Short answer: yes, dogs can eat salmon — as long as it's fully cooked and boneless. Cooked salmon is a safe, nutritious protein packed with omega-3 fatty acids that support a shiny coat, healthy skin, and joints. Below is a simple 4-ingredient homemade salmon dog treat recipe I make for my own dogs, plus the safety basics every owner should know before serving fish.
I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. We've spent years sourcing clean, single-ingredient chews, so I'm picky about what goes into a treat. This recipe keeps things honest: no fillers you can't pronounce, no preservatives, just real ingredients you control at home.
Is salmon safe for dogs?
Cooked salmon is safe and healthy for most dogs in moderation. The key word is cooked. Raw or undercooked salmon can carry a parasite that causes salmon poisoning disease, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Always cook salmon thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 140°F, and remove every bone — fish bones are small, brittle, and a choking hazard. As a general rule, serve salmon as an occasional treat rather than an everyday staple, roughly once a week at most (AKC, VCA Animal Hospitals).
Why salmon is good for dogs
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain a healthy coat and skin and carry anti-inflammatory benefits that can support dogs with allergies or stiff joints. It's also a high-quality, digestible protein. That combination is why so many owners reach for fish when their dog's tastes or dietary needs change with age.
Homemade salmon dog treat recipe
This recipe is easy, affordable, and freezer-friendly. Because you make it yourself, you know exactly what your dog is eating.
Ingredients
- 1 can of salmon (packed in water, no added salt), fully drained — or an equal amount of cooked, boneless fresh salmon
- 1 egg
- 1¾ cups whole wheat flour (swap in oat or chickpea flour if your dog is sensitive to wheat)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley (optional, for fresher breath)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Flake the salmon. Pulse it in a food processor (or mash with a fork) until fully flaked. Double-check for any small bones and remove them.
- Mix. In a large bowl, combine the salmon, egg, flour, and parsley. Stir until it forms a dough. Too dry? Add a splash of water. Too sticky? Add a little more flour.
- Roll. On a floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut. Use a cookie cutter — a bone shape is fun, but any shape works.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, until the treats are golden brown and firm.
- Cool completely before storing.
How to store homemade salmon treats
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months. Because there are no preservatives, cold storage matters — when in doubt, freeze a batch and thaw as needed.
How many salmon treats can my dog have?
Treats of any kind should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories. For a fish treat specifically, once or twice a week is plenty. If your dog has a health condition or is on a special diet, check with your veterinarian first.
Prefer a no-prep, single-ingredient option?
Homemade treats are great, but they're not the only clean option. If you'd rather skip the oven, our chews are 100% natural, single-ingredient, 100% real meat, fully digestible, and contain no rawhide — ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms and 100% high-quality guaranteed. A few favorites worth a look: our guide to single-ingredient dog chews, healthy peanut butter treats for another homemade idea, and whether trachea treats are safe for your dog.
The bottom line
Salmon is a healthy, omega-rich treat for dogs when it's cooked, boneless, and served in moderation. This homemade recipe gives you full control over what your dog eats — the same principle behind everything we make at Bully Sticks Central. Bake a batch, watch the tail wag, and freeze the rest for later.
This post was last updated at August 7, 2026 03:25
