Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Most salmon is good, but consider buying Chinook. Chinook salmon can grow more than five feet long and weigh more than 100 pounds. They are a popular food around the world. Their value is considered to be high protein, low fat, high Omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients. These make them a healthy food for most people and their pets.
2

Understand the two main types of salmon: Farm-raised and wild. Most salmon at the grocery or fish market is farmed salmon. These salmon are raised in water pens. Most canned salmon is wild salmon. Why is this important for you and your dog? According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, fish farmers may use antibiotics and pesticides to reduce disease outbreaks. The residues may affect the health of those who eat the salmon. Many nutritionists believe the strong benefits of eating salmon, even if it is farmed, are greater than the risks.
3

If your dog is thriving, keep your current dog food as the primary food. If your dog is not thriving, talk to your vet about switching to a balanced dog food. Use salmon as a supplement to your dog food, not a replacement. You can add salmon nutrients with jerky, treats, toppers, capsules and oil.
4

Make sure you're buying the right jerky for your dog. Salmon jerky is usually dried strips of salmon filet. Some brands are 100-percent wild Alaskan salmon. Other brands are salmon-flavored grains and fruits formed into jerky strips. Read the ingredients carefully to be sure you are getting what you want.
5

Use salmon treats for training or as a healthy reward. Again, watch your ingredients and read the label. Some treats are salmon cubes or bits that are dehydrated or freeze-dried. Others are flavored bits with only a small amount of salmon flavoring.
6

Top your dog's food with flakes of canned salmon. Canned salmon is a fine way to share fish with your dog. Open a can, flake some on your salad and some on your dog's kibble. Canned salmon often includes the fish skin and bones. The calcium-rich bones are cooked and soft enough to be blended into the food. Cover and refrigerate any leftover salmon.
7

If your dog refuses the capsules, squeeze the oil from a capsule on your dog's food. Salmon oil is available in capsules and in liquid form. You can also buy salmon oil in a squeeze bottle blended with other vitamins and nutrients. Squirt it directly on your dog's food. Most supplements need refrigeration after the bottle is opened. Check the label for storage and precautions.