Is chicken better than salmon for dogs

Lamb vs Chicken vs Salmon Dog Food: Pros, Cons & Differences

In this article, well look at three of the most common protein sources found in commercial dog food: lamb, chicken, and salmon. Chicken is by far the most widely used protein. In fact, some chicken components may even be found in lamb and salmon diets. However, chicken is also a frequent culprit in food sensitivities among dogs. If your dog has confirmed food allergies or a sensitive stomach, lamb or salmon diets may be a better option, although youll need to read ingredient lists carefully to ensure theres no chicken present. If you dont have to be cautious about avoiding chicken products, congratulations! Your biggest issue will be deciding which of the dozens of chicken-based dog foods works best for your pup.

At a Glance

Lets look at the key points of each product.

Overview of Chicken Dog Food:

Chicken, chicken meal, and chicken by-products are the most common protein sources in dog foods. Chicken is sourced worldwide and affordable, especially if the manufacturing company has no qualms about buying from factory farms.

If youre loyal to a particular dog food brand, you wont have trouble finding meals with chicken. Chicken products are available in canned and dry food for every life stage. Chicken dog foods are sold at your local pet store, grocery store, big-box chain, and convenience store.

The quality of the chicken used in these recipes can vary widely. For example, some brands advertise that they use whole or real chicken and shun by-products and meals. The term chicken by-products refers to the parts of the chicken leftover after processing for human consumption, essentially the organs. Chicken meal is dried out, ground chicken remnants and whole chicken is the actual meat of the bird.

All are acceptable protein sources for dog food, but dog food companies know that most humans assume whole chicken is higher quality and will generally pay more for it. Some dogs would probably eat a dead chicken they found on the side of the road and dont care which type of chicken they consume. However, many dogs develop food sensitivities and allergies to chicken diets.

Pros

• Essentially every brand makes a chicken dog food
• Usually, the most cost-effective diets are chicken-based

Cons

• A frequent culprit in food allergies and sensitivities

Overview of Lamb Dog Food:

For many years, lamb dog food was considered the go-to choice for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Now, because its been available as an ingredient for so long, several dogs have been exposed to it, and lamb is not typically considered a true novel (new) protein.

While not as common as chicken options, most dog food brands, mainly the big ones like Purina and Science Diet, offer at least one lamb-based diet. Youll more than likely be able to find lamb food on shelves at pet stores, grocery stores, and big-box stores. Not all the specialty brands will offer lamb foods, however.

Lamb foods are also rarely available from the smaller, fresh pet food companies that are growing more popular. Real lamb is an expensive cut of meat, and private companies already have high production costs.

If you want to serve lamb to your pup, you may not be able to find it for every life stage of your dog. For example, a company may produce a lamb-based puppy or adult diet but not a senior one.

If youre interested in lamb food because you suspect your dog is sensitive to chicken, youll need to check the labels carefully. Some lamb diets, especially lower-cost ones, use chicken products to fulfill their protein requirements.

Pros

• Often a better choice for dogs with food sensitivities
• More corporate brands are using lamb

Cons

• It may not be available from smaller companies
• Not a true novel protein

Overview of Salmon Dog Food

Salmon dog foods are generally considered true novel protein diets, suitable for use in food allergy trials and feeding to dogs with various digestive conditions. Prescription allergy diets often use a salmon formulation.

Besides the recipes designed for canines with allergies, youll also see salmon commonly used in sensitive skin and stomach formulas. The naturally high fatty acid content of salmon makes it an easy choice as an ingredient to support skin health in particular.

Of the three dog foods, salmon diets will likely be the least accessible. Some pet food makers do not produce salmon food, and those that do are typically charge higher prices.

Like lamb, salmon is rarely available as fresh dog food, and it typically costs more than chicken and lamb meals.

Because wild salmon is over-fished, you may want to be more particular about researching the source of the ingredients in your dog food. Dog food companies usually make it easy to find this information, especially because they know people are looking for it.

One problem with salmon dog food is that it has a strong, fishy odor that people find off-putting, and some dogs wont care for the smell or taste of salmon meals either.

Pros

• The true novel protein of the three foods
• Best choice for dogs with food allergies
• A good option for dogs with sensitive skin

Cons

• Least accessible of the three foods
• Often has a strong odor
• Some dogs dont like the taste

What Are the Differences Between Them?

Price

Manufacturers use several forms of chicken in their products, but the cheapest dog foods overall are generally made with chicken.

Convenience

Chicken is the most common protein used in dog food. If a rural gas station stocks a bag of dog food just in case a road-tripping pet parent forgets to pack theirs, chances are its a chicken diet.

Quality

The quality of the salmon will vary depending on the brand of dog food. However, salmon is generally only found as an ingredient in expensive dog food.

Allergy-friendliness

Salmon is the only one of the protein sources we discussed thats considered a true novel protein by veterinarians. Prescription salmon meals are usually single protein recipes. However, you need to double-check the labels of over-the-counter salmon foods to ensure they dont contain any chicken products.

