Want to give your dog the best diet possible? Try salmon dog food. Supercharged with essential nutrients for health and wellness for every life stage, we’ve done the research to bring you the top 10 best salmon dog foods on the market right now. Plus, check out some key facts, top tips, & FAQs.
Of course, there’s more to keeping your dog’s diet healthy than just choosing the right protein source. Check out our guide to the best dry food for puppies, tips on dealing with food allergies in dogs, and our picks for the 6 best dog vitamins and supplements to enhance your dog’s health!
Best Salmon Dog Food: Our Top Picks at a Glance
1. Best Canned Food: Wysong Epigen Salmon Canned Dog Food
Wysong Epigen Salmon Canned Dog Food is designed to mimic the archetypal, natural eating patterns of our pets. It comes in 12.5 oz cans and comes in single cans & cases of 12.
Key specs:
- 12.5 oz cans
- $3.79 per can
- All natural formula
- Starch Free™ & filler free
- Comes in single cans & cases of 12
What we like:
It’s made with premium 95+% meat and is one of the few natural canned dog foods on the market that is truly genetically appropriate, with no filler ingredients, grains, starches, or artificial additives.
Another major plus is that you can use it for cats (and even ferrets), too. Anyone who has both cats and dogs knows how hard it is to keep them out of each other’s food!
What to consider:
According to Wysong, their canned foods are best when used as a topper for dry kibble or as a “supplemental stand-alone meal.” In other words, it’s not really ideal for using as your dog’s only source of nutrition. But you could give Fido a really good kibble for breakfast, then use Epigen Salmon for dinner.
Best Canned Salmon Dog Food
4.5
- Epigen™ canned diets are designed to mimic the natural diet of carnivores, offering over 95% meat content for dogs, cats, and ferrets.
- These premium pet foods are among the few on the market that are genetically appropriate, without modern pet food fillers and additives.
- Completely free from starches, grains, fillers, or artificial preservatives, ensuring a clean, natural diet.
- Key ingredients include salmon, water sufficient for processing, natural flavor, organic guar gum, and mixed tocopherols for freshness.
- Nutritional content includes a minimum of 10% crude protein, 7% crude fat, a maximum of 1.5% crude fiber, and 75% moisture to support hydration and health.
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03/21/2024 05:30 pm GMT
2. Best Raw Food: Raw Paws Signature Blend Wild Caught Salmon
This Raw Paws Signature Blend Wild Caught Salmon food is pretty awesome. It comes in 1 lb rolls and contains one thing – wild-caught salmon. The brand is a family-owned business and supports animal-related charities, too, so you can feel extra good shopping with them.
Key specs:
- 1 lb rolls
- 100% wild-caught salmon
- Frozen Raw
- Family Business
- Made in USA
- $7.99 per roll
What we like:
It contains the brand’s signature blend of 85% salmon muscle, and 15% salmon bone, wild-caught off the coast of Alaska. There are zero artificial ingredients, additives, or fillers, and the roll is easily stored, taking up little space in the fridge, and easy to cut into portions for meals.
I also love that Raw Paws makes it so easy to feed your dog raw food. There’s no guesswork involved, and you don’t have to deal with actually preparing it for them.
What to consider:
There’s not a lot to consider with this product, but remember, it’s only meant to be part of a meal, so you’ll still need to buy a kibble or food that contains complete canine nutrition. This is simply the cherry on top!
Best Raw Salmon Food
- Crafted in the USA, this small-batch frozen raw pet food is ideal for both dogs and cats
- Signature salmon recipe is a natural blend of 85% salmon muscle and 15% salmon bone, sourced from wild-caught Alaskan salmon.
- This blend is kept simple to mirror the ancestral diet of pets without any artificial ingredients, additives, or fillers.
- Convenient 1 lb rolls simplify raw feeding; they can be served whole or easily cut into quarters or halves to suit your pet’s size and dietary needs.
- Produced in a licensed, inspected facility adhering to strict quality and safety standards, ensuring a high-quality, safe diet for your pet.
Shop on Amazon (20-pack only) Shop on Raw Paws for Individual Rolls
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3. Best Whole Grain: Redbarn Whole Grain Ocean Recipe Dog Food
Redbarn Whole Grain Ocean Recipe Dog Food comes in 4 lb and 22 lb bag sizes, with the option to buy a case of five 4 lb bags. The brand is committed to high-quality ingredients and is rich in essential nutrients for optimum performance.
