Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?
Many dogs are willing to try whatever their owners consume. Maybe you’re tempted to share when you see their tail start to wag, and they stare into your eyes with that pleading look. But are foods that humans eat safe for dogs? Can your dog eat shrimp?
The good news is that shrimp is safe for dogs— under certain conditions! Don’t worry; we’ll go over just what those conditions are. Does it make a difference if shrimp is prepared raw or cooked? Do shrimp provide nutritional benefits? Let's take a peek at the specifics and answer all your questions!
Quick Answer:
Yes, dogs can enjoy shrimp. But, pet owners must only give it to their dogs when cooked – and only in moderation.
Can My Dog Eat Shrimp?
For the most part, yes. However, dogs can have allergies, just like human beings. And what's more, shrimp can make your dog sick if you feed it to them raw. It’s essential to make sure your dog isn’t allergic before feeding them shrimp. You should always follow safety guidelines when preparing it for their meals. Most people are very familiar with shrimp.
It is considered a tasty complement to all sorts of food (like spaghetti!), and it’s delectable consumed on its own with seasonings like garlic and butter.
Shrimp Contains Beneficial Nutrients for Dogs
Not only is shrimp delicious, but it is also full of the nutrients dogs need. It can boost your pet’s overall health. It contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, phosphorus, niacin, and antioxidants. Vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) is essential for many aspects of your dog’s health. It is critical for a healthy nervous system and brain. Your dog also needs vitamin B12 to make blood cells.
On top of that, vitamin B12 is necessary to digest food, making shrimp excellent for your dog’s gut. In a healthy dog, to adequately absorb and store this B12, the pancreas, intestines, liver, and kidneys must be healthy. Shrimp is also a rich source of antioxidants, which combat free radicals and help prevent aging in the brain. Antioxidants can reduce inflammation, which affects animals with a large spectrum of stubborn health concerns.
Shrimp & Dogs
Dogs and shrimp have a special relationship. Shrimp and fish can cause both allergies and food sensitivities in dogs. Typical symptoms of a food allergy are itchy, irritated skin, vomiting, or diarrhea. Sensitivities and food intolerance are more frequent in dogs than food allergies, though they share some of the same symptoms.
In extremely susceptible dogs, shrimp and other types of shellfish can cause tummy troubles such as gas, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your dog eats shrimp and experiences an adverse reaction, remove it from their diet to see if it stops their symptoms. A reaction may be due to an allergy or sensitivity. Contaminated or improperly cooked shrimp can also cause a one-time negative response (food poisoning, in other words).
When Can Shrimp Be Bad for Dogs?
When it is undercooked or raw, shrimp can be dangerous for your dog. Before you feed your dogs shellfish like shrimp, you must cook it thoroughly. Why is cooking so important? Raw shrimp will pick up bacteria from unsafe handling and polluted surfaces, even if the shrimp is not infected. The only way to kill this harmful bacteria is to heat the shrimp thoroughly.
Most of the dangerous microorganisms found in raw shellfish, such as bacteria, are destroyed by cooking. Still, uncommon, severe toxic reactions such as paralysis, neurological effects, and gastrointestinal discomfort may be triggered by infected shellfish. When you suspect food poisoning, visit the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Is Shrimp Good for Dogs?
In small amounts, shrimp is indeed good for dogs. Cooked shrimp, served about half a cup once a week can be a tasty and healthy treat for pets. For a nutritious snack, you can replace commercial dog treats with cooked shrimp. As a taste enhancer, try adding little shrimp bits to your dog's dinner. But, don’t forget to keep your dog away from the spicy shrimp meals you may love to eat!
Shrimp Health Benefits for Dogs
Shrimp is a high-quality protein that is low in saturated fat and calories. It provides nutrients such as vitamins B12 and D, iron, and niacin. These vitamins and minerals benefit your dog's health in several ways. Shrimp can also help manage your dog's weight as a healthy alternative to commercial dog treats.
