Is Salmon Meal in Dog Food a novelty in dog food or a marketing gimmick or a scientific boon?
This is the obvious question that comes to my mind when I see novel meal formulas in dog food.
One such talked about, fish meal is Salmon meal. We all know the benefits and high heart health claims of including fish in our diets.
But are the same claims made by different brands on the salmon meal in your dog food the same?
By going through intensive research and finding all ins and outs I could write this article.
So, the truth about the salmon meal in your dog food is– it’s a good thing! And in this article, we will see how I came to that conclusion.
Contents
All You Need To Know About Salmon meal In Dog Food
The article answers some of the most basic and common questions about the salmon meal to other key topics.
What is a Salmon meal in dog food?
Salmon meal is a coarse, dehydrated powder produced from processed fish. As per aaha, “Salmon is an increasingly common ingredient in commercial dog food because manufacturers are looking for unconventional protein sources and they want to include more omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.” It is produced by the traditional rendering process used in the pet food industry.
The salmon meal is formed by rendering and grinding whole salmon fish, along with their cartilage and bones.
Some salmon meals are also prepared from the bones and offal from processed fish.
Fish meal (FM) offers large quantities of energy per unit weight. It is a source of high‐quality protein and highly digestible essential amino and fatty acids
(Zinn et al., 2009).
Salmon meal can contain as much as 30% more protein per ounce than salmon fish. Because the salmon meal is a whole concentrate of crude protein without water.
What makes salmon meal different?
Salmon meal is different from other meat meals. Because the salmon meal is only around 5-7% water and is far more concentrated than fresh fish.
Fresh raw fish meat contains roughly 70% water. And as a result, has much less needed protein.
For example, 20% of fresh fish would only equate to around 6.5% fish meal.
Salmon meal is easier to digest and has more protein.
Salmon meals are also different more other conventional meat meals in your dog food.
Salmon meals have higher amounts of heart and brain-healthy omega’s and Vitamin D content which is difficult to find in other meat meals.
According to the Dog and Cat Food Ingredient Center database.
Salmon meal is the most prevalent compared to other Sea food-based pet food ingredients.
Why just salmon as the first choice for fish?
Salmon is naturally exceptionally rich in various vitamins and minerals. Salmon is low in mercury compared to other exotic fishes.
Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and especially vitamin B12 at 133% daily value.
Salmon fish is also a rich source of essential micronutrients like e selenium and phosphorus.
Thus it is a safer option for dogs and helps to avoid the ill effects of mercury.
Salmon fish has higher levels of DHA and EPA.
Salmon naturally contains essential amino acids such as arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, and lysine.
Health Benefits of Salmon Meal In Dog Food
Salmon meal is not only the best alternative for dogs with allergies. But it has a good list of added health benefits to offer. Below are some health benefits that a dog can obtain from the salmon meal in dog food.
Healthy Bones and Joints
Salmon meal alone can provide as much as 40% of the protein in your dog’s daily diet.
These proteins are provided by the salmon meal in the form of essential amino acids.
Salmon meal is a lean protein source that helps your dog maintain healthy muscle mass and weight.
It provides the right quantity of protein needed to keep your dog active, energetic, and healthy.
Omega 3 and 6 oils
Salmon meal is a natural source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids. It is said to be good for their skin, coat, and joint health.
Thus salmon meal in your dog food is best suited for dogs that have arthritis and bone-related problems.
Salmon meal is the best choice for senior dogs having allergies to chicken or beef meals.
A good brain booster
Salmon meal is also said to encourage healthy brain function. So it’s ideal for puppies who need to be trained and are learning new skills.
It is also best suited for dogs that are old and who tend to be a little forgetful.
Thus the beneficial oils and fatty acids inherently found in a salmon meal are vital in all-around brain development.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory properties
Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids found in the salmon meal are not naturally produced in dogs.
They have higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
This helps the dog to have a better immune system and greater immunity. Thus salmon meal prevents bacterial infections, viruses, and even fungal infections.
Factors To Consider While Buying Dog Food With Salmon meal
Consider the following points while buying dog food with a salmon meal.
Look for the first two ingredients
A premium dog food containing a salmon meal should have the mention of a salmon meal in the first two ingredients list itself.
Look for the labels that mention salmon meal instead of the term fish meal.
Because the term fish meal in dog food is vague. As it does not clearly mention the type or source of fish that is used in preparing the meal.
It would be an added advantage if the first ingredient is salmon itself.
So look for dog food that has salmon along with the salmon meal as the first two ingredients.
Such a dog meal with the above two ingredients will be nutritionally fulfilling.
And it will be richer in protein as compared to a salmon meal alone in dog food.
Avoid artificial flavors and colors
As per the AAFCO guidelines, it is necessary for the manufacturer to mention all the ingredients on the label.
Avoid dog food that uses natural like artificial flavors to enhance dog food.
The artificial flavors are sure to enhance the taste of dog food. But it will adversely affect the health of your dog.
Avoid using colors that are not permitted to use.
If you have switched to a salmon meal in your dog food for allergy-based purposes.
It is wise to keep a check on the additives, artificial colors and flavors.
