Who does not like seafood? Our dogs love it, and we know your dog will too! After learning about crabs, tilapia, scallops, and tuna, we are going to explore the question, “can dogs eat shrimp?”
Well, in short- yes! You can feed your dog shrimp in moderation, but should you? In this 5-minute read, we will give you the answers to all your questions on shrimps and dogs.
Is Shrimp Bad For Dogs?
Feeding your dog shrimp is considered absolutely safe IF appropriately prepared! Although the reasons why and why not you should feed your dog shrimps are below, now the choice is yours:
1. Bacterial attack
Seafoods are a hub for bacteria and parasites. Feeding your dog too much seafood, including shrimp, can lead to digestive problems and food poisoning (article). This is because of the parasitic infections that are more likely to be caused if your dog eats raw shrimp.
2. Choking hazards
Shrimps have shells on their body that protect them from the threats underwater. These shells should be removed before you serve shrimp to your dog. Otherwise, these hard shells can lead to choking hazards as they cannot be digested or chewed. This is another reason why this human food might not be the best choice for your dog.
3. Nutritional value
Last but not least, cooked and plain-served shrimp can also bring health benefits to your dog. It has an adequate nutritional value, making shrimp a healthy alternative to random unhealthy crackers. It includes:
- Protein
- Vitamins and minerals
- Omega- 3fatty sices
- Antioxidants
Can Dogs Eat Raw Shrimp?
No, you should NEVER feed your dog raw or undercooked shrimp!! Even though the raw shrimp is not toxic to dogs, it is not safe at all. There can be several health hazards that your dogs can suffer from. This includes choking hazards, allergies, and bacterial or parasite attacks. The only safe way to serve your dog any seafood, be it crabs, tilapia, scallops, tuna, etc., is to cook it thoroughly and serve it plain.
Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Your Dog Shrimps
Now that you know that feeding your dog shrimp is super safe if fed properly, here are some things you should know before you toss tasty shrimp treats to your dog:
1. Moderation
With every human food or dog food, you should always maintain moderation. This is because overeating any food can lead to digestive problems in dogs. When it comes to shrimp as well, the nutritional value is adequate but is not enough to be chosen as an everyday snack for dogs. This is why you should only feed your dog shrimp once in a while or as a small part of their meals.
2. Prepare well
Another essential thing to keep in mind is to prepare the shrimp well! It includes deshelling, washing it under the running water, cooking, and then serving it in bite-sized pieces. If it’s a comfy Saturday evening, we are sure you and your pooch will love munching on shrimp!
3. No seasonings
Dogs and seasonings can never be friends! Whether it is the healthiest food or a dangerous one, adding seasonings to your dog’s food should be a crime! Dogs are very sensitive to spices, which can cause allergic reactions. Hence, serving your dog plain and cooked shrimp would be best. Always remember, health >>> taste!
Conclusion
In a nutshell, we can say that the answer to “can dogs eat shrimp?” is a straightforward yes! You can feed your dog shrimp, but moderation and correct preparation are the primary keys. As a responsible dog parent, you should know what food can bring health benefits to your dog or if it’s even worth it! It all depends on the nutritional value a food brings and if there are any harmful ingredients.
Similarly, in the case of shrimps, these sea creatures should not be a part of your dog’s everyday diet due to the high cholesterol levels and other health threats. Instead, you can go for some healthier alternatives or even dog treats that would not compromise your dog’s well- being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Dogs can eat cooked shrimp in moderation. It is highly recommended that you only occasionally serve your dog plain and cooked shrimp as it brings health benefits to your dog. Although, overfeeding your dog shrimps can also be a health nightmare.
It depends on the amount of shrimp consumed. If your dog eats small portions of shrimp, it is not likely to cause any problems, but if not prepared well, the bacteria in shrimp can be hazardous to dogs. You should always confirm with your veterinarian before introducing any new food item to your dog.
It is not recommended to feed your dog shrimp tails. They are not poisonous but can cause choking hazards to your dog. If your dog ate one and pooped it out, it will not cause any problems. However, you should never deliberately feed your dog shrimp tails.
If your dog accidentally ate shrimp, they will be absolutely okay. Shrimps are not toxic to dogs but instead can be a great source of multiple nutrients. However, you should consult your veterinarian immediately if your dog ate raw shrimp or overate it.
