Alternative Protein Treats for Dogs: Salmon, Duck, and When to Use Each

Alternative Protein Treats for Dogs: Salmon, Duck, and When to Use Each

By Melody Lee

Salmon and duck are safe, well-tolerated proteins for most dogs that can be offered in lieu of chicken or beef. They have different fat and omega-3 profiles that make them an attractive option for dog owners that are eliminating chicken from their dog’s diet or simply want to offer other proteins.

What Makes Salmon a Strong Treat Protein

Salmon is a high protein fish with a fat profile that marks it as distinct from poultry. Its fat content is largely comprised of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, which support skin barrier function and coat condition. In laymen’s terms, it’s great for dogs with dull coats or dry, itchy skin.

Cooked salmon skin can also be a nutritious supplement to a dog’s daily diet. The skin contains healthy fats and omega-3 as well, and is a natural source of collagen and vitamin D. Raw salmon skin is a different matter, as it can carry parasites and bacteria normally eliminated by the cooking process.

When shopping for a salmon dog treat, look for an ingredient list that puts salmon as the first ingredient. If you’re managing a food sensitivity or eliminating certain allergens, a limited ingredient treat simplifies that process so that you can be confident in what you’re giving your dog.

What Makes Duck a Strong Treat Protein

Duck is considered a novel protein. It doesn’t appear in most commercial dog foods in North America, which means that the average dog hasn’t been exposed to it. Novel proteins aren’t about flavor; if a dog hasn’t encountered a novel protein before, their immune system hasn’t developed antibodies to attack it and trigger an allergic reaction. For a dog with a known or suspected chicken sensitivity, a novel protein can reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with allergies.

When shopping for a duck treat, use the same logic as above: look for a treat that lists duck as the first ingredient, and with no artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

How Salmon and Duck Compare to Chicken

Most dog owners start with chicken: it’s lean, high protein, widely available, and tolerated by most dogs. Salmon and duck don’t necessarily have to replace chicken; many people introduce them alongside chicken, simply to give their dogs some variety in their diet.

Waggin Train Guaranteed Analysis — Chicken, Salmon & Duck (as-fed basis)
Nutrient Chicken Salmon Duck
Crude Protein (Min) 62% 50% 50%
Crude Fat (Min) 1% 3% 1%
Crude Fiber (Max) 1% 1.5% 2%
Moisture (Max) 18% 18% 18%
Best For Lean everyday protein Omega‑3 and coat support Novel protein, picky eaters


Chicken, duck, and salmon are all complete protein sources. The differences come down to their fat and nutrient profile, and how they can fit into a dog’s diet.

When It Makes Sense to Reach for an Alternative Protein

There are a few situations that call for salmon or duck over chicken:

• Dogs with a known or suspected chicken sensitivity. When a dog is dealing with digestive or skin issues that have no clear cause, reducing the variables is the first step. A vet may suggest an elimination diet that targets chicken and seeing if symptoms improve, before progressing to a full diet overhaul. Because of duck’s relative rarity in dog foods and treats, many dog owners start there, but salmon can also function as a novel protein if a dog has not eaten anything with salmon before.

• Picky eaters or dogs who’ve lost interest in their food. Despite their reputation as voracious and undiscriminating eaters, many dogs are picky eaters or become indifferent to familiar foods and treats. Rotating new proteins in, then rotating chicken back, can help maintain interest and enthusiasm.

• Training treat rotation. A high value treat is something that a dog finds motivating. Value isn’t just about flavor; novelty and scarcity can increase the value of a treat in a dog’s eyes. Adding a different protein into the mix can keep a dog’s motivation and engagement high, especially when learning complex or difficult behaviors.

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FAQ

Salmon is a high protein ingredient well-tolerated by most dogs. Its omega-3 fatty acid content supports skin and coat health. It can also function as a novel protein for dogs who have not had prior exposure to fish, which makes it useful beyond everyday treating purposes.

Commercially processed salmon dog treats are safe. The cooking and dehydration process eliminates parasites and bacteria present in raw salmon. Raw salmon from a grocery store may still contain them and is not a safe substitute.

The primary benefit of salmon comes from the omega-3 fatty acid profile. Salmon contains EPA and DHA, which support skin and coat health in dogs. Limited ingredient salmon treats keep dietary variables low, which are helpful for dogs with food sensitivities.

A novel protein is one that a dog has not eaten before, or in small enough amounts that their immune system has not developed a significant response to it. Duck is a common novel protein for North American dogs. Novel proteins are used to reduce or eliminate certain variables when a sensitivity or allergy is suspected.

Duck is safe for most dogs and well-tolerated. It is usually a novel protein for dogs in North America, making it useful for dogs with suspected chicken sensitivities.

Duck is new to most dogs and high in fat, which can be intriguing for dogs that have lost interest in their usual treats. A dog that’s been fed chicken for months may respond more readily to something new.

Chicken is a lean, complete protein found in many commercial dog foods and treats. Salmon has a high fat content and is chiefly known for containing omega-3 fatty acids. Duck is another high protein option that can be appropriate for dogs with suspected or known chicken allergies.

Yes. None of these proteins need to replace each other, except in the case of food intolerances.