Key specs:
- 4 & 22 lb bags
- $19.99-$69.99
- All-natural ingredients
- Air-dried kibble
- Packed with protein & superfoods
- No GMOs or fillers
- Made in the USA
What we like:
Redbarn’s whole grain ocean recipe dog food is packed full of good stuff, with the first five ingredients being animal proteins. It’s air-dried for maximum flavor and nutrition, with superfoods like pumpkin, turmeric, and flaxseed for whole body health.
It’s also packed with Omega fatty acids and no GMOs or filler ingredients and a blend of pre and probiotics with miscanthus grass for optimal gut health, as well as methionine, taurine, and l-carnitine to support your dog’s heart.
In other words, there are plenty of amazing ingredients that you want…and nothing that you don’t want to see in your pup’s food.
What to consider:
While salmon is the first ingredient, Redbarn’s Grain-Free Ocean Recipe contains trout and other fish. So if you’re looking for a single-protein dog food, this isn’t the one for you.
Best Best Whole Grain Salmon Food
4. Best For Senior Dogs: Grandma Lucy’s Macanna Freeze Dried Dog Food Salmon Recipe
Grandma Lucy’s Macanna Freeze Dried Dog Food Salmon Recipe is a nutritious option for dogs of all ages and it comes backed by a 100% happiness guarantee from the brand.
Key specs:
- 1, 3, & 8 lb bags
- $13.49-$98.99
- All-natural formula
- Filler free
- Made in the USA
- 100% happiness guarantee
What we like:
It’s made using all-natural ingredients and completely free from grains, fillers, artificial additives, and GMOs, with salmon and superfoods gently freeze-dried for optimal taste and nutrition.
I also love that it includes hemp and turmeric, making it an ideal pick for older dogs, as both ingredients help support hip & joint health and relieve pain in arthritic dogs. In fact, one study found that turmeric restored mobility in 45% of the dogs who took it as a supplement.
What to consider:
At first glance, Grandma Lucy’s Macanna looks incredibly expensive at $45+ for 3 lbs. But if you look closer, you’ll see that one 3-lb bag makes 15 lbs of fresh food. Still pricey, I know, but not quite as shocking as paying what amounts to $15 per lb.
Best Salmon Food for Senior Dogs
5. Best Budget Pick: Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream
The smoky-flavored Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream is an excellent pick for buyers on a budget. While it’s not quite cheap dog food, it’s definitely one of the most affordable premium brands on the market.
Key specs:
- 5, 14, 28 lb bags
- 25% protein
- Packed with superfoods
- Species-specific K9 Strain blend
- No fillers
- $20.99-$58.99
- Made in the USA
What we like:
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream contains 25% protein from real fish, the first listed ingredient, for healthy bones and joints and strong, lean muscles. It’s packed with Omega fatty acids and nutritious, antioxidant-rich fruits, veggies, and superfoods like sweet potatoes, and it’s free from grains and artificial additives.
It also contains a species-specific K9 Strain blend of propriety probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics to help support healthy digestion, a strong immune system, and whole-body health and wellness.
What to consider:
This formula is quite dense, and while it’s all good stuff, we only recommend it for active dogs who lead full lives!
Best Budget Pick
4.3
- Features real fish as the primary ingredient
- High protein content of 25% to bolster bone, joint health, and maintain lean, strong muscles.
- Omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat.
- Grain-free recipe with sweet potatoes for energy.
- Includes fruits and veggies to supply essential antioxidants.
- Formula designed to cater to the nutritional needs of pets with sensitivities.
Top Feature: Healthy antioxidants
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03/21/2024 05:41 pm GMT
6. Best For Sensitive Tummies: CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
The CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food comes in five bag sizes; 4, 10, 12, 21, & 22 lbs, and features a limited ingredient grain-free formula for sensitive tummies.
Key specs:
- 4, 10, 12, 21, & 22 lb bags
- 8 ingredient formula
- HealthPLUS blend
- Filler free
- Made in the USA
- $21.99-$74.99
What we like:
The food has only 8 ingredients including salmon, sweet potatoes, and peas, and has no wheat, corn, soy, fillers, or artificial additives. It is fortified after cooking with Canidae’s HealthPLUS blend of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids to support dogs with extra sensitive systems.
What to consider:
While the reviews are mostly great, one or two said it wasn’t compatible with their picky eaters!
