Can Dogs Eat Smoked Salmon? Everything You Need To Know

No, dogs should not eat smoked salmon, which is harmful to dogs’ health. While cooked salmon is safe for dogs to eat, smoked salmon contains excessive salt, which is detrimental to dogs. Also, smoked salmon have parasites that can be fatal for dogs. Smoked salmon goes through a curing process which causes a high sodium level. Consumption of large quantities of smoked salmon can result in kidney diseases and sodium poisoning. Smoked salmon is not cooked and contains parasites, bacteria, and flukes that cause salmon poisoning. Contact your vet if your canine eats an excessive amount of smoked salmon.

What Is Smoked Salmon?

Smoked salmon is a popular ingredient in canapes combined with cream cheese and lemon juice. Smoking the salmon is done to preserve it against microorganism spoilage. In cities of Northern America, smoked salmon is called a nova and can be filets or nuggets. While in Europe, smoked salmon is thinly sliced or sold as scraps for cooking. Salted salmon is called lox and is eaten with cream cheese in Jewish cuisine. Smoked salmon is called sushi in Northern American sushi bars, although not in Japan.

Nutritional Value

Smoked salmon contains low calories but is high in proteins, essential fats, vitamins, and minerals. Smoked salmon is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. A 3.5oz of smoked salmon consists of

Is Smoked Salmon Safe for Dogs?

Smoked salmon is not safe for dogs to consume, and it can be harmful to their health. Salmon, raw or smoked, and raw fish filets should never be fed to dogs. Smoked salmon is high in salt levels which can lead to salt poisoning. It also contains dangerous bacteria and parasites that can lead to severe health problems. However, salmon are safe to feed your dog when cooked and are a rich source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Smoked salmon is not safe for dogs due to the following reasons.

• Salmon poisoning
• Sodium poisoning
• Dehydration
• Sickness

Why Is Smoked Salmon Bad for Dogs?

Smoked salmon is generally not recommended for dogs as it contains elements that can be toxic to dogs.

Seasonings – Seasonings such as garlic and onion powers are toxic to dogs. The smoked salmon that comes with seasoning can harm the dog’s health.

Bones – Salmon and many other types of fish contain small bones that can cause choking in dogs when ingested. Both smoked and raw salmon have bones that can cause the dogs to choke.

Salt – High salt can cause sodium poisoning, making the dog sick. Consumption of large amounts of salt also causes dehydration in dogs. Symptoms of sodium poisoning include seizures, headaches, and dizziness.

Bacteria – Smoked salmon contain harmful parasites called Nanophyetus salmincola. The parasite leads to another bacteria called Neorickettsia helminthoeca in the dog’s gastrointestinal system and thus causing salmon poisoning in dogs. The symptoms of salmon poisoning include

• Vomiting
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Diarrhea
• Digestive problems
• Lack of appetite

What If My Dog Ate Smoked Salmon?

The risks of consuming smoked salmon include

Salmon poisoning: Salmon toxicity is caused by a harmful bacteria called Neorickettsia helminthoeca that enters the dog’s blood through the intestines. The bacteria causes several symptoms and ill effects on a dog’s health. The symptoms of salmon poisoning include

• High fever
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite
• Severe anorexia
• Loss of body weight,
• Swollen lymph nodes

Salt poisoning: High salt content in smoked salmon causes sodium poisoning in dogs. The smoked salmon is prepared with salt and spices, which harms dogs’ health. The symptoms of salt poisoning include

• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Laziness
• Lack of coordination
• Involuntary tremors,
• Excessive thirst

Choking hazards: Salmon, raw and smoked, contain small bones that may get stuck in the food pipe leading to choking. As a result, the airway gets blocked, leading to death. The bones can also pierce the dog’s mouth, causing injury and bleeding.

Peritonitis: The sharp bones reach the stomach and injure the stomach area. This causes inflammation of the internal abdominal membrane called peritonitis. Due to this the stomach, intestine, bladder, and uterus get ruptured. The symptoms include

• Abdominal pain
• Blood poisoning
• Shock
• High fever,
• Reduced blood pressure

If you find your dog consuming smoked salmon, follow the below steps without fail.

• Contact your vet immediately
• Contact the ASPCA (Animal poison control center) helpline to determine the toxic reaction of your pet
• Note down the ingredients list if suppose it contains seasoning or poisonous ingredients
• Seek medical attention at the earliest if necessary.

Alternatives To Smoked Salmon

The healthy alternatives to smoked salmon that can be fed to your dog as a treat can include like

• Beef
• Chicken
• Lamb
• Duck
• Fish
• Cooked salmon 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat canned salmon?

No dogs cannot eat canned salmon because it harms their health.

Can dogs eat raw salmon?

No dogs should not eat raw salmon as the bones can cause choking.

Can dogs eat salmon skin?

Dogs can eat salmon skin as long as it is cooked.

Can dogs eat cooked salmon?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked salmon as they are a rich source of nutrients.

How much is too much smoked salmon in dogs?

Any amount of smoked salmon is not allowed for dogs and should be avoided.

Why can’t dogs eat smoked salmon?

Smoked salmon contains parasites and bacteria that can harm the dog’s health.

Final Thoughts

Smoked salmon is not the best food to feed dogs. They can be toxic. Both smoked and raw salmon are not safe for dogs to consume. Smoked salmon contain parasites and bacteria that can cause salmon poisoning. Other ingredients like salt and seasonings can lead to various other symptoms, including sodium poisoning. However, cooked salmon is safe for dogs to consume and contains nutrients.