New Zealand King Salmon vs. Other Salmon: 8 Benefits That Make It the Healthiest Choice for Pets (and You!)

If you’re looking for the ultimate source of protein and nutrition for your pet, New Zealand King Salmon should be at the top of your list. This isn’t just another type of fish—it’s the king of all salmon, sustainably raised in the pristine, untouched waters of New Zealand and known for its unmatched nutrient profile. Here’s why New Zealand King Salmon stands out from other salmon varieties, delivering superior health benefits for both pets and pet owners alike. 

1. Highest Omega-3 Levels Among Salmon Species

New Zealand King Salmon is celebrated for its exceptional nutrient profile, particularly for its Omega-3 fatty acid content. Among all salmon species, New Zealand King Salmon boasts the highest Omega-3 levels. These essential fatty acids play a crucial role in supporting heart, skin, and coat health, as well as brain and eye development in pets. For puppies and kittens, this extra boost in Omega-3s promotes optimal growth, while for senior pets, it helps with joint health and cognitive function. This nutrient-rich profile, supported by a carefully formulated diet, makes New Zealand King Salmon the premier choice for pets who deserve the very best . 

Key Omega-3 Benefits for Pets: 

• Healthy Coat and Skin: Omega-3s contribute to a shiny, soft coat while reducing shedding and skin irritation. 

• Joint Support: Especially helpful for senior pets, Omega-3s improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation. 

• Brain Health: Omega-3s enhance cognitive function, promoting learning and memory in pets. 

2. A Rare Choice, Farmed with Care

Only 0.7% of the world’s salmon is King Salmon, which highlights its unique nutritional profile and the care required to farm it. This rarity is a testament to the quality and attention that go into New Zealand’s sustainable salmon farming. Low-density fish pens and extensive health monitoring allow each King Salmon to grow under optimal, stress-free conditions. Choosing New Zealand King Salmon for your pet means you’re providing a distinct, nutrient-rich protein that’s hard to find elsewhere and has been farmed with care and dedication . 

3. Pristine Purity: Low in Contaminants, High in Safety

New Zealand is known for its commitment to clean, sustainable aquaculture. New Zealand King Salmon is farmed in the country’s crystal-clear coastal waters, where strict biosecurity and environmental protocols ensure that contaminants like mercury, PCBs, and microplastics are virtually nonexistent. This means you’re giving your pet a clean, wholesome source of protein without the health risks associated with wild-caught fish . 

4. Sustainability You Can Trust

New Zealand’s salmon farming practices are among the most environmentally responsible in the world. All New Zealand salmon farms participate in the A+ Sustainable Management Programme, which prioritizes environmental health and public transparency. New Zealand is also the only country with a farmed salmon industry rated “Best Choice” by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. 

By choosing New Zealand King Salmon, you’re supporting aquaculture that actively protects marine ecosystems and minimizes environmental impact—so you can feel great about what you’re feeding your pet . 

5. Superior Taste and Texture

Pets can be picky, but the rich flavor, buttery texture, and vibrant color of New Zealand King Salmon make it a hit with both cats and dogs. Unlike other salmon varieties, which can be mealy or bland, King Salmon offers a distinct taste and texture that pets genuinely enjoy. Its high-fat content makes it softer and easier to digest, particularly for older pets or those with sensitive stomachs . 

6. High-Quality Protein for Optimal Health

Protein is essential to your pet’s health, and New Zealand King Salmon delivers an optimal balance of high-quality, easily digestible protein. This promotes lean muscle mass, supports growth and recovery, and provides the energy pets need to stay active. Thanks to a carefully designed diet tailored to each salmon’s nutritional needs, New Zealand King Salmon offers a complete amino acid profile, giving pets the protein quality they need at every life stage . 

7. Innovative Farming Techniques for Healthier Fish

New Zealand salmon farms use the latest technologies to keep their stock healthy and stress-free. Biomass cameras, for example, monitor fish health without needing to handle them, minimizing stress. Health checks are conducted by a dedicated Fish Health team, who ensure high standards of water quality and regularly clean nets to maintain a stable, oxygen-rich environment. This careful attention to health and comfort translates into a superior protein source for your pet . 

8. Traceability from Ocean to Bowl

Every step of the King Salmon’s journey—from egg to your pet’s bowl—is carefully tracked and verified. New Zealand King Salmon farms use advanced traceability systems to monitor each fish’s lifecycle, including its diet, growth, and health. This transparent process means pet owners can trust that they’re getting a safe, high-quality product that upholds the highest standards in aquaculture . 

The Ultimate Choice for Pet Owners Who Want the Best 

With its unmatched nutritional benefits, environmental integrity, superior taste, and safety standards, New Zealand King Salmon truly reigns supreme in pet nutrition. Choosing King Salmon means choosing better health, a better environment, and a better future for your pet. 

For more insights, you can read more on Addiction Pet Foods blog about how not all salmon are created equal.  

Sources 

1. Seafood Watch, Monterey Bay Aquarium. Seafood Watch. 

2. USDA FoodData Central. USDA FoodData Central. 

3. New Zealand King Salmon. https://www.kingsalmon.co.nz/ 

4. New Zealand Sustainable Aquaculture. https://www.aplusaquaculture.nz/