
Thinking about adding salmon to your dog’s diet? You’re not alone.
More and more pet owners are reaching for salmon-based dog food – and it’s easy to see why.
Shinier coats, better digestion, joint support… salmon is packed with essential nutrients that help your dog thrive on the inside and outside. In short: it’s a superfood.
Here’s how it works, how to feed it, and what to look for.
Can dogs eat salmon?
Yes, dogs can absolutely eat cooked salmon.
Raw salmon, however, is a no-go. It can carry harmful parasites if it’s not cooked. Smoked salmon is also not an option. (So unfortunately, no, your pup can’t share a bite of your trendy smoked salmon bagel from your local café.)
Salmon-based dog food is the best and most balanced way for your dog to get their regular salmon fix.
Is salmon good for dogs?
Salmon’s not just good – it’s great for your dog. It’s full of protein and nutrients, while still being easily digestible, making it gentle enough for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
There are a few other benefits:
1. It keeps their muscles strong
Dogs need more protein than humans do. After all, they’re built to run, play and chase.
Salmon brings the goods: it’s a lean meat (to help maintain a healthy weight), highly digestible (so your dog’s body can actually use the nutrients) and packed with amino acids (which fuel muscle growth and repair).
Active dogs and senior dogs especially benefit from that extra protein to support muscle maintenance.
2. It helps them stay active – in body and brain
Salmon contains B vitamins, selenium and potassium. These are essential nutrients that support everything from brain function to heart health to metabolism.
In simple terms: they help your dog stay sharp, energised and ready for whatever their day brings.
3. It gives them a glossy coat and itch-free skin
Thanks to its high content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, salmon nourishes your dog’s skin from the inside out – reducing dryness, flakiness and irritation.
The result? A softer, shinier coat you’ll want to run your hands through. Plus, they’ll feel better in their own skin, too.

How often should dogs eat salmon?
Dogs can enjoy the benefits of salmon every day – when it’s part of a balanced, complete dog food.
Salmon-based dog food takes the guesswork out of portions and preparation, delivering all the goodness of this superfood in a form that’s safe, consistent and easy to serve on the regular.
Are there side effects to feeding dogs salmon?
Yes – but only when it’s the wrong kind. Raw salmon can carry parasites, smoked salmon can have too much sodium, and overfeeding even high-quality human-grade salmon can throw your dog’s digestion out of whack.
Not all salmon dog foods are created equal either. Some rely on fillers or low-quality fish meal that dilute all the best benefits.
That’s where Omega Plus make all the difference. Made with premium King salmon as the #1 ingredient, every dog food recipe from Omega Plus is wholesome, balanced and nutritionally complete for everyday feeding.
Responsibly raised in New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds, it’s salmon your dog can thrive on. Every single day.
Transitioning your dog to salmon
When switching your dog to a new food, take it slow. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their current one, gradually increasing the ratio over several days. Most dogs adjust well within 7-10 days.
Ready to upgrade your dog’s feeding routine? Explore the Omega Plus range today.