Can Pugs Eat Salmon And The Best Way To Prepare It

In this article, we mentioned that Pugs can eat fish, that being said, not all fish are good for Pugs. If you love eating salmon, then you understand it can be tricky to eat with all the small bones. In this article, we’re going to answer the question “can Pugs eat salmon” and the best way to feed it to them.

Can Pugs Eat Salmon?

Yes, Pugs can eat salmon as long as it is fully cooked and served in small bite-size pieces without bones. Salmon contains many valuable nutrients for both humans and pets.

That being said, there are many precautions a pet parent should take into consideration. Pugs have a big appetite and will eat almost anything, being a Pug parent you should know what type of foods Pugs like to eat.

can pugs eat salmon

Let’s have a quick look at why salmon is good for Pugs.

*This page contains affiliate links to products I recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

Benefits Of Salmon For Pugs

When served properly, salmon can be great for your furbaby. Salmon is high in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) which are both an omega-3 fatty acid. Below are some of the benefits of DHA and EP consumption for your four-legged friend:

  • Helps improve brain functions
  • May decrease inflammation (arthritis) which can be great for older dogs
  • Beneficial for your dog’s skin and coat, making is soft and shiny
  • Regulates the immune system
  • Promotes healthy weight loss in overweight dogs
  • Helps produce collagen
  • Improves cognitive function in older dogs
  • Helps prevent and reduce skin allergies

Salmon is not only great for humans but it can be very good for your four-legged friend. There are several more benefits to feeding your dog salmon according to Dr. Miguel A. Mendoza DVM.

Fun Salmon Facts

can Pugs eat raw salmon
Salmon should be cooked to a minimum of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are several species of salmon which belong to the Salmonidae family. The two main groups of salmon in North America; Pacific and Atlantic salmon.

Six types of salmon are harvested in Noth America which are; Sockeye, Chum, Coho, Atlantic, Chinook, and Pink Salmon.

All the Atlantic salmon sold in the U.S. are farm-raised. Salmon is considered a health food.

You can poach, steam, bake, or grill salmon. It only takes about 15-15 minutes to cook.

Nutritional Facts

One 4-ounce fillet of salmon (124 grams):

  • Protein: 31.7 grams
  • Fat: 5.5 grams
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Sodium: 107 mg
  • Sugars: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 0 grams

Is Salmon Safe For Pugs?

Yes, salmon is usually safe for dogs as long as it is served properly. In fact, a lot of fish that are good for humans are also safe for Pugs to eat.

If you’re considering adding fresh cooked salmon to your Pug, I highly recommend consulting with your veterinarian. They will guide you on the proper way to add it to their diet as well as how much to feed them.

Salmon Poisoning In Canines

salmon poisoning in dogs
Bad or raw fish can lead to salmon poisoning.

There are always dangers when it comes to feeding your dog seafood of any kind. As a pet parent, you should know the biggest danger is Salmon Poisoning Disease (SPD), which can be fatal if left untreated.

It’s important to understand and spot the signs of salmon poisoning in dogs. The most common symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Dehydration
  • Vomiting
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes
  • Rapid Weight Loss
  • Lack of Appetite

What To Do If You Think Your Pug Has Salmon Poisoning

If you suspect your dog has been affected with salmon poisoning, it’s vital to get treatment immediately. Death can occur within 14 days of eating infected fish, and 90% of dogs die if not treated by a professional.

The great thing is that salmon poisoning is treatable if diagnosed and treated early.

Contact your vet immediately and inform them that your Pug ate raw fish. Many Pet insurances like Embrace will cover these types of emergency visits.

Click here to see how much it is to buy pet insurance for your precious furbaby!

Can Pugs Eat Raw Salmon?

No, never feed your pup undercooked or raw salmon as it can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can be deadly for dogs.

Can Pugs Eat Cooked Salmon?

Yes, according to the United States of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service recommend cooking fish to an internal temperature of 145℉, it will be thoroughly cooked.

Avoid adding any ingredients such as salt, oil, pepper, onions and etc which can be toxic to dogs.

Can Pugs Eat The Salmon Skin?

As long as the salmon has been cooked properly without any toxic ingredients, it should be safe for your dog to eat.

Many people avoid eating the skin because it can become soggy and rubber if not cooked properly. It is also high in fat, so you should remove it before feeding it to your dog.

How Much Salmon Can Pugs Eat?

Too much of a good thing can also have negative effects on your dog. Overfeeding your pooch salmon can lead to weight gain, tummy aches and pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Limit your dog to small portion sizes and keep their intake to once a week.

Your dog’s snacks should be no more than 10% of the calories from their regular diet. Your Pug should be getting most of their nutritional requirements from high-quality dog food, not human food.

Best Way To Prepare Salmon For Pugs

how to cook salmon for dogs
Thoroughly cook salmon before feeding your pooch.

The USDA recommends cooking fish to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees F. Properly cooked salmon will remove the Neorickettsia helminthoeca parasite, which causes salmon poisoning.

Opt for fresh boneless fillets at the supermarket, as they are less likely to have small bones. Always inspect the filet to ensure there are no tiny bones before cooking.

Then grill, roast, bake, steam, or poach the salmon with no butter, salt, pepper or other seasonings, such as onions or garlic. Use virgin olive oil or quality vegetable oil when cooking.

If you don’t like bland food, prepare your dog’s salmon separate from yours to ensure it does not get contaminated with the seasonings you use.

Alternatives To Salmon For Pugs

If your dog loves the taste of salmon, there’s a good chance they will love some of this other seafood.

Final Word On Feeding Pugs Salmon

Most Pugs will love the taste of salmon, but it’s important to be extremely cautious and cook the salmon completely and keep it simple and bland.

Monitor your dog to ensure they don’t have any seafood allergies. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop feeding them and contact your veterinarian immediately.

References And Further Reading

American Expedition – Salmon Information, Photos, and Facts

NCBI NLB – Philip CB, Hadlow WJ, Hughes LE. – Studies on Salmon Poisoning Disease of Canines I. The Rickettsial Relationships and Pathogenicity of Neorickettsia Helmintheca

FSIS. USDA – Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart

NCBI NLM – Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

NCBI NLM – Distinguishing Health Benefits of Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acids

Black Pug Site