Can Cats Eat Salmon? Cooked, Raw, Smoked and Canned
Salmon is a favorite fish in many homes, and cats tend to adore the smell. Cooked properly and fed in small amounts, it makes a nutritious treat. The way it is prepared, though, decides whether it is a good choice or a risk.
What salmon offers
Salmon provides animal protein, fat and the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These fats support skin, coat and joint health, and they have anti-inflammatory properties that vets sometimes use in therapeutic diets. Salmon also contains vitamin D, B vitamins and selenium.
Fish is not a complete diet for cats, and it should not be the main food. Cats need balanced taurine, calcium and many other nutrients that complete cat foods supply in the right amounts.
Cooked salmon: the safe way
- Choose plain fresh or frozen salmon fillet.
- Bake, steam or poach it with no salt, oil, seasoning, lemon or garlic.
- Cook until it flakes easily and is opaque all the way through.
- Remove every bone and the skin, if possible.
- Flake into small pieces, cool and serve a small portion.
A piece about the size of a thumbnail is a suitable treat for most cats. Cooked salmon has a fair amount of calories and fat, so keep portions modest. Our cat food amount calculator helps work out how treats fit into your cat's daily calories.
Why raw salmon is a problem
Raw fish is a common feature of cartoons, but it is risky in reality:
- Parasites. Raw salmon, especially from the Pacific Northwest, can carry parasites and bacteria that cause illness. Freezing kills many parasites but not all risks.
- Bacteria. Salmonella, Listeria and other bacteria can contaminate raw fish, with health risks for cats and the people handling it.
- Thiaminase. Some raw fish contain an enzyme that breaks down thiamine (vitamin B1). A cat that eats a lot of raw fish over time can develop a deficiency that causes serious neurological problems.
Cooking removes these concerns. For more on raw feeding, see can cats eat raw meat.
Smoked, cured and canned salmon
Smoked or cured salmon (lox) is high in salt and may carry bacteria such as Listeria. Avoid it.
Canned salmon can be acceptable in small amounts if it is packed in water with no added salt and has soft bones removed. Check the label for added seasonings or oils.
Salmon-flavored cat foods are complete and balanced products designed for cats and are a better way to enjoy the flavor every day.
Bones are a hazard
Salmon fillets can hide pin bones, which are thin and sharp, and whole fish contain spines. Cooked bones are brittle and can lodge in the mouth or throat. See our guide on fish bones and cooked bones.
Mercury and contaminants
Salmon is generally lower in mercury than larger predatory fish such as tuna. Even so, variety is wise, and fish should not be fed to cats too often. Compare with can cats eat tuna.
Allergies and special diets
Fish is one of the more common causes of food allergies in cats, along with beef and dairy. Signs are itchy skin, ear problems and digestive upset. Cats with kidney disease, pancreatitis or other conditions may need low-fat or restricted diets, so ask your vet before offering fish regularly.
Quick reference
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Safe form | Plain, boneless, fully cooked (baked, steamed or poached) |
| Rough calories | About 2 per gram of cooked salmon |
| Sensible treat size | A thumbnail-sized flake or two |
| Frequency | Once or twice a week at most |
| Avoid | Raw, smoked, cured, seasoned, fried or bony fish |
Fish in a cat's long-term diet
Many commercial cat foods contain fish, and a fish-based food is fine for most cats. Problems arise when fish is the only protein for months, especially a single species, because of the risk of imbalance and sensitivity. If you feed a fish-based food, rotate flavors or proteins as your vet suggests, and keep human-grade fish as the occasional extra.
Signs your cat did not tolerate it
Vomiting, diarrhea, gas, itching or ear problems can mean a sensitivity or simply too rich a portion. Fish can also trigger pancreatitis in cats prone to it. If signs persist or your cat becomes lethargic, call your vet.
Salmon oil and omega-3 supplements
Some owners prefer a fish oil supplement to feeding fish. Oils made for pets are dosed by weight and are usually the better option for skin and coat support, but too much can cause loose stool, and high doses interfere with clotting in some cats. Never use human supplements without asking your vet, particularly if your cat is on medication or about to have surgery.
Other seafood choices
Plain cooked shrimp is another occasional option. You can compare other foods using the free cat food and plant safety checker. When unsure, ask your veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat canned salmon?
Yes, in small amounts. Choose plain salmon packed in water with no added salt, remove bones, and avoid products packed in oil with seasonings.
Is smoked salmon safe for cats?
It is not recommended. Smoked salmon is very salty and may carry bacteria, so plain cooked salmon is a better choice.
Can cats eat salmon skin?
A small amount of cooked skin is not toxic, but it is fatty. For most cats it is better to remove it.
How often can I give my cat salmon?
A small piece once or twice a week is fine for most cats, as part of a diet that is mainly complete cat food.
Sources and further reading
Pet food rules and nutrient standards come from regulators and professional bodies. Start here when you want the primary source.
- Cornell Feline Health CenterFeline health information from Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control CenterToxic plants and foods lists, plus a 24-hour helpline.
- Pet Poison Helpline24-hour poison advice staffed by veterinary toxicologists.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.
This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.