Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?
We love our dogs, and our quest to pamper our pooches is never-ending. From delicious fruits to homemade puppuccinos, we want to share everything we enjoy with our dogs! Unfortunately, not everything that we eat is safe for your canine companion.
Some foods are just not good for dogs, like high-sugar foods and salty snacks while others are downright deadly like chocolate. But, what about foods that are similar to things we know dogs can eat? For example, we know dogs can enjoy meats like chicken, beef, and pork, but what about other proteins?
Today, we’ll be covering seafood. Specifically: shrimp!
Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?
Yes! As long as you thoroughly cook and peel the shrimp, your pup can happily enjoy a little bit of this scrumptious treat!
Shrimp is high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein, two things that are fabulous for your pooch. When enjoyed in moderation, shrimp is a generally healthy treat option for your pup.
The biggest risk associated with feeding shrimp to your dog is bacterial contamination. Raw shrimp can carry harmful bacteria that could make your dog sick, so it’s important to fully cook any shrimp you share with your pup.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to Shrimp?
Yes, dogs can be allergic to shrimp. Like humans, individual dogs can have allergic reactions to a variety of foods, including shrimp and shellfish. Some dogs may even be severely allergic, which could cause swelling of the throat, possible trouble breathing, and dangerous complications if left untreated.
Most allergic reactions will cause vomiting or diarrhea, so if your dog experiences either of these symptoms after eating a small amount of shrimp, you should avoid giving your dog shrimp in the future.
How To Prepare Shrimp for Dogs
Photo credit: @valentepug
If you’re going to prepare shrimp for your pooches, it’s best to offer them plain shrimp. Remove the shell and tail, cook the shrimp, and hold the salt and spices. If you’re cooking shrimp for yourself, cook a shrimp for your dog first before the pan is seasoned, then set it aside to cool.
Small shrimp may be fed whole to medium and large dogs, but large shrimp should be cut into manageable bite-sized pieces to avoid choking.
How Much Shrimp Can Dogs Eat?
Most dogs shouldn’t eat shrimp more than once or twice a week. 1-2 small to medium sized shrimp once a week is plenty for a mid-large sized dog, and smaller dogs should probably be limited to just one.
Some dog-food formulas contain shrimp or shrimp parts. In these cases, you should follow the feeding instructions of the manufacturer or your veterinarian.
Can Dogs Eat Seafood?
Beyond shrimp, dogs can enjoy a wide variety of seafood options like salmon, tuna, and whitefish varieties. Many commercial kibbel, freeze dried, and raw dog food formulas include seafood and seafood ingredients like salmon and cod liver oil since seafood is a fantastic source of healthy fats and protein.
Can Dogs Eat Shrimp: The FAQ
Of course, that’s not the end of this crustacean’s tale! There are still a few other questions that puppy parents will want answered. To help you out, we’ve gathered and answered some of the most common questions about dogs and shrimp.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Shrimp?
It’s best to avoid feeding raw shrimp to your dog since you cannot be sure whether the raw shrimp harbors bacteria or not.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Shrimp?
Yes! Cooked shrimp is a healthy and delightful treat for your pooch. As we’ve already noted, the best way to offer shrimp to your pup is by removing the shells and tails, cooking it, and serving it plain without salt or seasoning.
Can Dogs Eat Shrimp Tempura?
Yes, but also no. There are no ingredients in shrimp tempura that are directly harmful to dogs, but it’s not a healthy option, and the frying oil could give your dog a stomach ache.
Can Dogs Eat Fried Shrimp?
Much like shrimp tempura, fried shrimp is a fatty and excessively greasy food for your canine companion. You should not feed your pup fried shrimp. Instead, offer them plain grilled and or cooked shrimp, and hold the seasoning!
Can Dogs Eat Shrimp Tails?
No. Avoid feeding your dog shrimp tails or shells, since this could cause choking or intestinal irritation.
If your pup eats a shrimp tail, closely monitor their behavior. If they begin to show signs of distress, lethargy, pain, or anything abnormal, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The Final Verdict
Yes! Shrimp are a tasty, healthy treat to share with your dog, just be sure to feed in moderation.
