Can Dogs Eat Shrimp? | The Beloved Seafood and Dogs

Last week, I was preparing shrimp fired rice for my friends. As I was cleaning the seafood, my dog looked up at me with his big shiny eyes. How can I say no to them, amirite? But then, I wondered: Can dogs eat shrimp? So, today, I am going to share with you that:

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?

Can dogs eat shrimp? Yes, they can! Shrimp are a great source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep your pup healthy. You should always make sure that any seafood you feed them is thoroughly cooked so that they don’t ingest any bad bacteria. It’s also important to note that sodium can be toxic in large doses for dogs, so refrain from feeding them too much shrimp per day.

Dogs love eating crunchy shrimps, crabs, clams etc. – but you should avoid giving your dog both shells and tails because they could choke on them or get food poisoning. Just remember to treat shrimp more like an occasional treat than a main part of the dog food. And always consult with your veterinarian before feeding them any new food!

The Health Benefits of Shrimp for Dogs

Shrimp contain a lot of good for people. But are they good for dogs? Let’s see:

• Shrimp are an excellent source of protein, providing about 16 grams per serving. Dogs are carnivores, so protein should constitute around 30% of your dog’s diet.
• They also contain multiple minerals and vitamins, such as thiamin, niacin, vitamin B12, and selenium. All of these nutrients can help keep your dog healthy and strong – thiamin helps with nerve function, the nervous system and energy metabolism as well as muscle contraction; niacin, also known as vitamin B-3, is responsible for energy production and digestive health; vitamin B-12 is important for red blood cell production and DNA synthesis; selenium is required for proper thyroid function and helps with immune system health.
• Shrimp also have antioxidant properties that can prevent cancerous tumors from growing in dogs’ bodies.
• Additionally, shrimp are relatively low in calories, making them a good option for dogs who need to watch their weight. A serving size of about one ounce contains only 28 calories!
• Not to mention, they provide omega-3 fatty acids, which maintains your pup’s coat shiny and healthy.

The Risks of Feeding Shrimp to Dogs

On the other hand, sometimes shrimp can be bad for dogs. Some risks associated with feeding your dog shrimp include:

• Shrimp may contain high levels of sodium that can be dangerous for dogs with heart problems or other health issues like high blood pressure.
• Shrimp also contains iodine, which is fine in small amounts but could lead to gastrointestinal problems. If too much is consumed at once-and no one wants that!
• Like other raw shellfish, raw shrimp may contain toxic bacteria, such as salmonella or E. Coli, which can cause diarrhea and vomiting if ingested by your pup.
• Some parts of the shrimp, such as shrimp tails or shells, can be a choking hazard.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Shrimp?

Dogs can eat raw shrimp, but it’s not recommended. Both humans and dogs can get food poisoning from eating raw shrimp containing harmful bacteria like salmonella or E. Coli. It’s always best to cook shrimp before feeding it to your pup! If you do choose to feed your pet seafood, make sure it is well-cooked at temperatures above 145 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 minutes or longer.

Are Shrimp Tails Safe for Dogs?

Can dogs eat shrimp? Yes! But what about the tails?

Sadly, shrimp tails are a dangerous treat for dogs. Many dogs love to munch on tails from shrimp, crabs, and clams because they are so crunchy and delicious. However, they are often sharp, and can be a choking hazard. It’s always best to avoid giving shrimp tails to your dog, or at least chop them up so that they’re safe for your dog’s digestive tract.

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp Shells?

And what about the other parts? Can dogs eat shrimp shells?

Similarly to the tails, shrimp shells pose a threat of choking if a dog swallows them whole, especially if he’s on the smaller side. Once the shrimp is cooked and ready, you should peel off the shell, so your dog doesn’t eat any of it.

How to Prepare Shrimp for Dogs

You can feed your dog shrimp in different ways. Some people like to give their pup fresh shrimp, but as we mentioned earlier, it’s not recommended because of the risk of bacteria. You can also cook the shrimp and serve them as a snack or include them in your dog’s food.

Boiled Shrimp

The best way to cook shrimp for dogs is by boiling them. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then carefully add the shrimp. Let them cook for two to three minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Drain the water, then let the shrimp cool before serving them to your dog. When cooking shrimp for your pet, make sure that you do not add any ingredients like garlic or onion to their food. Those should never be given to dogs because they contain sulfides which can cause anemia in dogs.

Frozen Shrimp

You can also serve them frozen if you like. Just make sure that they are fully thawed before feeding them to your dog. When cooking shrimp for your pup, make sure they are pink and cooked through – they should not be red or translucent.

Fried Shrimp

Fried shrimp is not recommended for your dog, because the ingredients used in these dishes may be harmful to your pet when ingested. Make sure you only feed your pup plain fried shrimp without any of these ingredients before giving them some of this dish.

Breaded Shrimp

You should also avoid giving your dog breaded shrimp. This is because the breading contains trans fat, which can be harmful to their health in large quantities, clogging up arteries and leading to heart disease over time.

How Much Shrimp Can a Dog Have?

It is recommended that you feed your dog no more than half a pound of cooked shrimp per day. A three-pound pup could have up to 15 ounces, while an eight-pound pooch would need 30 ounces or less! If shrimp is the main ingredient of your dog food, then just follow the guidelines included!

Sarah Jameson

Sarah Jameson is a journalist, reporter and a pet nutritionist. She is married to Peter, and they have two beautiful children, Zoey and Quinn. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys cooking for her family and playing snooker. She also loves spending time with her Scottish Terrier, Bobby.