Packed with important nutrients, salmon is a high-quality meat that everyone enjoys. Its rich, buttery flavor makes it a popular recipe among families. But can Frenchies eat salmon? Can they enjoy its mouthwatering taste, or is salmon best for humans only? Read on to learn more about salmon and Frenchies.
Can Frenchies Eat Salmon?
Yes. Frenchies can safely enjoy salmon. Salmon has loads of health benefits for your French Bulldog. Its nutrients, including proteins, ensure Frenchies’ muscles are strong.
Nutritional Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is a powerhouse of nutrients. Here are its main nutritional benefits for dogs:
Rich in vitamins and other micronutrients
Salmon contains healthy vitamins and minerals.
- Vitamin A is essential for immune, vision, and bone wellness.
- Vitamins B1, B3, B6, and B12 are important for cognitive wellness, proper metabolism of fatty acids, proper nervous system functioning, red blood cell production, and proper cell growth.
- Calcium and phosphorus are needed to properly grow and develop bones, muscles, and teeth.
Supports digestion
Salmon has fatty acids that lubricate the digestive tract. In addition, salmon’s anti-inflammatory properties support the intestinal lining while boosting gastrointestinal wellness.
Rich in omegas
Salmon is a powerhouse of omega fatty acids. The omegas prevent skin irritations and allergies, support cognitive wellness, boost cardiac health, support vision health, enhance immunity, and lower the chances of joint problems.
High protein content
Protein plays a critical role in your Frenchie’s overall growth and development. It ensures your dog’s muscles are strong and healthy. Salmon has approximately 20 grams of protein for every 100 grams. This could be why most dog food manufacturers include salmon as their first ingredient.
Can be an excellent choice for weight management
Salmon contains less saturated fat and cholesterol than other protein sources. This makes it a great choice for dogs with weight problems. Obesity exposes your Frenchie’s body to many health issues, like pancreatitis.
Health Risks of Feeding Raw Salmon to Frenchies
Cooked and unseasoned salmon is the best for Frenchies. Raw salmon exposes your dog to risks. It may include parasites and bacteria. Raw salmon has a parasite called Neorickettsia helminthoeca that causes salmon poisoning, which can be fatal. Some of the signs to look out for include:
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Lack of appetite
- Fever
Concerns With Salmon for Dogs
Here are the major concerns with salmon for Frenchies:
Species of Salmon
Salmon classification varies. Some classifications use the salmon’s origin, and this is where you will find Pacific or Atlantic salmon. The US Atlantic salmon is farm-raised. There are approximately five types of Pacific salmon, and they include chum (keta), sockeye (red), king (chinook), coho (silver), and pink salmon. Salmon species do not matter when selecting salmon for your Frenchie.
Farm Raised or Wild-Caught
Salmon can either be farm-raised or wild-caught. Farm-raised salmon has loads of contaminants, calories, fat, antibiotics, and pollutants. This makes wild-caught salmon a healthy choice for your Frenchie. Wild-caught salmon is, however, a bit expensive. However, both wild and farm salmon have pollutants like dioxins and mercury. This makes both salmon similar in terms of pollutants.
Cooked or Raw
Sashimi and Shushi use raw salmon. But raw salmon has bacteria and parasites. These pathogens cause health problems in both humans and pets. Consuming cooked salmon is the best option. Cooking kills bacteria and parasites. Grilling and baking are common cooking methods. You can also sauté salmon. Cooked and unseasoned salmon is the best.
Oil
Salmon oil is rich in fatty acids. Because salmon oil is a highly concentrated form of fish, it must be filtered to remove pollutants that could harm your Frenchie; otherwise, consuming too much oil could be dangerous.
Salmon Poisoning In Dogs
When a dog ingests raw salmon contaminated with the parasite Neorickettsia helminthoeca, it can develop Salmon Poisoning Disease (SPD), a serious ailment with a high mortality rate. Hemorrhaging, which normally starts in the small intestine’s tissues, is the initial stage. It gradually spreads throughout the body and becomes systemic.
Signs of Salmon Poisoning
Here are the signs to watch out for:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Discharge from the eyes and nose.
Which Salmon Recipes and Parts Can Be Eaten Safely by Frenchies?
Salmon Skin
Most of the time, we discard salmon skin and enjoy skinless salmon. But the skin is a nutritious part of salmon. It has omegas that nourish our hair, nails, and skin. Omegas are also anti-inflammatory and help lower the risk of harmful free radicals.
