Want to turn your pup from dull to dazzling without spending a fortune on fancy supplements? This simple salmon and quinoa combo might just be the game-changer your furry friend’s coat and tummy have been begging for.
Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids for shinier coats while quinoa delivers easy-to-digest protein and fiber for better gut health. No more embarrassing moments when other dog parents comment on your pup’s lackluster fur or those awkward walks interrupted by digestive drama.
You’ll discover an easy recipe that takes minutes to make, plus smart tips for meal planning and storage. We’ll also cover how much to feed different dog sizes and simple ways to switch up the flavors so your dog never gets bored.
Table of Contents
Quick Recipe
This simple salmon and quinoa recipe takes just 30 minutes to make. You’ll need basic ingredients like salmon fillets, quinoa, and a few vegetables to create a nutritious meal for your dog.
Ingredients
You’ll need 1 pound of fresh salmon fillets with skin removed. Make sure there are no bones hiding in there – your pup doesn’t need a surprise dental floss session.
Grab 1 cup of quinoa and rinse it well. Nobody likes bitter quinoa, especially dogs who can’t complain politely about the taste.
Vegetables needed:
- 1 cup sweet potato, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
- 1/2 cup green beans, trimmed
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil for cooking. Your dog’s coat will thank you later when it’s shinier than a freshly waxed car.
You’ll also need 3 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth. Salt is not your dog’s friend, so keep it simple.
Steps
Cook the quinoa first by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy.
While quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan. Add sweet potato and carrots first since they take longer to soften.
Cook vegetables for 5 minutes, then add green beans. Your kitchen will smell amazing, but don’t let your dog guilt you into sharing early.
Add salmon to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. The fish should flake easily when done.
Mix everything with the cooked quinoa and let it cool completely before serving. Hot food burns tongues, and explaining that to your vet gets awkward.
Benefits Of This Recipe
This salmon and quinoa recipe delivers real value for your dog’s health and your wallet. You’ll see measurable improvements in coat shine and digestion while keeping feeding costs reasonable.
Table – Cost & Calories Per Cup
| Serving Size | Cost Per Cup | Calories Per Cup |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | $2.15 | 485 calories |
| 2 cups | $4.30 | 970 calories |
| 3 cups | $6.45 | 1,455 calories |
Your wallet won’t weep when you make this recipe. At $2.15 per cup, it costs less than most premium dog foods.
The calorie count works for most medium to large dogs. A 50-pound dog needs about 1,200 calories daily.
You can adjust portions based on your dog’s size and activity level. Active dogs need more calories than couch potatoes.
Health Advantages
Your dog’s coat will look shinier within two weeks. Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids that make fur glossy and soft.
Quinoa delivers complete protein with all essential amino acids. This helps build strong muscles and repair tissues.
Your pup’s stomach will thank you for the easy digestion. Quinoa is gentler than wheat or corn on sensitive tummies.
The recipe includes fiber that keeps bowel movements regular. No more surprise accidents or constipation drama.
Salmon also supports brain function and reduces inflammation. Your dog might even seem more alert and playful.
Feeding Table For Different Sized Dogs & Breeds (2 Meals A Day)
Your dog’s size matters when it comes to salmon and quinoa portions. Think of it like buying pants – one size does not fit all!
Small dogs under 25 pounds need less food than their bigger friends. Medium dogs between 25-60 pounds eat more. Large dogs over 60 pounds need the most food to keep their bodies running.
| Dog Size | Weight Range | Daily Amount | Per Meal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 25 lbs | 1-2 cups | 1/2-1 cup |
| Medium | 25-60 lbs | 2-3 cups | 1-1.5 cups |
| Large | 60-100 lbs | 3-4 cups | 1.5-2 cups |
| Extra Large | Over 100 lbs | 4-5 cups | 2-2.5 cups |
Your Chihuahua will look like a tiny balloon if you feed them like a Great Dane. Your Great Dane will be hangry if you feed them like a Chihuahua.
Active dogs need more food than couch potatoes. Puppies eat more than senior dogs. Pregnant dogs need extra portions too.
Split the daily amount into two meals. This helps your dog’s stomach handle the food better. Morning and evening meals work best for most dogs.
Watch your dog’s weight and adjust portions as needed. A pudgy pup needs less food. A skinny dog needs more.
Variations
Different dogs have different needs, and your salmon and quinoa recipe can be tweaked to help with specific health goals. Small changes to portions, ingredients, or cooking methods can make this meal work better for weight loss, allergies, or age-related issues.
Weight Loss
Cut the quinoa portion in half and double the vegetables. This keeps your chunky pup full while reducing calories.
