Tag: Farmed salmon vs wild salmon

According to the Washington State Department of Health, both wild and farmed salmon can be healthy additions to a diet, but they differ significantly in fat content and nutrient balance. This raises the key question for many health-conscious consumers: is farm raised salmon as healthy as wild caught salmon?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating at least eight ounces of seafood per week for adults. Salmon, a nutritional powerhouse rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is a popular choice, but many wonder if it's safe to eat salmon a few times a week. In general, the health benefits far outweigh the minor risks, as long as you follow expert recommendations for frequency and portion size.

The number of calories in salmon can vary significantly based on whether it is wild-caught or farmed. A 5 oz portion of raw, farmed Atlantic salmon typically contains around 295 calories, while the same size serving of wild-caught salmon has fewer, at approximately 201 calories. This difference is largely due to variations in fat content between the two types.

According to the FDA, commercially prepared raw fish must be frozen to kill parasites before being sold. The ultimate safety for consumers, however, often depends on the type of fish and how it was handled, leading many to wonder: what's the safest fish to eat raw?

According to nutrition data, a 5-ounce serving of Atlantic salmon can provide around 29 grams of high-quality protein. The exact amount, however, depends on whether the salmon is farmed or wild, and how it is prepared, influencing how much protein is in 5 ounces of salmon with skin.