Salmon
Also known as: wild salmon, farmed salmon
Cold-water fish that's one of the best natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids for dogs.
What it actually is
A fatty saltwater fish. In pet food it appears as whole salmon, salmon meal (dried/ground), or salmon oil.
Why it's used in dog food
Delivers EPA and DHA (the anti-inflammatory omega-3s dogs can't make themselves) directly in food form, plus complete protein and vitamin D.
A bit of history
Salmon entered mainstream pet food in the 1990s when researchers linked omega-3s to reduced inflammation, joint health, and coat quality in dogs. Champion Petfoods (Acana/Orijen) helped normalize it in Canadian kibble.
Pros
- •Excellent source of EPA and DHA omega-3s
- •Complete protein plus natural vitamin D and B12
- •Good rotation choice for dogs with chicken or beef allergies
- •Skin, coat, and joint benefits are backed by real research
Cons
- •Farmed salmon carries higher contaminant risk (PCBs, dioxins) than wild
- •Raw Pacific salmon can carry a fluke that causes 'salmon poisoning disease' — cook or commercially freeze first
- •Salmon oil oxidizes quickly and can go rancid without proper storage
Safety notes
Raw wild Pacific salmon from BC, Washington, Oregon, or northern California must be commercially frozen (–20°C for 7 days) before feeding to kill Neorickettsia helminthoeca. Atlantic and farmed salmon do not carry this risk.
Sourcing & quality
Wild Alaskan or Canadian Pacific salmon is the gold standard. MSC-certified sustainable sources exist for farmed.
Commonly found in
Skip this if…
You cannot store the food cold enough to prevent oxidation.
The verdict
One of the highest-value proteins on the market for dogs. Prioritize wild-caught and store properly.