Best Salmon Dog Food: 10 Omega-Rich Bites for Happy, Shiny Coats

There are far too many dog food brand options out in the market today.

Some are made of excellent quality ingredients and clean, natural flavor and protein sources, while others are built on cheap fillers, sub-par animal ingredients and unspecified meat meal, and artificial preservatives. Needless to say, the really great ones are mostly excessively priced.

When we talk about the best nutritional benefits from a dog’s diet, we have to zero in on the protein source of the food.

The most popular animal ingredients for dog foods are beef and chicken, which are excellent sources of essential amino acids for canines. However, these two meat ingredients have also developed food sensitivities to many dogs as a result of their prevalence. 

This prompted many food manufacturers to look into other less prevalent animal sources such as turkey, lamb, and salmon, which are all high-quality protein sources. 

Salmon offers other essential nutrients than just protein, which are not found in other meat sources. Fish oils and omega fatty acids are highly beneficial to a dog’s skin and coat. Salmon is a first-rate choice as a protein source for dogs. 

In this review, we present our top choices for the best chows with salmon that offer the best nutrition and health benefits based on our assessment of their ingredient list (quality and nutritional value) and on online customer reviews.  

 

Best Salmon Dog Food Brands

1. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream

This recipe earns our top spot for best salmon dog food thanks to its excellent balance of quality and value.

The grain-free formula features real salmon as the first ingredient, supported by salmon meal and smoked salmon for a rich, highly digestible protein source.

With such a generous salmon content, this kibble delivers plenty of omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy skin, strong joints, and a resilient immune system—while still tasting irresistible to most dogs.

Beyond fish, the recipe includes a thoughtful blend of plant-based ingredients such as canola oil, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, and Yucca Schidigera extract to help provide a well-rounded, nutritious meal.

It’s made in the USA using ingredients from trusted, sustainable suppliers around the world.

Dog parents also rate it highly. On Chewy site, it holds the best overall score among salmon dog foods, averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 7,000 reviews.

What truly seals its No. 1 ranking, though, is the price. Compared with other premium options, it delivers standout quality without the premium markup—making it one of the best value choices for salmon-based dog food.

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2. Nature's Recipe Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe

Another excellent contender among salmon dog food brands comes from Nature’s Recipe, known for delivering quality nutrition at a very approachable price point.

This recipe is built around clean, natural ingredients, starting with real salmon as the first ingredient to provide a highly digestible, animal-based protein source. It’s supported by plant proteins and fiber from chickpeas, peas, and pea starch, which help promote steady energy, muscle maintenance, and healthy digestion.

The formula is completely grain-free and includes a mix of wholesome fruits and vegetables to supply essential carbohydrates without relying on fillers. Beyond basic nutrition, Nature’s Recipe fortifies the recipe with important vitamins and minerals that support immune health, skin and coat condition, and overall vitality.

Pet parents consistently rate this salmon dry dog food highly. Across major retailers, it ranks among the most popular options, earning strong reviews for palatability, ingredient quality, and results seen in dogs’ coats and digestion.

What makes it stand out even more is its affordability. Compared to many premium salmon formulas, it offers impressive nutritional value at a lower cost, making it one of the best budget-friendly choices for high-quality salmon-based dog food.

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3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe

Connecticut-based pet food maker Blue Buffalo offers a strong salmon-based option with its recipe, a grain-free kibble built around real, deboned salmon as the primary ingredient.

Founded in 2002, Blue Buffalo has become well known for maintaining high standards when it comes to ingredient sourcing and quality control. This formula delivers more than just protein—it’s enriched with glucosamine for joint support and a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids to help promote a shiny coat, healthy skin, and overall wellness.

For carbohydrates and fiber, the recipe relies on nutrient-dense plant ingredients and superfoods such as peas, potatoes, flaxseed, alfalfa, blueberries, cranberries, barley grass, parsley, turmeric, dried kelp and sweet potatoes. These ingredients help support digestion while providing natural antioxidants.

One of the highlights of this formula is their patented LifeSource Bits—a veterinarian-developed blend of antioxidants and key nutrients including B vitamins, L-carnitine, taurine, riboflavin and essential amino acids designed to strengthen your dog’s immune system and metabolic health.