Green beans, carrots, and zucchini are your best friends here. They add bulk without adding pounds to your dog’s waistline.
Replace any oil with a light spray or skip it entirely. Your dog won’t miss those extra calories, but their joints will thank you later.
Portion Control Tips:
- Measure everything with a kitchen scale
- Feed smaller meals more often
- Add extra water to make food seem bigger
Steam the vegetables instead of roasting them. This cuts calories while keeping all the good nutrients your dog needs.
Puppies
Growing puppies need more protein and fat than adult dogs. Increase the salmon portion by 25% to fuel those growing muscles and developing brains.
Cook the quinoa until it’s extra soft. Puppy teeth are still figuring things out, and mushy food is easier to handle.
Add a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt for extra calcium. Growing bones need all the help they can get.
Puppy-Specific Adjustments:
- Smaller kibble-sized pieces
- More frequent meals (3-4 times daily)
- Extra healthy fats like fish oil
Mash everything together slightly. This makes it easier for small mouths to eat and helps with digestion.
Senior Dogs
Older dogs often have trouble chewing hard foods. Cook the quinoa longer and flake the salmon into smaller pieces.
Add bone broth instead of water when cooking quinoa. This gives extra flavor and helps with hydration, which senior dogs often struggle with.
Consider adding a small amount of sweet potato. It’s easy to digest and provides gentle fiber for aging digestive systems.
Senior-Friendly Modifications:
- Softer textures throughout
- Smaller, more frequent meals
- Extra hydration in food
- Easier-to-digest vegetables
Warm the food slightly before serving. Room temperature or slightly warm food smells better and is more appealing to dogs with decreased appetite.
Common Allergies
If your dog can’t handle salmon, try white fish like cod or halibut. These are usually gentler on sensitive stomachs.
Quinoa itself can cause problems for some dogs. Sweet potato or white rice work as good substitutes that are easier to digest.
Allergy-Safe Swaps:
- Chicken or turkey instead of salmon
- Rice instead of quinoa
- Limited vegetables (just carrots and green beans)
- No added oils or seasonings
Keep ingredients simple when dealing with allergies. Stick to three or four ingredients max until you know what works.
Always introduce new foods slowly. Give tiny amounts for several days before increasing portions.
Picky Eaters
Some dogs turn their noses up at healthy food. Mix this recipe with their regular food at first, gradually increasing the homemade portion.
Warm the food slightly to release more smells. Picky dogs often eat with their noses first.
Add a tiny bit of low-sodium chicken broth to make everything more appealing. Just a tablespoon can make a huge difference.
Picky Eater Tricks:
- Hand-feed the first few bites
- Mix with favorite treats
- Serve in different bowls
- Try different textures
Don’t give up after one try. It can take 10-15 exposures to a new food before dogs accept it.
Digestion
Dogs with sensitive stomachs need extra care. Cook everything longer and make sure it’s soft and easy to break down.
Add a spoonful of plain pumpkin puree. This helps with both diarrhea and constipation, making it perfect for unpredictable digestive issues.
Bone broth can replace some of the cooking water. It adds nutrients and is gentle on upset stomachs.
Digestion-Friendly Changes:
- Smaller, more frequent meals
- Room temperature serving
- Extra cooking time
- Minimal ingredients
Remove any vegetables that cause gas. Broccoli and cabbage might be healthy, but they’re not worth the digestive upset.
Joints
Dogs with arthritis or joint problems benefit from extra omega-3 fatty acids. Add a fish oil supplement or increase the salmon portion.
Turmeric can help with inflammation. Use just a tiny pinch mixed into the food, not enough to change the taste.
Keep portions appropriate for weight management. Extra weight puts more stress on already sore joints.
Joint-Supporting Additions:
- Fish oil supplement
- Glucosamine powder
- Anti-inflammatory foods
- Weight management focus
Consider adding blueberries or other antioxidant-rich fruits. These help fight inflammation throughout the body.
Skin & Coat
For dogs with dull coats or skin problems, focus on healthy fats. The omega-3s in salmon are already helping, but you can boost them further.
Add a teaspoon of coconut oil once or twice a week. Too much can cause stomach upset, so start small.
Make sure you’re not overcooking the salmon. High heat destroys some of the beneficial oils your dog’s skin needs.
Coat-Boosting Tips:
- Don’t skip the salmon skin (if boneless)
- Add fish oil supplement
- Include egg yolk occasionally
- Consistent feeding schedule
Consistency matters more than perfection. Regular meals with good nutrition work better than occasional super-foods.
Seasonal Switches
Your dog’s coat needs change with the seasons. Just like you swap shorts for sweaters, your pup’s nutrition needs a seasonal makeover too.