Can Dogs Consume Raw Shrimp?
As we mentioned before, dogs should certainly refrain from eating raw shrimp. Humans cannot even eat raw shrimp! Raw or poorly cooked seafood is linked with various health issues.
Can Dogs Consume Cooked Shrimp?
If you want to feed your dog shrimp, then cooking is undoubtedly the way to go. Be sure you don’t add any additional ingredients like garlic and other herbs. These additives are not safe for your dog. Also, make sure the shrimp are peeled and deveined.
Can Dogs Consume Boiled Shrimp?
Yes, once you wash and shell the shrimp, you can boil and serve it to your dog. Boil the shrimp until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees, as in other cooking techniques. Cooked shrimp meat needs to be opaque. If you add herbs and seasonings for yourself, set aside a few bare shrimp bits for your dog. Remember, additional ingredients are NOT good for your canine companion’s health.
Can Dogs Consume Shrimp Tails?
It is not safe for dogs to eat shrimp tails. Like tiny chicken or fish bones, shrimp tails may be a choking risk for your dog. The sharp edges can irritate your pet’s GI tract as well. You can search for washed shrimp or request your grocer to clean and cut the tails off of fresh shrimp for you.
Can Dogs Consume Shrimp Shells?
You can separate the shrimp shell much like the tails before you serve your dog cooked shrimp. Taking away the shell also makes the vein that runs through the shrimp's back easier to cut. To cut the shrimp open, use a knife and take the vein out. You don't need to throw the shells away. You can make tasty seafood stock from shrimp shells by boiling them with some onions!
Can Dogs Consume Fried Shrimp?
Fried food is not very safe for dogs. The grease and oil can disturb their stomach. Plus, it’s very fattening. It’s best not to give your dog fried food in general.
Can Shrimp Help Treat Obesity in Dogs?
Since shrimp is nutritious, many claim it can help a dog lose weight. It is also known to reduce cholesterol consumption, which is beneficial for dogs who are obese. Shrimp will undoubtedly help with weight loss if it’s used to replace commercial dog foods containing preservatives or higher fat. However, shrimp should never make up a large part of a dog's diet.
You should only feed your dog shrimp in moderation. If your dog has health complications due to being overweight, check with your veterinarian before making drastic changes to their diet.
Should I Give My Dog Shrimp?
As long as it has been deveined, shelled, and thoroughly cooked, shrimp is usually healthy for dogs. Since your dog may have an allergic reaction, it is better to give them a small amount of shrimp at first. Give a single shrimp to your dog and wait to see their response, if any. Symptoms to watch for include red eyes, gas, and vomiting.
How to Prepare Shrimp for Dogs?
Making shrimp for your dog is shockingly simple! Follow these steps, and your pup can chow down on safe, delicious shrimp any day:
- Buy any fresh shrimp that has no fishy odor. Packages of frozen shrimp should be protected from rips, tears, and freeze or ice crystals.
- Cook the shrimp (boiling is good) until it reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit internal temperature. When the skin is opaque and pearly white, you can say it is done.
- Shrimp should be cooked, deveined, and separated from the shell (which ensures the digestive tract is withdrawn).
- Do not add cocktail sauce, garlic, onions, and spices containing horseradish (such as Cajun seasoning) to the shrimp. Plain, cooked shrimp is the best for your dog.
Final Thoughts
Dogs can eat shrimp as long as it is cooked thoroughly, has no tails or shells attached, deveined, and isn’t coated in additional seasonings. Make sure your dog is not allergic to shrimp before giving them a large portion!
References
Please follow this:
- Marsden, S. (n.d.). Antioxidants. Vca_corporate. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/antioxidants
- Tipster, D. (2020, December 9). Phosphorus (Dicalcium Phosphate) Benefits in Dogs. Bullyade.Com. Retrieved from https://bullyade.com/phosphorus-benefits-dogs/
- Whfoods.org. (n.d.). Shrimp. Retrieved from http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=107