One thing to note: despite being salmon-focused, the recipe contains chicken meal, which may not be ideal for dogs with poultry sensitivities. Still, the brand is clearly popular, earning strong ratings from thousands of reviewers on Chewy.com.

While the price is slightly higher than average, it remains more accessible than many ultra-premium brands, making it a solid mid-to-high tier choice for salmon dog food lovers.

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4. Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula

Made with premium-quality ingredients, this is another highly recommended option when it comes to choosing a reliable salmon dog food.

Wild-caught salmon leads the ingredient list, providing a clean, highly digestible source of animal protein. Supporting nutrition comes from wholesome components like potatoes, lentils, peas, and pea flour, which supply balanced carbohydrates, plant-based protein, and fiber to help maintain steady energy and healthy digestion.

The formula goes beyond basic nutrition by including a nutrient-rich blend of whole-food fruits and vegetables such as dried chicory root, kale, chia seeds, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, dried kelp, coconut, spinach, carrots, and papaya. Together, these ingredients contribute natural antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support immune function, skin and coat health, and overall vitality.

It’s also fortified with probiotics to promote gut health and improve nutrient absorption—especially helpful for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Suitable for dogs of all life stages, this dry food works well for pets with food sensitivities and for owners seeking an easy-to-digest, salmon-based diet.

Another major advantage is value. Compared with many premium formulas, this salmon dog food remains one of the most affordable options in its category while still delivering high-quality nutrition.

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5. Natural Balance L.I.D. Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula

Made with real salmon as the first ingredient and primary protein source, this kibble also includes sweet potatoes to provide easily digestible carbohydrates. Developed by a team of veterinarians and canine nutritionists, it offers a complete and balanced diet to support overall health and vitality in dogs.

The formula is enriched with natural ingredients such as sunflower oil, flaxseed, potato protein, and menhaden fish oil, delivering a wide range of essential nutrients. Grain-free and carefully crafted, this salmon and sweet potato recipe is suitable for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, while its moderate protein and lower fat content make it especially appropriate for senior dogs or those needing weight management.

This well-rounded salmon dry dog food has earned glowing reviews from over 2,000 online respondents, praised for its palatability, digestibility and nutritional quality. The main drawback is its price, which places it among the more expensive options on the list.

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6. American Journey Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe 

This premium salmon-based dog food is another strong option that has earned high praise from dog owners in online reviews.

Salmon serves as the sole animal protein in this limited-ingredient formula, featuring both real deboned salmon and salmon meal. This combination delivers a minimum of 25% crude protein, along with 12% fat and 6% fiber, providing a balanced diet for active adult dogs. Salmon meal, a concentrated form of rendered salmon, adds even more protein to support muscle maintenance and overall health.

Carbohydrates and fiber come from wholesome sources like sweet potatoes, peas, chickpeas and dried plain beet pulp, helping maintain steady energy levels and healthy digestion.

The recipe is rich in omega fatty acids, including omega-3s from salmon and flaxseed, and omega-6s from sunflower oil, which support a healthy skin barrier, promote a shiny coat, and contribute to overall wellness.

Grain-free and limited in ingredients, this kibble is particularly well-suited for dogs with sensitivities. Its combination of high-quality nutrition and mid-range pricing has made it a popular choice among dog parents looking for a reliable salmon-based diet.

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7. Merrick Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

This is undoubtedly one of the top salmon-based dry dog foods in the premium category.

Proudly made in the USA with high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted farms, this kibble delivers a nutritious and reliable choice for dogs of all breeds.

Real, deboned salmon is the first ingredient, followed by salmon meal, with additional protein coming from pea and potato sources. The formula provides a generous 32% minimum crude protein, supporting muscle maintenance, energy, and an active, healthy lifestyle. Salmon meal, a concentrated protein source, actually contains more protein than fresh salmon, making it an excellent addition to the diet.

Carbohydrates come primarily from sweet potatoes and potatoes, while other nutrient-rich ingredients include peas, sunflower oil, flaxseed, organic dehydrated alfalfa meal, apples, and blueberries. These ingredients provide fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

This protein-packed formula is further enriched with omega fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin to support hip and joint health.

The only potential downside is the premium price, but for many pet parents, the high-quality ingredients and comprehensive nutrition make it well worth the investment.

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8. Holistic Select Adult & Puppy Salmon, Anchovy & Sardine Meal Recipe

Here’s another standout fish-based kibble that’s worth considering, suitable for both adult dogs and puppies.

