Meat & Fish
Can dogs and cats eat raw salmon?
Short answer on raw salmon: a veterinary emergency for dogs, safe only with care for cats. See the signs to watch and the sources.
If your pet ate this, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Call ASPCA: (888) 426-4435One food, two pets
What changes between dogs and cats?
The verdict changes by species: emergency for dogs and caution for cats.
The two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line, named hazard, and signs to watch for your pet below.
- Safety label differs
- Bottom line differs
- Named hazard differs
- Signs to watch differs
Raw salmon safety for dogs
Raw or undercooked salmon can transmit Salmon Poisoning Disease, a rickettsial infection that is fatal in the majority of untreated dogs; this is a veterinary emergency, not just an upset stomach risk.
Toxic principle: Neorickettsia helminthoeca (Salmon Poisoning Disease), carried by the fluke Nanophyetus salmincola in raw salmonid fish
Watch for
- Sudden high fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Persistent vomiting
- Diarrhea, sometimes bloody
- Without prompt treatment, up to 90% of affected dogs die within 7 to 10 days
Raw salmon safety for cats
Cats are not susceptible to Salmon Poisoning Disease, but raw salmon can still carry Salmonella, E. coli, other parasites, and thiaminase that depletes vitamin B1, so it should still be avoided.
Toxic principle: Salmonella spp./E. coli contamination; Nanophyetus salmincola parasite; thiaminase enzyme depleting vitamin B1
Watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal upset
- With chronic thiaminase exposure: appetite loss, weakness, neurological signs
Sources
- ScienceDirect Topics, "Salmon Poisoning Disease" (species susceptibility)
- PetMD, "Can Cats Eat Salmon?"
Reviewed 2026-07-12
Questions owners ask about raw salmon
Can dogs eat raw salmon?
Raw or undercooked salmon can transmit Salmon Poisoning Disease, a rickettsial infection that is fatal in the majority of untreated dogs; this is a veterinary emergency, not just an upset stomach risk.
What should I do if my dog ate raw salmon?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
What symptoms should I watch for with raw salmon and dogs?
Sudden high fever, Loss of appetite, Weakness, Persistent vomiting, Diarrhea, sometimes bloody, Without prompt treatment, up to 90% of affected dogs die within 7 to 10 days. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
Can cats eat raw salmon?
Cats are not susceptible to Salmon Poisoning Disease, but raw salmon can still carry Salmonella, E. coli, other parasites, and thiaminase that depletes vitamin B1, so it should still be avoided.
Is raw salmon safe for every cat?
Not necessarily. Cats are not susceptible to Salmon Poisoning Disease, but raw salmon can still carry Salmonella, E. coli, other parasites, and thiaminase that depletes vitamin B1, so it should still be avoided. Ask your veterinarian first if your cat has an existing health condition or you are unsure.
What symptoms should I watch for with raw salmon and cats?
Vomiting, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal upset, With chronic thiaminase exposure: appetite loss, weakness, neurological signs. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
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