But can Frenchies eat salmon skin? Yes. Salmon skin is safe and healthy for French Bulldogs. Do not make it a daily meal. Serve it moderately.
Salmon Bones
Salmon, though tasty, can be dangerous. This is true when it comes to its bones. They are sharp and can easily cause choking in children and pets.
So, can Frechies eat salmon bones? No. The bones are small, firm, and extremely pointy bones. They may become stuck in your Frenchie’s mouth or stomach, choking it or seriously compromising its digestive system.
Thus, it’s crucial that you thoroughly remove all of the salmon’s bones before serving your dog. Purchasing a boneless salmon fillet for your dog is always a smart move.
Raw Salmon
Cooking is an excellent way to make salmon safe for everyone—dogs included. This is because raw salmon harbors bacteria and parasites that cause salmon poisoning. The disease can be fatal.
So, can Frenchies eat raw salmon? No, raw salmon is harmful, as it causes a life-threatening condition called salmon poisoning disease. Boiling, grilling, or baking make salmon a healthy meal.
Cooked Salmon
As mentioned, cooking destroys harmful pathogens. Cooked salmon is also easy to chew and digest. It has proteins, omegas, and vitamins that promote general well-being.
So, can Frenchies eat cooked salmon? Yes. Cooked salmon has nutrients that support your Frenchie’s skin, coat, immune, cognitive, and cardiac wellness. Cooked salmon should, however, be free from artificial additives, seasonings, and preservatives.
Canned Salmon
Mercury is a concern for both pet parents and their pets. But canned salmon is free from mercury. This makes it a healthy option for humans.
But can Frenchies consume canned salmon? Yes. Your French Bulldog can occasionally eat some salmon from a can, but it’s best to give them the salmon.
Salmon can be stored in water and is safe for your dog to consume. Oil and other liquids’ salt and fat content is frequently excessive, which is terrible for your dog.
Smoked Salmon
Smoking involves curing salmon in brine with a lot of salt. Smoking also involves adding seasonings like garlic, which are harmful to dogs.
So, can Frenchies eat smoked salmon? No. Smoked salmon has lots of salt, which can cause salt poisoning and dehydration. Some of the symptoms of salt poisoning include seizures and dizziness.
Pink Salmon
This is the smallest type of salmon found in the Pacific Ocean. It is healthy and nutritious, like other salmon. The major difference, though, is its small amount of oil. This makes it an excellent meat for dog breeds prone to weight gain.
So, can Frenchies eat pink salmon? Yes. Pink salmon is healthy and nutritious. It has omegas, vitamins, minerals, and proteins essential for your Frenchie’s overall health. Its low oil content makes it a good choice for obese Frenchies.
Baked Salmon
Baking destroys bacteria and parasites, making baked salmon healthy for humans and pets. No oil is used, so you and your dog can safely enjoy this delicacy.
So, can Frenchies eat baked salmon? Yes. Baked salmon is rich in DHA and EPA for cognitive health and reduces the risk of inflammation. It is also low in oil to reduce the risk of pancreatitis and cardiac problems.
Best Ways To Prepare Salmon For Your Frenchie
You can safely prepare salmon for your dog. Always consult the vet before introducing homemade recipes to your Frenchie. Here are two easy recipes to try at home:
Salmon and pumpkin
Ingredients
- Coconut flour, 1 1/2 cups
- 1 cup of pureed pumpkin
- Coconut oil, half a cup
- 4 eggs
Procedure
- Set the oven to 350 degrees
- Mix flour, salmon, oil, puree, and eggs in a processor until it forms a smooth dough
- Roll the dough to ⅛-¼ inch
- Bake for 20 minutes
Salmon and tuna
Ingredients
- 14 ounces of salmon
- 7 ounces of tuna
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups of wheat flour
Procedure
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- Mix salmon, tuna, eggs, and flour and form a dough
- Stir and spread evenly on a cookie sheet
- Bake for 40 minutes
Tips for feeding salmon to your Frenchie
Here are excellent tips on feeding salmon to your Frenchie:
- Purchase water-based canned salmon
- Serve cooked salmon
- Bake salmon at high temperatures
- Serve deboned salmon
- Do not add seasonings or salt
- Introduce salmon slowly
Which Dog Food Brands Use Salmon in Their Foods?