Real salmon takes the lead as the first ingredient, complemented by nutrient-rich fish meals like anchovy and sardine, providing a powerful source of omega fatty acids to support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall wellness for dogs at all life stages.

Carbohydrates, fiber, and additional nutrients come from wholesome ingredients such as potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes, pea fiber, beet pulp and pumpkin. Fruits like cranberries, apples and papayas, along with flaxseed and canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), help round out a complete and balanced diet.

This grain-free formula is also fortified with probiotics and antioxidants to support digestion and immune health. With a protein-fat-fiber ratio of 29%-14%-5.5%, it provides a well-balanced meal suitable for regular feeding.

Highly rated by over 200 Chewy customers, this premium fish-filled kibble is clearly popular among owners of canine fish lovers. The only drawback is the relatively high price, which may be a consideration for some pet parents.

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9. Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct with Real Salmon & Tuna

If you’re looking for high-quality salmon meal on a tight budget, there’s a great option that won’t break the bank. This food is the most affordable on our list, making it accessible for dog parents who want good nutrition without a premium price tag.

Real salmon is the primary ingredient, providing a solid protein source and plenty of omega fatty acids. The formula also includes other protein sources such as chicken meal and tuna, adding variety, flavor and additional nutrients to support overall health.

However, it’s important to note that this recipe contains common allergens, including grains, corn, soy and chicken by-products, which may not be suitable for dogs with sensitivities.

With a minimum of 30% crude protein and 17% crude fat, this formula delivers a balanced, nutrient-rich diet for active adult dogs. It has earned strong popularity among pet owners, receiving glowing reviews for palatability, digestibility and value.

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10. Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Salmon

From the most budget-friendly option, we now arrive at the highest-priced salmon-based dog food on our list of the ten best salmon dog foods.

This kibble falls squarely in the super-premium category, crafted with top-quality ingredients—including real freeze-dried raw components—to ensure optimal nutrition and flavor.

Salmon leads the ingredient list in this protein-rich formula, which features an impressive 72% real animal ingredients, including freeze-dried cod for added protein and omega fatty acids. The recipe also incorporates wholesome fruits and vegetables such as peas, carrots, apples and cranberries to provide a balanced, nutrient-packed meal.

Enhanced with probiotics and antioxidants, this dry dog food supports healthy digestion, a strong immune system, and vibrant skin and coat.

With a minimum of 37.5% crude protein and 20% crude fat, it’s especially well-suited for highly active or working dogs that need extra energy. While the price is steep, dogs on this diet are treated to one of the most nutrient-dense, premium salmon meals available.

Bonus: Must-Try Salmon Canned Dog Foods and Treats

You may want to occasionally feed your furry friends canned dog meals with real salmon and salmon dog treats. These are great toppers to the regular kibble or little rewards to your good boys and girls. 

Real salmon in chunks or pate form are scrumptious meals that your pooch will love. Although usually more expensive than dry kibble, wet dog meals are more enticing and appetizing to most dogs.

So serving them some of the salmon wet dog food or treats will likely give them much joy. 

Here are a few suggestions:

1. CANIDAE PURE All Stages LID Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

Highly regarded dog food maker Canidae offers a great salmon wet dog food option in its grain-free and limited ingredients salmon and sweet potato recipe. 

Made with real salmon, and enhanced with fish broth for added nutrients and flavor, this is one wet dog food that promises to be a darling to your pooch.  

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2. Weruva Jammin' Salmon with Chicken & Salmon in Pumpkin Soup

This next wet dog food may just get your pups jammin’ to a happy tune as Weruva presents its Jammin’ Salmon recipe. 

Made with real chicken breast and salmon, this grain-free wet meal in chunks and savory gravy is created gourmet-style for the absolute pleasure of your tail-wagging buddies.

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3. Against the Grain Nothing Else Salmon 

Famous for their grain-free dog food and single-ingredient recipes, Against The Grain has a unique canned pate that’s perfect for highly sensitive dogs – the Nothing Else Salmon formula.

Real salmon is the only ingredient in this diet so you can be sure it wouldn’t cause any allergies in your pup. 

This proudly American-made grain-free product is a surefire hit to your craving four-legged friends.

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4. FirstMate Salmon Formula

Wild-caught from the cold waters of Canada, this grain-free and limited-ingredient pate from family-owned dog food maker First Mate is another fine choice for a wet dog meal. 

