Bonnie loves her some salmon😂💗

Like many dog parents, I've always wanted to spoil my furry best friend, Bonnie, with delicious treats. One thing she absolutely goes wild for is salmon! But, of course, the big question always lingered in my mind: 'Is salmon truly safe for dogs?' After a lot of research and careful experimentation with Bonnie, I'm happy to share my findings and how I prepare her beloved 'Salmon & Pasta Dinner for My Dog.' The good news is, yes, in moderation and prepared correctly, salmon can be a fantastic, healthy addition to your dog's diet! It's packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are incredible for their skin and coat, can help with joint health, and even support brain development, making it especially beneficial for growing puppies or senior dogs. Beyond that, salmon provides essential vitamins like B12, B6, niacin, and minerals such as potassium and phosphorus. However, the key phrase here is 'prepared correctly.' It’s absolutely crucial to never feed your dog raw salmon. Raw salmon can contain a parasite called Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which causes 'salmon poisoning disease' and can be fatal if not treated. So, always make sure the salmon is thoroughly cooked – I usually steam or bake Bonnie’s salmon without any oil. Also, ensure it's completely boneless and skinless. Fish bones are a choking hazard and can splinter, causing internal damage, while the skin can be too fatty and lead to an upset stomach. When I prepare Bonnie's salmon, I keep it incredibly plain. No salt, pepper, garlic, onions, or any other seasonings. These common human food additions can be toxic or harmful to dogs. I simply cook a small portion of the fish, often starting with a good quality fillet, perhaps a NET WT 1 LB (454g) package, and then flake off a tiny amount for her. The rest I freeze for future treats! Now, about the 'pasta' part of her special meal. You might have seen that Bonnie sometimes enjoys a 'Salmon & Pasta Dinner for My Dog,' and I know what some of you might be thinking – pasta for dogs? While plain, cooked pasta like plain fettuccine (without any sauces, salt, or spices) can be given in very small amounts as an occasional treat, the focus should always be on the salmon. I typically use a very small amount of plain, boiled pasta, like a little bit of Fettuccine No.132, just for some variety, mixed with flakes of salmon, ensuring it's well-cooked and only a tiny portion compared to the salmon itself. Remember, pasta isn't a nutritional powerhouse for dogs, so it's strictly a fun, rare addition, not a staple. Portion control is vital. Salmon should be treated as a supplement or a special treat, not a main meal. A general guideline is that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. For Bonnie, who is a small Yorkie, this means just a few small flakes of cooked salmon a few times a week, never a whole fillet. Always introduce new foods slowly and in small quantities to avoid digestive upset. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, allergies, or any underlying health conditions like pancreatitis, it's always best to consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods like salmon. Seeing Bonnie's excitement for her salmon meal is truly heartwarming. Knowing that I’m offering her a safe, nutritious, and delicious treat makes me feel like the best dog mom. It’s truly rewarding to see her enjoy her special meal, and knowing it’s beneficial makes it even better! If you decide to let your furry friend try salmon, remember these tips to keep them happy and healthy!