Salmon Dog Food Recipe with Spinach & Pumpkin
Give your pup a healthy and delicious meal with this homemade salmon and veggie dog food! Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich grains and nutrient-dense vegetables, this recipe is designed to support your dog’s overall health, digestion and energy levels.
Whether you’re looking for an easy homemade meal or a tasty topper for kibble, this recipe is a great choice for dogs of all sizes. Plus, it’s easy to make, free of artificial additives, and packed with natural goodness!

Looking for more lighter meal ideas for your pup? Check out our collection of homemade low fat dog food recipes packed with lean proteins and wholesome ingredients.
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What’s In This Post
Can Dogs Eat Salmon?
Salmon is a great food for dogs. It’s great for a shiny coat with it’s high content of omega-3 fatty acids and is a great protein source. Salmon helps with inflammation and can help with skin irritations.
The salmon must be cooked and ensure that you remove any fish bones before serving it. Boneless salmon fillets are a great option. Raw salmon should not be given to dogs.

The skin can be high in fats so keep it as a special treat.
Remember to go slowly when introducing new foods. And we recommend checking with your veterinarian first if your dog has any digestive issues or other health concerns.
How To Cook Salmon For Dogs
Salmon can be poached, grilled, baked, roasted or steamed for your homemade dog food. For this recipes I roasted the salmon as I wanted to ensure that it was thoroughly cooked through.
There are no seasonings added to the salmon as you are cooking for your dog, not yourself!
Salmon and Rice Dog Food Recipe Ingredients
For this homemade dog food recipe I used:

- Salmon Fillet – A high-quality protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and joint health. Salmon is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals to boost overall well-being.
- Brown Rice – A wholesome grain that provides easily digestible carbohydrates for sustained energy. It’s also a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
- Green Beans – Low in calories but high in fiber and essential vitamins like A, C, and K, green beans are a great addition to a dog’s diet. They support digestion and can help with weight management.
- Homemade Pumpkin Purée – A nutrient-rich ingredient that’s great for digestive health. Pumpkin is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, helping to regulate digestion and soothe upset stomachs.
- Frozen Spinach – A superfood for dogs, spinach is loaded with iron, fiber, and essential vitamins. It promotes heart health, supports the immune system, and contributes to overall vitality.
How to Make Salmon Dog Food Recipe
This recipe cooks the salmon separately, then the rice and vegetables together. Finally combining all ingredients.

Bake and flake the salmon fillets.

Cook the brown rice in a saucepan.

Add the green beans and spinach.

Mix the salmon, rice, vegetables and pumpkin puree.
Storage
Keep the salmon dog food recipe in the fridge, in an air tight container. It should last up to 3 days in the fridge.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Canned salmon can be used in place of fresh salmon in this recipe. Ensure that the tinned salmon is in water, not oil.
Once the dog food has been cooked, allow it to completely cool before freezing. Store in an air tight container or zip lock bags and it should last in the freezer for 2 months.

Watch The Recipe
More Homemade Dog Food Recipes

Salmon Dog Food Recipe with Spinach & Pumpkin
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Ingredients
- 2 lb salmon
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1/2 cup chopped green beans
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup Spinach Frozen & defrosted
Instructions
- Place the salmon on a parchment lined baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes at 180C/375F degrees.
- Whilst the salmon is roasting cook the brown rice. Place the brown rice and 2 cups water in a small sauce and bring to the boil. Cover, turn the heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes until tender.
- Add the green beans and spinach to the brown rice half way through cooking. Drain once the rice is cooked.
- Remove the cooked salmon from the oven and with a fork, flake the salmon, removing any bones.
- In a large bowl, add the salmon, rice, green beans, spinach and pumpkin puree. Mix well and dinner is ready!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.


What would the daily serving size for a 10 lb dog?
About 3/4 cup to 1 1/2 cups per day.
is one cup the serving size?
my mini golden is 48lbs, how much should i feed him everyday? i give him 2 meals per day
I’d say between 2 to 3 cups a day but I’d double check with your vet as it can vary between breeds.
The serving size is 1 cup. I’ve updated the recipe card.
Thank you for posting this recipe! How is the spinach supposed to be cooked and served?
Hi, I use defrosted spinach and stir it into the cooked salmon and rice.
Can this be frozen?
Yes it can. Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag and defrost thoroughly in the fridge before serving.
Is this recipe ok for puppies?
Salmon is safe for puppies but I would check with your vet as a puppy’s diet can have different requirements.
Is it possible to still make this recipe but without the pea?
Of course. Either replace it with another vegetable or omit it entirely.
I have an 80 pound german Shepard, how much should he be eating of this recipe?
About 2 cups for that size. Hope they enjoy it!
This recipe looks so yummy. I have a 3 lbs toy poodle puppy and wonder how much should a serve him from this meal a day. Is there a way to calculate approximately?
Hi Martina, I’ve updated the recipe to include a feeding guide. Hope that helps and your cute puppy enjoys the recipe!
Can this be canned?
Good question and great idea! Yes it could!
I am wondering with this recipe, if there should be any other additives or any vitamins or anything? I have a French bull dog puppy and am wanting to do some some cooked meals for her. But wondering what other additives should be in the food.
I sometimes add hempseed hearts, ground eggshells and turmeric to their dinner but you should check with your vet too!
My vet told me that if I give my dog home food, I must add a multivitamin and minerals to the meals.
Always listen to your vet! Each meal will vary but there’s a few good holistic vets online who produced totally balanced meals.
Can this be frozen?
Hi Pam, yes it can. Place it in a zip log bag or an air tight container and it should freeze up to 3 months.
Hi, do you use the salmon including the skin for the recipe? Thanks
Hi! Yes I do use the skin. My dogs love it!
Can this be frozen if it gives 8 cups but the dog eats one per day?
Yes it can. Make sure it’s in an airtight container and defrost thoroughly before serving.
Do I still use the hard food? I usually feed the twice per day. Or does everyone only feed this homemade dog food? I have 2 goldens that are 75 and 85 pounds
It’s down to each owner and dog preference. If if doubt ask your friendly vet!
Is the rice amount for cooked or precooked?
Thanks for this awesome recipe!!
The amount is precooked. Hope your dog enjoys the recipe!