This grain-free recipe is made of high-quality ingredients with a high minimum crude protein of 12%. It’s also an excellent choice for food-sensitive dogs.

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5. Zignature Salmon Limited Ingredient Formula

Zignature specializes in creating hypoallergenic and low-glycemic meals that are ideal for pups that are picky eaters or with many sensitivities.

Every recipe the brand creates is free of the usual top allergens in pups, such as corn, chicken, soy, wheat, or potatoes. It also tries to make each formula short to keep it as simple as possible.

All of Zignature’s recipes have short and limited ingredients, but its wet food line has an even shorter read for remarkably clean recipes.

For this specific formula, your dog will enjoy premium and globally-sourced food as the wild Salmon that leads it comes all the way from Northern US.

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6. Tylee's Salmon Human-Grade Freeze-Dried Treats

Now here’s a wonderful human-grade salmon treat for your furry buddies from Tylee's. Made from real, whole freeze-dried salmon, this flavorful treat is indeed a treat! 

Surely delicious and highly nutritious, with an eye-popping minimum crude protein of 70%, your meat-lovin’ pup will gobble up these tasty grain-free treats, guaranteed.  

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Guide to Feeding Salmon

Is Salmon Good For Dogs?

Yes, salmon is good for dogs. In fact, salmon has become a favorite main ingredient in many premium dog foods today upon recognizing the many health benefits this amazing fish has to offer our canine companions. 

Salmon is an abundant source of omega 3 fatty acids, which are highly beneficial to your dog’s immune system as it is for humans. Many fish fit for human and dog meals have this important nutrient.

Salmon is considered by many nutritionists as the best among the fishes used to obtain these natural omegas. These nutrients are also known to reduce inflammation and enhance a dog’s skin and coat health.

Salmon is also rich in proteins, which is why it is a choice ingredient for premium-quality dog foods. Another great reason to choose salmon-based dog foods is that very few dogs are known to have allergies to salmon, unlike the more common animal protein sources such as chicken and beef.

Compared with other popular fish for consumption, salmon is considerably lower in mercury. Most salmon dog food products are cleared for mercury levels that are considered harmful to our pooch.

However, it is important to check the source of the salmon as it can tell you the quality of the fish.

Lastly, salmon can be very tasty for most dogs, which is why it is often recommended as one of the best dog food for picky pups.

 

What are the Health Benefits of Salmon for Dogs?

As mentioned earlier, salmon is a healthy food source for both humans and canines. It is an excellent source of natural omega 3 fatty acids that offer numerous health gains.

Salmon is also a rich source of protein, and essential nutrients like magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. 

Among the health benefits that can be derived from salmon are: 

Healthy Skin and Coat 

The natural oil from salmon is known to give your dog’s skin and coat a huge boost. Some vets recommend giving dogs with problematic skin salmon oil as a supplement to address this issue. It is believed to aid in producing healthier skin and shinier coats in dogs. 

Moreover, it is also suggested by some studies that omega fatty acids can help alleviate skin irritations and allergies. This is why vets recommend salmon-based dog food for food-sensitive dogs.

High in Quality Protein

Salmon is also a healthy source of great quality protein, which is the most important nutrient for healthy pups. While this fish is high in protein, it’s low in fat, making it ideal for elderly and overweight dogs. Since it’s high in protein, salmon is also wealthy in essential amino acids, which dogs need to regulate hormones and build stronger cartilage.  

Healthy Immune System

Omega 3 fatty acids can also help boost a dog’s immune system and even help prevent canine cancer, according to multiple studies.

Boost Brain Function

Salmon’s wealth of nutrients also provides health favors for the brain. It is especially good for growing puppies as well as dogs in their twilight years. The omega fatty acids are also known to aid in the brain development of fetuses in pregnant dogs.

Inflammation Reduction

Among the other notable functions of omega 3 fatty acids is their ability to help inflammation subside. This is very useful to dogs as they experience many sorts of inflammation throughout their lives.

Healthy Joints

Omega fatty acids also help in supporting joint health, especially in senior dogs and ones suffering from arthritis.

Healthy Heart

As in humans, natural omegas are also highly beneficial to a dog’s heart health. Vets commonly prescribe fish oil to boost the heart health of older dogs.