Look for higher food safety standards
Some countries like the USA, Canada, Europe and New Zealand have higher and more accurate food safety standards and guidelines.
They are best known to mention the source of their meal. Some of the brands even mention if they have used GMO-based sources for the meal.
Buy the dog food brand that has met the suggested formulations required for dog food.
Look for the brand that complies best with AAFCO guidelines.
Look for formula and Guaranteed Analysis
A high-quality dog food meal will always have a clear outline for its Guaranteed analysis.
The Guaranteed Analysis (GA) is the nutrient profile found on the back of the dog food bag.
GAs will provide the diet’s basic nutrient composition. For example, it gives information on the percentage of crude fat, crude protein, and moisture.
Also look for the formula of salmon meal, whether it is made of whole salmon fish or its by-products!
Sometimes It Can Go fishy!
Being a novel source of protein, the salmon meal has also catered to some negatives about it. But to the best of our knowledge, these negatives can be avoided too.
And these pre-assumed notions about a salmon meal in dog food have been clarified below.
Suggested Precautions
Switching to a novel protein meal source in your dog food like salmon meal takes time. Start with a slow and steady feeding process.
Observe and keep a record of your dog’s health in the first week of starting a salmon meal. Because not dogs react the same to the same diet.
For dogs with previous allergies to chicken or beef, look if they are not sensitive to salmon meal. Always feed as per the instructions given on the dog food.
If your dog is allergic to grains or corn also noted the other ingredients that follow after a salmon meal.
In such a case, avoid food ingredients like corn, soy, or wheat-based ingredients in your salmon meal.
Associated Risks
Anything good in excess can be bad, that is even true for salmon meal in your dog food.
When used in excess, this salmon meal in your dry dog foods can lead to obesity and cardiac problems.
Because an excess of dog food is always stored as fat if your dog is not active or doesn’t follow a regular exercise schedule.
Types of Fish That Aren’t Safe for Dogs
Not all fish is good for your dog. Raw Salmon and Smoked Salmon are the worst choices to be served to your dog.
Tilefish, Swordfish, King mackerel, and Albacore tuna (canned) aren’t safe for dogs.
These fish have high levels of mercury in their tissues, and they often have parasites in their skin, muscle tissues, and internal organs.
Suggested Salmon Meal Recipes in Dog Food
After knowing the best health benefits of a salmon meal in dog food. We have suggested some of the quick picks for a salmon meal in your dog food.
These recipes have just salmon as a single protein animal source. And it will best suit dogs, with allergies to chicken or even grains.
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Recipe
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Recipe has premium high-quality single-sourced salmon.
This recipe is our suggested first choice with 4.7 stars and more than 2k+ ratings.
It is free from chicken, beef, turkey, dairy, or corn. The best buy for a salmon meal in your dog food!
Merrick Grain-Free with Real Salmon+Sweet Potato Recipe
Merrick Grain Free with Real Salmon+Sweet Potato Recipe has deboned salmon along with salmon meal in its first three ingredients itself!
This salmon meal recipe is fortified with added minerals and vitamins. The best part of this salmon meal is that it suits the needs of all dog breeds!
FAQs
Can dogs eat raw fish?
No, it is not safe to feed raw fish to your dog. As not all types of fish can be fed to dogs. According to AKC “Raw fish is at risk of carrying harmful bacteria like salmonella and listeria.”
They might also have higher mercury levels in their tissue. Thus, it can lead to complicated health hazards.
Does Salmon meal in dog food contain real salmon fish?
Salmon meal in your dog food does not contain real salmon.
The salmon meal is prepared from real salmon by the process of rendering and making it into a fine coarse powder suitable to be stored and eaten in dog food.
Can puppies or pregnant dogs Eat Salmon meal in dog food?
Yes, even puppies or pregnant dogs can eat a salmon meal in dog food. However, puppies and pregnant both have different nutritional requirements.
So they need to be fed with salmon meal according to their life stage and body weight.
Are dried salmon treats different from Salmon meal in dog food?
Yes, dried salmon treats are generally processed meat prepared from salmon without bones and cartilage. They are power dried and preserved.
The Takeaway on Salmon Meal in Dog Food
Now seeing the ingredient “salmon meal” in your dog should not be a turn-off for you.
The truth about salmon is that it is a great choice for a complete novel protein.
Salmon meal not only is a varied source of protein but a meal rich in omega-3 & 6 best suited to allergic dogs.
Resources
- Reisen, J. (2022, September 1). Can Dogs Eat Salmon? American Kennel Club.
- Fish meal – nutritive value. (2010, December 28). Wiley Online Library
- Fish Meal. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2022, from ScienceDirect.
- Study: Does salmon pose a health risk to dogs? (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2022, from AAHA.
Julia is a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist, practicing veterinarian in a non-profit animal hospital and feline sanctuary located in Rochester, NY. She is also a full-time veterinary advisor at DogLikesBest. She focuses on writing healthcare-related topics including dog foods, treats, veterinary diets, food for specific healthcare features, etc. Moreover, any article on DogNeedsBest that has to concern feline health in any way, goes under her scrutiny before being published.