Best For Sensitive Tummies
7. Best For All Dogs: Zignature Salmon Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Dog Food
The Zignature Salmon Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Dog Food is designed to be suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes. It comes in a range of bag sizes and is made with high-quality salmon and a limited ingredient formula.
Key specs:
- 4, 12.5, 25 lb bags
- $16.99-$81.99
- Suitable for all sizes & ages
- #1 ingredient high-quality salmon
- Limited ingredient formula
- Fortified with probiotics
What we like:
As mentioned above, this food is made to be eaten by dogs of all sizes and ages, including puppies and giant breeds. It also contains natural anti-inflammatories like alfalfa, so it’s a good choice for seniors too.
Perfect if you’re looking for something long-term, or if you own multiple dogs of different ages and breeds. It also contains probiotics for healthy digestion and sensitive tummies, as well as Taurine and L-carnitine for heart health, weight management, and healthy vision.
What to consider:
A few years ago, a study came out linking grain-free dog foods to cardiac problems in dogs, and calling out Zignature specifically. While Zignature addressed that here and I do tend to agree with their overall statement, if you have a dog that is already prone to DCM I recommend talking to your vet about the best food options before trying ANY grain-free dog food.
Best For All Ages
- High-quality salmon is the top ingredient, offering a lean protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids for immune support, and healthy skin and coat.
- Limited-ingredient profile is ideal for dogs on rotational diets or with specific dietary needs.
- Enriched with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Includes probiotics to promote digestive health, ensuring a balanced gut flora and aiding in nutrient absorption.
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03/21/2024 05:57 pm GMT
8. Best Meal Topper: Stella & Chewy’s Savory Salmon & Cod Meal Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper
Stella & Chewy’s Savory Salmon & Cod Meal Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper is the perfect way to enhance your dog’s meals with salmon, although it can be used as a complete meal too! It comes in a range of bag sizes, so you have several options and can try it out without spending much.
Key specs:
- 1, 3.5 8, 18, 35 oz bags
- $2.49-$84.99
- Wild-caught salmon and cod
- Organic fruits & vegetables
- Added probiotics
- Raw & freeze-dried
- Responsibly sourced
- No fillers
- Made in the USA
What we like:
These tasty freeze-dried nuggets are made with raw, wild-caught, and responsibly sourced salmon and cod, as well as 100% organic-certified fruits and vegetables for complete nutrition. It’s also totally free from grains, gluten, fillers, and artificial preservatives and colorings, with added probiotics for healthy digestion.
What to consider:
The nuggets are pretty stinky! That’s kind of the appeal for your dog, though. Still, something to consider if you are sensitive to fishy odors.
Best Salmon Meal Topper
9. Best For Skin & Coat: Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin & Coat Natural Salmon Adult Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin & Coat Natural Salmon Adult Dry Dog Food provides a holistic approach to nutrition, specifically targeting skin and coat health for dogs with dermal issues.
Key specs:
- 4, 11, & 24 lb bags
- Developed by experts
- Premium quality ingredients
- Nutrient-dense recipe
- Free from fillers & common allergens
- $22.99-$75.99
- Made in the USA
What we like:
Developed by Blue Buffalo’s team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists, this formula uses real, premium-quality salmon as the primary ingredient. It’s enriched with antioxidants, essential vitamins, and vital minerals to support sensitive skin, strengthen the immune system, and relieve skin allergies. It’s also rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids and free from common allergens, like by-product meals, corn, wheat, and soy, as well as artificial additives.
What to consider:
There are, of course, a handful of reviews that say the food didn’t help their dog’s skin issues, but there are always exceptions and severe issues should always be checked out by a vet.
Best For Skin & Coat
10. Best Grain-Free: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food uses a simple, wholesome formula without grains, soy, or fillers. It’s ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities and avoids other common allergens, too.
Key specs:
- 5, 12, 22, 24 lb bags
- Wholesome formula
- Enriched with essential nutrients
- Easy to digest
- Free from grains & fillers
- $24.98-$72.98
What we like:
The primary ingredients are salmon and fiber-rich sweet potato to support healthy digestion. It’s enriched with essential nutrients for a whole and balanced diet, ensuring a strong immune system, while also keeping the ingredients to a bare minimum.
What to consider:
A few reviews claim this food made their dog gassy! Something to keep in mind if Fido sleeps with you. 😀
Best Grain-Free Salmon Dog Food
Why Choose Salmon Dog Food?
