Can dogs eat salmon? And cats?
Cooked boneless salmon is healthy. Raw salmon can carry a parasite that is deadly to dogs.
Cooked salmon is a fine treat; keep it occasional and unseasoned.
Cooked, boneless salmon is a healthy omega-3-rich treat for dogs and cats. Raw salmon from Pacific Northwest waters is another story for dogs: it can carry a fluke infected with the organism that causes salmon poisoning disease, which is fatal without treatment. Cook it, debone it, and skip smoked or cured salmon (too salty).
Signs to watch for
- Raw (dogs): vomiting, fever, swollen lymph nodes appearing about a week later
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control people-foods guidance, Merck Veterinary Manual, Pet Poison Helpline. Verdicts are conservative by design: where evidence is thin we choose the stricter rating.
This is general educational information, not veterinary advice. When in doubt about your own pet, ask your veterinarian.
If your pet just ate something risky, act now: call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (consultation fees may apply).