Can dogs eat raw fish?
It is not recommended. Raw fish can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria, as well as parasites, and its small bones are a hazard. In the Pacific Northwest of the USA, raw salmon or trout can cause salmon poisoning disease. Cook fish plain and remove the bones.
Updated:
Why
Raw fish is among the foods linked to food poisoning in dogs. Raw or undercooked salmon and trout from the Pacific Northwest can carry a parasite that causes salmon poisoning disease, which is serious if untreated. Fish bones are small and brittle and can cause choking or injure the mouth or gut. Raw and smoked fish are best avoided.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Low energy or poor appetite
- High fever, weakness and complete loss of appetite (salmon poisoning)
- Choking
What to do
Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea or low energy and call your vet if they are severe or don't stop. If your dog ate raw salmon or trout from the Pacific Northwest, call your vet promptly and mention it — signs can take up to a week to appear.
How to give it
Only fully cooked fish (baked, steamed or grilled), plain, with all bones removed.
Questions and answers
What is salmon poisoning disease?
An illness dogs get from eating raw or undercooked salmon, trout or similar fish from the Pacific Northwest of the USA; it is prevented by not feeding them raw.
Related foods
All foods: What can dogs eat?Sources
- Can Dogs Eat Fish? — American Kennel Club, Anna Burke (updated 2026-07-27)
- Food Poisoning in Dogs: What to Know — American Kennel Club, AKC Staff (updated 2026-07-27)
- Salmon Poisoning Disease and Elokomin Fluke Fever in Dogs — Merck Veterinary Manual, Dog Owners (updated 2026-06)
- Can Dogs Eat Salmon? — American Kennel Club, Colt Dodd (updated 2026-02-18)
- Which Human Foods Can Dogs Eat and Which Are Dangerous? — American Kennel Club (Updated Oct 21, 2026)
- Raw diets for dogs and cats (Raw or undercooked animal-source protein in cat and dog diets) — American Veterinary Medical Association (policy)
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic dog: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.