Salmon is a high-quality source of protein with a bunch of beneficial properties. It’s super tasty, highly digestible, hypoallergenic, and high in Omega fatty acids, primarily DHA and EPA, which nourish & support healthy joints, coat, skin, and mental cognition, making it excellent for active adults, growing & learning puppies, aging seniors, and working dogs.
It’s also a natural and powerful anti-inflammatory, making it especially good for older dogs with arthritis, and it’s thought to help improve and maintain good cardiovascular function and healthy weight, as well as support healthy fetal development in canine pregnancy.
Salmon is also rich in essential B vitamins like Vitamin B12 and Niacin, which contribute to energy production and DNA synthesis and repair. Minerals like selenium and potassium are also found in salmon, which help to protect against cell damage and infections. Selenium may even protect bone health and reduce the risk of cancer, according to some studies, and potassium helps to maintain healthy fluid levels, muscles, and blood pressure.
Astaxanthin is also found in salmon, which is a compound linked to several powerful health effects, such as lowering the risk of heart disease and increasing levels of good cholesterol.
Which salmon dog food is right for me?
When looking for salmon dog food for your dog, look for/consider the following things:
- Nutritionally complete & balanced foods
- Real & natural ingredients
- High-quality & responsibly sourced salmon
- Healthy carbs like sweet potatoes
- No fillers like gluten, GMOs, or artificial additives
- Contain antioxidants & pre/probiotics for sensitive dogs
- No allergens (if relevant)
- Age/breed/size/activity level appropriate for your dog
- Food type e.g. raw or fresh, dry or wet
- Cooking method
- Packaging & storage preferences
- Amount of food in the bag
- Value for money
- Trusted brands
- Reviews from other pet parents
Feeding Guide
Salmon dog food is high in fat, good fat, but still fat, so it can upset a dog’s stomach, especially if they are sensitive or you dramatically change their diet too quickly. So, we recommend transitioning their food gradually and sticking to the recommended portion sizing for their morning & evening meals according to the product’s guidelines or your vet’s advice.
Start by giving them ¾ of their old food and ¼ of their new food for a couple of days, then half and half, and so on, until they are fully transitioned. If your dog is sensitive, look for something with added probiotics, too.
FAQs
Is salmon dog food good for allergies?
Salmon dog food is generally very good for dogs with allergies. Like humans, dogs can be allergic to anything, so some dogs can be allergic to fish. However, generally speaking, it’s a safe option and can even aid skin allergy symptoms with its anti-inflammatory properties.
Is salmon dog food okay for puppies?
Salmon dog food can be very good for puppies, as it is rich in Omegas DHA and EPA, which support strong joints for growing bodies, and cognitive development for learning minds, as well as healthy coats and skin. However, it must be a formula that is designed with puppies in mind, as anything too rich could harm their little digestive systems.
Is salmon dog food okay for sensitive dogs?
As it’s high in fat, too much salmon can lead to pancreatitis in dogs with particular sensitivities. Most dogs will be fine, but if your dog is super sensitive, look for a recipe that has extra pre and probiotics, transition their food gradually, and remember that moderation and portion sizing are key.
Is salmon dog food okay for overweight dogs?
Although salmon is high in fat, it’s high in good fats and may actually promote healthy weight and appetite levels, so long as the formula and portion sizes are appropriate for the dog.
Can pregnant dogs eat salmon dog food?
Yes! Pregnant dogs can eat salmon dog food, as long as it is served in line with any dietary advice or supplements your vet suggests. It’s actually thought to aid in the healthy production of unborn puppies.
Is salmon dog food good for seniors?
Yes! As mentioned above, salmon is rich in DHA and EPA, which support healthy cognition and joints, and it’s a natural anti-inflammatory, so it’s ideal for keeping senior dogs sharp and reducing arthritis symptoms. Plus, it helps to keep aging skin and coats soft and shiny.
Final recommendations
So, what is the #1 best salmon dog food? Honestly, that depends entirely on your dog’s individual preferences and needs. That said, if your dog isn’t super picky and you just want a good well-rounded diet, I would go with Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream for the main kibble (since it’s fairly affordable) and then grab either some Wysong Epigen Salmon Canned Dog Food or Raw Paws Signature Blend Wild Caught Salmon to use as a topper.
If you’re thinking about giving your dog salmon dog food, take your pick from our list and let us know what you think!
