If your furry friend loves fish, then this homemade salmon dog food will be their new favorite meal! This wholesome dish features fresh cooked salmon, brown rice, sweet potato, and peas.
This easy homemade dog food recipe is the perfect way to pamper your pooch with nutritious, whole food. It’s made with dog-friendly ingredients and packed with flavors your pup will love.
Why You and Your Dog Will Love Homemade Dog Food with Salmon
There are so many reasons to love this recipe. I used wholesome ingredients that are good for doggy health.
It’s also an easy recipe that supports your dog’s coat health. If you can make a skillet meal, you can make this recipe for your pup.
And since you’re cooking the salmon, it’s safe to feed this fish to your dog. This is because the cooking process kills any harmful bacteria or parasites found in raw salmon. This is imprtant to ensure your dog does not get salmon poisoning.
Benefits of Salmon for Dogs
Salmon is a super-nutritious meat for dogs. It’s full of essential fatty acids that will help your dog have healthy skin and a shiny coat.
It’s also a great source of Omega-3, which are essential fatty acids. They are a great source of protein and support your dog’s brain and muscle growth too.
Disclaimer
Please note that I am not a veterinarian or canine nutritionist. Before starting your dog on homemade food, consult with your veterinarian to ensure it meets their specific dietary needs. This salmon dog food recipe is nutritious and safe but is not intended to be a complete meal replacement. It lacks certain essential vitamins and nutrients that dogs require for a balanced diet.
Transitioning to homemade food will likely necessitate additional nutrient supplements. Always speak with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate foods and supplements for your dog’s breed, weight, age, and health requirements.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to make this recipe with some info on each. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.
- Fresh Salmon Fillets with Skin – any type of salmon is fine to use.
- Brown Rice – an excellent source of fiber, essential amino acids, B vitamins, magnesium, and manganese.
- Sweet Potato – another great source of fiber, rich in vitamins A, B6, and C, and minerals including iron, calcium, and selenium.
- Peas – rich in iron and other vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s immune system and overall health.
- Water – to cook the rice.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
You can customize this recipe with simple swaps or additions if your dog has special dietary needs, taste preferences (picky eaters), or food allergies. Here are some ideas:
- Salmon – You can use any type of salmon. You can also substitute it with any fish safe for dogs to eat.
- Brown Rice – You can substitute it with white rice, however, it will not be as nutritious.
- Sweet Potato – You can substitute it with butternut squash or pumpkin.
- Peas – You can substitute it with another vegetable such as steamed broccoli or cooked green beans.
How to Make Dog Food with Salmon
Making dog food with salmon is super easy to do! These are the steps and some photos to help you make it for your pup:
- Cook the brown rice with water according to the package instructions.
- Peel and cut the sweet potato into small pieces.
- Place the salmon, skin side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Check the fillets and remove any small bones.
- Put the sweet potato pieces on the baking sheet with the salmon.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Use a fork to break up the salmon flesh. Place it and the sweet potatoes in a large bowl.
- Cut the salmon skin into small pieces and place them in the bowl.
- Add peas and cooked rice to the bowl. Stir to combine everything together.
- Let it cool completely before serving it to your dog.
Serving Size
How much homemade food you give your dog can vary depending on many factors including the dog’s size, activity level, and breed. An active breed needs more food. A small dog needs less food than a large dog. A good guide is 1 cup for every 20 pounds of body weight.
Also, start with small amounts when adding new foods to your dog’s diet to ensure your dog has no allergic or adverse reactions.
How to Store Homemade Dog Food and How Long It Lasts
Place the cooled food in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will last up to 4 days.
For longer storage, place individual portions in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.
You can serve it cold or warmed slightly in the microwave. Do not heat it until it is hot.
Can people eat this homemade salmon dog food?
Yes, absolutely! Everything in this dish is safe for human consumption. However, it is not seasoned so folks might want to season their serving with salt and pepper.
More Dog Food Recipes
Do you want to make some other tasty food for your dog? Try these recipes:
- Beef Stew for Dogs
- Chicken and Rice Dog Food
- Chicken Fried Rice for Dogs
- Ground Beef and Rice Dog Food
- Mackerel Dog Food
- Meatloaf for Dogs
Find lots of easy dog food recipes and dog treat recipes right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Salmon Dog Food
Ingredients
- 2 6-ounce salmon fillets with the skin (total 12 ounces)
- 1 medium sweet potato
- 3/4 cup brown rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup green peas frozen or canned
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook the rice with water according to package instructions.
- While the rice is cooking, place the salmon, skin side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Peel and cut the sweet potato into small cubes (dice). Place the diced sweet potatoes on the baking sheet around the salmon in a single layer. Bake for 25 minutes until the salmon is flakes easily with a fork.
- Rinse and drain the green peas and set aside.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and flake the filets with a fork. Cut the skin into bite size pieces.
- Place all ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine. Allow to cool completely before serving.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Yeeeess yummy waauw amaaaazing
Magnificient. Such beauty! Insanely man yummy!
Thank you!
Is this bad to feed everyday as their main food?
That’s something to discuss with your vet. With homemade food, you may need supplements to ensure your dog is getting complete nutrition.
Hello! Does this recipe call for two 6 ounce pieces of salmon totaling 12 ounces? Or two fillets totaling 6 ounces?
It calls for two 6 ounce pieces of salmon, a total of 12 ounces. I updated the recipe card to make it clearer.
Thank you! 🙂