Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

Can my 7 kg diabetic Shiba Inu on insulin have a piece of plain salmon sushi roll?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Not safely — even a small piece of salmon sushi carries risks for a diabetic dog. Plain rice in modest amounts is unlikely to cause immediate harm, but the raw salmon poses a bacterial and parasite risk that a diabetic immune system handles poorly. Wasabi and pickled ginger, even in trace amounts from the roll, can trigger vomiting and stomach upset. If she accidentally eats a small piece, watch for vomiting or diarrhea and call your vet — but do not offer sushi as a regular treat, and keep it completely out of reach.

Sushi — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Rice is fine, but wasabi, pickled ginger and raw fish are not.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Sushi is not poisonous to dogs, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

Why these cautions matter

Raw animal protein carries Salmonella and E. coli risk, and those bacteria can spread to the people in the household too.

Sushi can turn up now and then, but not as a daily habit: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Sushi food facts page.

Open the full food page: Sushi food facts →