the kidneys in dogs with pre-existing conditions, and excess fat can lead to obesity ⁹.

How Much Canned Salmon Can Dogs Safely Eat?

If you want to treat your dog to canned salmon, follow these guidelines to keep them safe:

General Rule: 10% of Daily Calories

Treats (including canned salmon) should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The rest should come from a balanced dog food ¹⁰.

Portion Sizes by Dog Size

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1–2 teaspoons per serving.
• Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 1–2 tablespoons per serving.
• Large dogs (50–100 lbs): 2–3 tablespoons per serving.
• Giant dogs (over 100 lbs): Up to ¼ cup per serving.

Frequency: 2–3 Times Per Week, Max

Even with proper portioning, canned salmon shouldn’t be a daily treat. Stick to 2–3 times per week to avoid sodium and mercury buildup.

Healthier Alternatives to Canned Salmon

If you want to give your dog the benefits of salmon without the risks of canned varieties, try these safer options:

1. Fresh, Cooked Salmon (No Bones!)

Fresh salmon is lower in sodium than canned and free of preservatives. Simply bake, boil, or steam it (no seasoning), remove all bones, and chop into bite-sized pieces. It’s more expensive than canned, but worth it for occasional treats ¹¹.

2. Sardines (In Water, No Salt)

Sardines are tiny, low-mercury fish packed with omega-3s and calcium (thanks to their edible bones). Look for sardines canned in water with no added salt—they’re a budget-friendly alternative to salmon ¹².

3. Commercial Dog Foods with Salmon

For dogs who love salmon, opt for high-quality dog foods that list salmon as the first ingredient. These are formulated by veterinary nutritionists to be balanced, so your dog gets salmon’s benefits without the risks of overfeeding ¹³.

4. Lean Meats or Other Fish

Chicken, turkey, or fish like mackerel (low mercury) are great protein sources. Just ensure they’re cooked, unseasoned, and boneless.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can puppies eat canned salmon?

A: Puppies can have small amounts of canned salmon (in water, no bones) as an occasional treat, but their diet should focus on puppy-formulated food for balanced nutrition. Consult your vet first, as puppies have sensitive tummies ¹⁴.

Q: Is smoked salmon safe for dogs?

A: No. Smoked salmon is high in salt and often contains preservatives like nitrates, which are toxic to dogs. Stick to plain, unseasoned salmon ¹⁵.

Q: Can dogs eat salmon skin?

A: Yes, but only if it’s cooked and free of bones or seasoning. Salmon skin is a good source of omega-3s, but remove any scales and cut it into small pieces to avoid choking ¹⁶.

Q: My dog ate a whole can of salmon—what should I do?

A: Contact your vet immediately. A full can may cause sodium toxicity, especially in small dogs. Symptoms to watch for: vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, or lethargy ¹⁷.

Q: Can dogs with kidney disease eat canned salmon?

A: No. Dogs with kidney issues need low-sodium diets, and canned salmon is too high in salt. Ask your vet for kidney-friendly treat options ¹⁸.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

Canned salmon can be a tasty, nutrient-dense treat for your dog—but daily feeding is a no-go. The risks of excess sodium, mercury, and nutrient imbalance far outweigh the benefits. Instead, offer it 2–3 times per week in small portions, alongside a balanced dog food.

Every dog is different, so always consult your vet before adding new foods to their diet—especially if they have health conditions like allergies, kidney disease, or obesity.

At the end of the day, your pup’s health depends on balance. A little salmon now and then? They’ll love you for it. But for their daily meals, stick to what’s tried-and-true: high-quality dog food formulated for their unique needs.

References

Footnotes

1. American Kennel Club (AKC). “Fish for Dogs: Are They Safe?” akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-fish ↩

2. PetMD. “Protein for Dogs: What You Need to Know.” petmd.com/dog/nutrition/protein-dogs-what-you-need-know ↩

3. Cummings Veterinary Medical Center. “Vitamin D Deficiency in Dogs.” tuftscvm.com/conditions/vitamin-d-deficiency-dogs ↩

4. FDA. “Sodium in Pet Food: What You Need to Know.” fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/sodium-pet-food-what-you-need-know ↩

5. National Research Council. “Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats.” National Academies Press, 2006. ↩

6. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Mercury Levels in Fish.” epa.gov/fish-tech/mercury-levels-fish-and-shellfish ↩

7. VCA Hospitals. “Foreign Body Ingestion in Dogs.” vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/foreign-body-ingestion-in-dogs ↩

8. ASPCA. “Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Onions.” aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/onion ↩

9. World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). “Global Nutrition Guidelines.” wsava.org/global-guidelines/nutrition-guidelines ↩

10. American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN). “Feeding Your Pet: Treats and Table Scraps.” acvn.org/feeding-your-pet-treats-and-table-scraps ↩

11. The Spruce Pets. “Can Dogs Eat Salmon?” thesprucepets.com/can-dogs-eat-salmon-552473 ↩

12. Pet Food Institute. “Sardines for Dogs: Benefits and Risks.” petfoodinstitute.org/resource/sardines-for-dogs ↩

13. Whole Dog Journal. “Best Dog Foods with Salmon.” wholedogjournal.com/dog-food-reviews/best-salmon-dog-foods ↩

14. Puppy In Training. “Can Puppies Eat Salmon?” puppyintraining.com/can-puppies-eat-salmon ↩

15. Dr. Karen Becker. “Is Smoked Salmon Safe for Dogs?” healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2018/06/15/smoked-salmon-for-dogs.aspx ↩

16. PetHelpful. “Can Dogs Eat Salmon Skin?” pethelpful.com/dogs/can-dogs-eat-salmon-skin ↩

17. Emergency Vets USA. “Salt Poisoning in Dogs.” emergencyvetsusa.com/salt-poisoning-in-dogs ↩

18. Kidney Diets for Pets. “Low-Sodium Treats for Dogs with Kidney Disease.” kidneydietforpets.com/low-sodium-dog-treats ↩