Why you should consider Salmon Dog Food?

If both you and your pooch are satisfied with the current diet, then there’s really no need to shift to a salmon-based meal.

This means that your dog food has sufficient nutrients for your pup and does not cause any health issues. Of course, to know if your dog is in tiptop shape, a regular visit to the vet is necessary.

But if you often notice health-related concerns in your dogs such as itchy or flaky skin, upset tummies or sensitive stomachs, dull coat, hot spots, vomiting, skin rashes, red eyes, ear infections, and hair loss among others, then they could have developed food allergies to some of the ingredients in their current dog food. 

There are also some dog breeds that are more prone to food allergies. 

Among the most common food ingredients that cause dog allergies are beef, dairy, chicken, eggs, wheat, soy, corn, some grains, and even lamb. 

So if this is the case in your pet household, then feeding your dog salmon food may be a great move. There are very few cases of dogs with food sensitivities to salmon.

This is why apart from the many nutritional benefits it offers; salmon-based food is a great option for food allergic dogs.

What to Look for?

There are hundreds of dog manufacturers throughout the world that offer salmon dog food recipes. But these products vary in the quantity and quality of salmon ingredients.

Obviously, the more premium brands use the better quality of fish as their first ingredient. The cheaper brands place salmon meal in the middle or latter portions of their ingredients deck, hence just a small component of their recipes. 

Still, better products use salmon as the only animal protein and healthy fats source, to minimize the chances of food allergies.

Some salmon food formulas blend the salmon with other animal proteins to cut down the cost. The finest dog food with salmon recipes source only wild-caught salmon, which is known to be the best type, and some use commercially-raised salmons from fisheries.

So what should you look for when choosing salmon dog food good for your tail-waggers? 

Well, the best salmon dog foods use fresh salmon or salmon meal as the first ingredient. As mentioned above, many salmon variants of dog food products include salmon as just a minor component of the recipe, with other animal meat meals as the primary ingredients.

Some brands use other animal proteins or fish meals such as whitefish meals or herring meal to complement the salmon. 

Also, as mentioned earlier, wild-caught fresh salmon, especially from North American waters, is best because it’s believed to be healthier due to its natural environment, and lower mercury load.

Aside from checking the salmon content, you also need to pay attention to the other ingredients in the formula. The animal protein source is not the only common cause for food allergies in dogs.

Some of the common fillers used to make dry kibble are also known allergens like wheat, soy, corn, and grains (although whole grain brown rice rarely causes allergies).

So if your pup has food sensitivities, it may be wise to avoid these ingredients. This is why some premium brands promote their “grain-free” recipes. Of course, to be sure, have your four-legged child checked by the veterinarian.

We also recommend giving your furry friends dog foods that are free of artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and GMOs. Natural, nutrient-rich, and protein-rich ingredients are undeniably healthier for both young and adult dogs.

Finally, choose a high-quality dog food that offers a complete and balanced diet, comprised of vitamins and minerals that are essential for your dog’s health.

Apart from proteins and fat, they also need a good amount of carbohydrates and fibers derived from wholesome plant-based ingredients. It’s best to find labels that are approved by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).

It’s imperative for all pet owners to review the ingredients list of pet food brands (both wet and dry food) they wish to purchase.

Get to know also the nutrient content and guaranteed analysis to better provide a delicious dog-healthy meal that suits your pup’s specific needs and keeps him or her happy.

Takeaway

Choosing the right salmon dog food for your furry friend ultimately comes down to balancing quality, nutrition and your dog’s individual needs. Salmon is an excellent protein source, rich in omega fatty acids that support skin, coat, joints, and overall health, making it a standout ingredient in many high-quality diets.

As we’ve seen, there are options for every budget—from affordable, reliable formulas that provide solid nutrition to super-premium recipes packed with freeze-dried raw ingredients and extra nutrients for active or sensitive dogs. While higher-priced foods often come with richer ingredients and added benefits, even mid-range options can deliver impressive health gains if chosen thoughtfully.

The key is to consider your dog’s age, activity level, sensitivities, and preferences. Look for formulas with real salmon as the first ingredient, balanced proteins and fats, and added vitamins, minerals, or probiotics when possible.

No single formula is perfect for every dog, but with the options listed here, you can confidently pick a salmon-based kibble that keeps your dog happy, healthy and tail-wagging every mealtime.