Salmon is rich in proteins and other nutrients. This makes it a common ingredient in dog food. Here are some of the dog food brands that include salmon in their recipes:
- Taste of the Wild: Their salmon recipe Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Smoke Flavored Pacific Stream Salmon Dry Food starts with real salmon, contributing 25% protein for strong muscles. It has omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics for coat, skin, immune, and digestive functions.
- American Journey: Their salmon and sweet potato formula American Journey Grain-Free Salmon and Sweet Potato Dry Food features deboned salmon and sweet potatoes for strong muscles and proper digestion. Its protein content of 32% ensures your Frenchie is muscular.
Read more on The Best Salmon Dog Foods to Buy
How much salmon can I give my Frenchie?
Though salmon is healthy, you should not make it a frequent meal for your Frenchie. Here’s a guide on the amounts to serve:
| Weight in pounds | Amount of deboned, cooked, and fresh salmon per week (ounces) |
| 2-20 | 1-2 |
| 21-30 | 2-3 |
| 31-50 | 3-4 |
| 51-90 | 4-6 |
| 91 and above | 6-8433 |
Is salmon good for Frenchies with food allergies?
Yes. French Bulldogs with food allergies can safely eat salmon. Cooked salmon doesn’t cause allergic reactions in dogs.
How do I feed my dog salmon?
Start with small amounts and gradually increase them until you attain your dog’s specific amounts. Cooked, baked, or grilled salmon is best for Frenchies.
Is chicken or salmon better for dogs?
Both chicken and salmon are healthy protein sources for your dog. However, chicken has a slightly higher protein content than salmon. On the other hand, dogs can become intolerant of chicken.
Can I boil salmon for my dog?
Yes. Boiling destroys bacteria and parasites, making salmon safe for your French Bulldog. Do not add any seasonings or preservatives.
Do I need to cook salmon for my dog?
Yes. You should cook salmon for your Frenchie. Cooking kills harmful pathogens and prevents diseases.
Can I feed my dog salmon and rice?
Yes. Salmon and rice are a good combination. Salmon provides omegas and proteins for strong muscles and healthy skin, while rice provides fiber for proper digestion.
Can dogs eat salmon in water?
Yes. Water-based canned salmon is okay for dogs. Avoid oil-based salmon, as it exposes your dog to various health problems.
What is the best way to cook fish for dogs?
You can bake, grill, sauté, or boil salmon for your dog. Ensure that you bake at high temperatures to kill all pathogens.
Can I give my Frenchies salmon eggs?
Although dogs can eat salmon eggs, the eggs are not healthy. Salmon eggs have loads of sodium, which can lead to sodium poisoning and dehydration.
What fish is good for dogs to eat?
Dogs can safely eat fish with little or no mercury. Such fish include cod, whiting, salmon, herring, catfish, flounder, and whitefish.
Can dogs eat canned salmon bones?
No. Dogs cannot eat canned salmon bones. Canned salmon bones are brittle and can easily splinter, causing choking or blockages.
My dog ate raw salmon.
Raw salmon is harmful to your dog. If it is consumed accidentally, watch out for the signs of salmon poisoning, which include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and swollen lymph nodes.
Is raw salmon better for Frenchies than cooked?
No. Raw salmon is unhealthy for Frenchies. On the other hand, cooked salmon is safe and healthy. Cooking kills bacteria and other disease-causing pathogens.
How much-cooked salmon can I give my Frenchie?
The amount to serve your Frenchie varies with its weight. Heavier Frenchies require more cooked salmon than their lighter counterparts.
Can cooking salmon upset dogs’ stomachs?
No. Cooked salmon does not cause any stomach issues. Cooking is a healthy way to serve salmon to your Frenchie.
What happens if my Frenchie eats raw salmon?
Consuming raw salmon exposes your Frenchie to the risk of salmon poisoning, characterized by vomiting, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, and fever.
Can Frenchies Eat Salmon? Final Thoughts
There you have it. We have given you all the information about French Bulldogs and salmon.
Salmon is a healthy and nutritious meal for your Frenchie. It has proteins, minerals, omegas, and vitamins. Salmon bones are, however, a choking hazard.
Portion control is crucial with salmon. Serve your Frenchie in reasonable portions, and restrict its intake of salmon to no more than once a week.
Canned salmon is also okay. But it should be water-based. Therefore, save a small portion for your Frenchie the next time you’re grilling or baking salmon. Always consult the vet before introducing salmon to your Frenchie.