Can Dogs Eat Fish Skin? Yes, Only If Cooked and Plain

Why cooked fish skin can be fine

Fish skin is the part of the fillet that sits against the scales, and when it is cooked plain it is mostly protein and fat. The AKC says fully cooked, boneless salmon is generally safe for dogs in moderation, and it notes that salmon provides protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Skin is also the richest part of the fillet, so it is calorie-dense. That makes it a treat to share in small pieces, not something to feed by the plateful. A dog that eats a complete, balanced food does not need fish skin for nutrition, and a dog treat ball is a non-fish way to make a treat last.

The big risk: raw or undercooked fish

Raw salmon is not safe for dogs, according to the AKC. In the Pacific Northwest, from northern California to Alaska, raw or undercooked salmon, trout and certain salamanders can carry a fluke infected with bacteria that cause salmon poisoning disease. Despite the name, no poison is involved: it is an infection.

The Merck Veterinary Manual says signs usually start suddenly about 5 to 7 days after eating infected fish, though it can take up to 33 days, and include high fever, weakness, loss of appetite, persistent vomiting, bloody diarrhea and swollen lymph nodes. Without treatment, up to 90% of affected dogs die within 7 to 10 days, but prompt treatment greatly improves survival. If your dog ate raw fish skin, call your vet right away, even if your dog seems fine.

Bones, seasoning and oil

Fish carries small, brittle bones that can cause choking or puncture the intestine, so remove every bone before serving.

Plain is the only safe way to serve it. Skip oil, butter, salt, lemon, sauces, and seasoning blends, and watch for onion or garlic powder, which are toxic to dogs. If your dog ate fish cooked with onion or garlic, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661; a fee may apply. Crispy fried or smoked skin from a restaurant is usually salty and greasy, which makes it a poor choice.

How to prepare and how much to serve

Cook the fish thoroughly, to an internal temperature of 140°F, which the AKC says kills parasites and bacteria, by baking, steaming or grilling it with nothing added. Let it cool, remove the bones, and cut the skin into small pieces.

As a guide, offer a piece about the size of a thumbnail to a dog under 20 lb, up to a few small strips for a dog 20 to 50 lb, and a small handful of pieces for a dog over 50 lb. The AKC says prepared salmon should not be fed more than about once a week, and a veterinary nutritionist can suggest amounts for your dog.

Dried and packaged fish skin treats

Dried fish skin chews are sold as dog treats. Read the ingredient list and look for a short one: fish skin with no added salt, sugar, flavoring or seasoning. Because dried skin is hard and chewy, supervise your dog, take away any small piece that could be swallowed whole, and choose a size appropriate for your dog.

Treats still count toward the day's calories, so give them in place of part of a treat allowance rather than on top of it. Heavy chewers and dogs that gulp their treats are better served by something that makes them slow down.

Puppies, seniors and dogs with sensitive stomachs

Puppies are more likely to gulp bones and swallow strips whole, and rich food upsets small stomachs quickly. Wait until your puppy is older and ask your vet first. Senior dogs and dogs prone to pancreatitis or weight gain should usually skip fatty treats unless their vet agrees.

Dogs with a fish allergy may develop itching, ear problems or digestive upset, so stop if you see those signs and talk to your vet.

Signs of trouble and safer swaps

Call your vet if your dog vomits repeatedly, has diarrhea lasting more than a day, loses its appetite, runs a fever, seems unusually tired, retches, drools or has a swollen belly after eating fish. Go to an emergency vet immediately for choking, gagging that does not stop, or signs of a blockage, and tell the vet if the fish was raw.

If your dog loves the smell of fish, a treat-dispensing ball lets them work for a few pieces of their regular food instead of handing over skin; browse treat balls for dogs if you want to try it.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.

For a longer-lasting reward, stuff a few pieces of your dog's regular food into a puzzle toy instead.