Quick answer
Our top pick is the Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Salmon & Cod Recipe because it combines the convenience of kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces, providing high-quality salmon protein and omega fatty acids. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, the Primal Pet Foods Freeze-Dried Salmon Formula is a gentle, limited-ingredient option. If you’re on a budget, the Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Salmon Recipe allows you to add raw nutrition to your current kibble.
What to consider for Raw Dog Food With Salmon
Salmon is an excellent protein source for dogs, especially those with allergies to chicken or beef. Raw salmon dog food typically retains more natural enzymes and nutrients compared to heavily processed foods. However, raw diets require careful handling to avoid bacterial contamination. Look for products that use wild-caught salmon (higher in omega-3s) and are formulated to be AAFCO complete and balanced. Freeze-dried or dehydrated raw options offer convenience without sacrificing nutritional quality.
What to look for in a dog food
When choosing a raw salmon dog food, ensure it carries an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or all life stages). The first ingredient should be a named meat like salmon, salmon meal, or whole salmon. Protein content should be between 30% and 45% on a dry matter basis, fat between 15% and 25%, and calories around 350 to 500 kcal per cup. For large breeds, avoid excessive calcium levels. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids should be listed to support skin, coat, and joint health. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, a limited-ingredient formula may be beneficial.
How we chose these picks
- Evaluated each product’s AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement
- Reviewed ingredient lists for named animal proteins and absence of artificial additives
- Compared guaranteed analysis for protein, fat, and fiber content
- Considered the source of salmon (wild-caught preferred) and omega-3 content
- Assessed product form (freeze-dried raw, frozen raw, or raw-coated kibble) for convenience and safety
- Checked customer feedback for palatability and digestive tolerance
- Factored in price per pound and value for the nutritional profile
- Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission
What to avoid
- Avoid foods where the primary protein source is an unnamed “meat meal” rather than a specific named fish or animal
- Be cautious with grain-free or legume-heavy raw diets unless advised by your veterinarian, as the FDA continues to investigate a potential link to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- Do not feed an “all life stages” formula to a large-breed puppy without checking that the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is appropriate for growth
- Avoid abrupt diet changes; transition over 7 to 10 days by gradually mixing the new food with the old
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