Spring brings shedding season. Your vacuum cleaner is probably crying right now. Boost the salmon in their diet to help new fur grow strong and shiny.
Summer heat makes dogs lazy dinner guests. They might turn their nose up at heavy meals. Mix quinoa with cool water before serving to make it more appealing.
Fall is prep time for winter coats. Your dog’s body works overtime growing thicker fur. Extra protein from salmon helps fuel this fuzzy transformation.
Winter means dry indoor air attacks their skin. Think of it as seasonal dandruff for dogs. The omega-3s in salmon fight back against flaky, itchy skin.
Here’s your seasonal game plan:
| Season | Focus | Salmon Amount | Quinoa Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Shedding support | Increase 25% | Normal serving |
| Summer | Easy digestion | Normal amount | Serve cool |
| Fall | Coat building | Increase 20% | Add warm broth |
| Winter | Skin health | Normal amount | Mix with warm water |
Watch your dog’s energy levels too. More outdoor time in nice weather means they need extra fuel. Less activity in bad weather means smaller portions work better.
Your dog’s seasonal switches don’t need to be complicated. Small changes make big differences in their coat and comfort.
Storage Advice
Your salmon and quinoa mix needs proper storage to stay fresh. Nobody wants to feed their pet mystery meat from last month.
Dry ingredients can sit in your pantry for months. Store quinoa in a sealed container away from light and heat. It’s tougher than your dog’s favorite chew toy.
Salmon gets tricky fast. Fresh salmon only lasts 2-3 days in the fridge. Your nose will tell you when it’s gone bad – trust it.
Cooked portions stay good for 3-4 days refrigerated. Freeze extras in single-serving containers. Your future self will thank you on busy weeknights.
| Storage Method | Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh salmon (fridge) | 2-3 days | Keep coldest part |
| Cooked meals (fridge) | 3-4 days | Sealed containers |
| Frozen portions | 2-3 months | Label with dates |
Never leave cooked food out longer than 2 hours. Bacteria multiply faster than rabbits in spring. Your pet’s stomach won’t forgive you.
Freeze portions flat in freezer bags. They thaw faster and take up less space. Stack them like pancakes in your freezer.
Pro tip: Write dates on everything. Your memory isn’t as good as you think it is. Neither is mine.
Thaw frozen meals in the fridge overnight. Microwave thawing creates hot spots that burn tongues. Nobody wants a grumpy pet at dinner time.
Batch Cooking Tips
Making salmon and quinoa meals ahead saves time and keeps your dog happy. Cook once, feed multiple times.
Cook quinoa in big batches. Make 3-4 cups at once. It stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Bake several salmon fillets together. Your oven doesn’t care if you cook one piece or six. Season them all the same way.
Let everything cool completely before storing. Hot food in containers creates steam. Steam makes everything soggy and gross.
Storage becomes your best friend:
- Glass containers work better than plastic
- Label everything with dates
- Freeze portions in ice cube trays for small dogs
| Storage Method | Time Limit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-5 days | Weekly meal prep |
| Freezer | 2-3 months | Monthly batch cooking |
Portion control saves your sanity. Divide meals into single servings right away. Your future self will thank you at dinner time.
Mix fresh ingredients like vegetables into stored quinoa and salmon. This keeps meals interesting for picky eaters.
Pro tip: Cook quinoa in low-sodium chicken broth instead of water. Dogs think it’s fancy restaurant food.
Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the salmon. Nobody wants rubber fish for dinner.
Keep some plain cooked quinoa separate. It works as a base for different protein combinations throughout the week.
Transitioning Steps
Your dog’s stomach isn’t ready for a food swap party. Think of it like switching from pizza to salad overnight – not fun for anyone involved.
Start by mixing 25% new food with 75% old food for the first two days. Your pup might give you the side-eye, but stick with it.
Days 3-4 bump it up to a 50-50 mix. This is when your dog realizes something fishy is happening – literally, if you’re adding salmon.
Day 5-6 Schedule:
- 75% new salmon and quinoa food
- 25% old food
- Watch for any tummy troubles
By day 7, go full salmon mode with 100% new food. Your dog should be ready for their glow-up journey.
Keep an eye out for these signs during the switch:
| Good Signs | Bad Signs |
|---|---|
| Normal poops | Loose stools |
| Good appetite | Vomiting |
| Happy energy | Lethargy |
If your dog’s digestive system throws a tantrum, slow down the process. Some pups need 10-14 days to adjust.
Pro tip: Feed smaller portions more often during the transition. This helps prevent any digestive drama.
Don’t rush this process. Your dog’s gut needs time to figure out what’s happening. Think of it as digestive boot camp – slow and steady wins the shiny coat race.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.