What the Users Say

Dog food manufacturers have their fans and their critics, so weve taken a look at customers opinions on lamb, chicken, and salmon foods overall.

Fans of chicken-based meals appreciate the low cost and convenience. However, they tend to be divided on their opinions of the various forms of chicken ingredients. Some are opposed to using recipes with by-products, for example.

We also noticed that users sometimes blame chicken dog food for any sign of itchy skin or digestive troubles in their pups, which may not always be fair.

Lamb dog food generally receives positive reviews, again with variations among brands. Several customers mentioned that even picky dogs seemed to enjoy the taste of lamb meals. Others found that lamb food did help with their dogs potential food sensitivities. Some dog owners were frustrated that some lamb recipes also contain chicken ingredients.

Most customers were pleased with the quality and effectiveness of dog food with salmon, especially for sensitive pups. The primary complaint about salmon across the board was the smell. A few users warned pet parents to look out for hidden chicken ingredients in salmon-based meals, and others claimed the fish might not be the best choice for picky eaters.

Final Thoughts

For the average dog owner, chicken foods are the easiest and best option due to their broad appeal and wide availability. They generally work well for all life stages and breeds, barring those dogs with confirmed food sensitivities. Dogs with suspected food sensitivities should look towards lamb or salmon options as long as they proceed cautiously to ensure there are no hidden chicken ingredients. Pups with severe food allergies will likely need a true novel protein (check with your veterinarian before switching), making salmon dog food the superior choice.

Featured Image Credit: Lamb (margouillat photo, Shutterstock), Chicken (Pixabay), Salmon (congerdesign, Pixabay)

Can Dogs Eat Salmon?

Can Dogs Eat Salmon?

Written by:Dr. Merliza Cabriles

Yes, you can give salmon to your dog provided that it is well-cooked and has been completely deboned. Raw salmon or any other fish or seafood is a total no-go for dogs, because of harmful bacteria and parasites. Salmon is also very high in essential nutrients for dogs. However, there are some important considerations that you should be well aware of before giving some to your pet.

Health benefits of salmon for dogs

The high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids in salmon provide various health benefits in dogs, which include the following:

• Brain health and function
• Help boost your dogs immune system
• Reduce inflammation of the joints
• Alleviate symptoms of arthritis
• Help maintain healthy skin and coat
• Helps with joint mobility
• Reduce skin irritations and allergies
• Salmon is also rich in vitamins A, B-complex, and vitamin D, as well as magnesium, potassium, and zinc.

Health risks of salmon for dogs

Harmful bacteria and/or parasites are a real concern when you feed it raw. Salmon can be filled with flukes, a type of parasite that can cause

• Vomiting,
• Diarrhea, and
• Even death in dogs!

In moderation, salmon can contribute to keeping your dog healthy, but make sure its well-cooked to kill all harmful parasites and bacteria which might be present.

Just in case your dog ate raw salmon by accident, dont panic. A small piece wont likely have adverse effects. Just be on the lookout for digestive upsets, vomiting or diarrhea.

Salmon poisoning disease (SPD) in dogs

This is a fatal condition that can occur when a dog eats raw salmon that contains the parasite,Neorickettsiahelminthoeca. Once the parasite reaches the dogs small intestine, it causes hemorrhaging and gradually invades the entire body.

Important symptoms that you should watch out for include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Eye and nose discharge
• Swollen lymph nodes

If you see any of these signs in your dog it is a good idea to call your veterinarian.

How about dogs and seafood allergies?

Salmon is actually good for dogs with allergies because they are rich in omega fatty acids that can also promote skin and coat health.

How about canned salmon and dogs?

You can give canned salmon to your dog but be sure to choose salmon in water and avoid those that contain brine or oil, because the salt and oil can be harmful to your dog. You dont have to remove the bones in canned salmon because these can usually be eaten. If you want to be on the safe side, however, you can remove those as well of course.

Can dogs eatsalmonskin?

Salmon skin is very high in fats, so you better remove it. If your dog ate some, there is no need to worry about it, but it is recommended to keep a close eye on your dog in case he suffers from digestive upsets.

Can dogs eat smoked salmon?

Never give smoked salmon to your dog because it is cured using ingredients, especially salt, that is harmful to your dog. Smoked salmon may also contain parasites which can cause a fatal condition in dogs.

Can puppies eat salmon?

Cooked or tinned salmon may be offered to puppies as an occasional treat.

Preparing salmon for your dog

Using virgin olive oil or vegetable oil when cooking salmon can further boost the nutritional benefits of the dish. Make sure that its well done; in fact, overcooking is better than raw when it comes to feeding salmon to dogs. It is also a good idea to remove the fish skin because it is very high in fats.

Asgarliccan be very harmful to dogsandonions are also a real threat to dogs, make sure not to use any of those substances when you prepare it at least for your dog!Dogs can eat tunaand sardines as well, which are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

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