Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?

If you are a seafood lover, you might also be a big fan of shrimp. After all, it’s a good source of protein and the most reasonably priced seafood you can purchase.  And it tastes great too! Shrimp can be added to salads, sautéed or even just boiled.

While we humans need to watch the cholesterol in shrimp, its high protein content, low calories and excellent protein source make it a great, healthy option. So, when you are getting ready to sautee’ some shrimp or add it to a salad, can you give your dog a taste to sample?

Shrimp can be added to a dog’s diet but only when it’s prepared in a specific way.

Of course, before you share any human food with your dog, make sure to check with your veterinarian to see if she or he is OK with it.

Is Shrimp OK For Dogs To Eat?

Shrimp, in small doses, is fine for dogs to eat but ONLY when they are cooked.

If you want to share some shrimp with your dog, raw shrimp has different dangerous pathogens that can cause your dog to be sick.

Steamed shrimp is the best way to feed your pup shrimp without any sauces, sprays or spices.

The good news is that when you cook the shrimp, it cooks away the dangerous toxins. For more on what food is safe or not safe to feed your pup, our ultimate guide to safe food for dogs can give you some guidance.

Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance

Benefits Of Shrimp For Dogs

Shrimp are filled with nutrients that are beneficial for dogs including vitamin B12, phosphorous, anti-oxidants, and niacin.

Vitamin B12 helps your dog metabolize food properly to help keep his gastrointestinal tract healthy. Niacin, which is vitamin B3, helps with energy function, blood circulation, and even fat and energy production. And phosphorous can help your dogs’ bones stay healthy while anti-oxidants can help with the aging process.

All that in shrimp?!  Who knew?

Shrimp is also a good source of protein, low fat, and very few calories which is helpful when snacking. Shrimp does have a lot of cholesterol which is why it’s recommended in small amounts.

When Shrimp Is Dangerous to Dogs

Shrimp, when raw, can be dangerous to dogs because of the bacteria in raw shrimp.   This can easily be avoided by cooking the shrimp.

The shells of the shrimp can also be a choking hazard to dogs, particularly small dogs so make sure to remove the shell immediately.

If you are sharing shrimp with your dog, the best way to do so is to steam it.

Any salt or any other spices, butter or any type of breading should not be added to or on the shrimp if you want to give your pup a piece or two.

And shrimp does have a high cholesterol amount which can cause not only weight gain but be hard on a dog’s cardiovascular system. And if your diabetic, the extra cholesterol might cause your dog to have a bad reaction or interfere with any medication your dog is taking.

If you see any of the following symptoms after your dog eats shrimp, your pup might be allergic and you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible:

How To Share Shrimp With Your Dogs

If you want to share some shrimp with your dogs, first make sure your vet is OK with your feeding it to your pups.

If your vet is OK with it, below are some thoughts on how to share it:

First, make sure to peel the shrimp and remove the skin or tails.  Both can be very hard on your dog’s digestion and your dog can easily choke on it.

Cut the shrimp into small pieces and steam or bake it without any seasoning, butter or anything except for the shrimp.

Of course, any spice at all and particularly onions and garlic can be very harmful to your dog.

The best ways to share shrimp:

• Put a few pieces in his wet food to add a little variety
• Just give it your dogs plain as a healthy snack
• Some dogs love shrimp while others might simply turn their noses to it!

Other Fruits And Vegetables Your Dog Might Enjoy

If your dog isn’t a fan of shrimp, there are some other food items that your dog might enjoy:

Foods That Are Unsafe For Dogs

Some of the other food items that are best to keep away from your dogs are:

Shrimp Can Be Fed To Dogs Sparingly

Shrimp can be added as a treat to your dog’s diet for a little low calorie, protein treat.  And only when cooked!

Similar to most new food, make sure to give your dog a small dose to make sure your pup doesn’t have a bad reaction to it.

If your dog does have a negative reaction, make sure to take your dog to the vet right away.

In a case like this, pet insurance would help you pay for the vet visit and any other treatment or medication needed if your dog had a bad reaction to shrimp.

We recommend Healthy Paws as the #1 pet health insurance provider!

The best part is that you don’t have to worry too much about the costs when pet insurance plans like Petplan, Figo, and Healthy Paws will pay for up to 90% of the vet bill.

Of course, pet insurance would also pay for any other health conditions that your dog might encounter.

The best pet insurance companies will also pay for most hereditary conditions for your dog throughout your pup’s life (as long as they aren’t pre-existing).

Pet insurance allows you to get the best medical care for your dog without having to worry too much about the price.  Which can be an equal relief!

Other articles you may find helpful: 

 

Is Exotic Pet Insurance Necessary? 

The Best Pet Insurance By State 

What Is Pet Insurance?

Fun Facts, Dog FAQ, And Unsolicited Dog Advice

5 Training Commands to Save Your Dog’s Life

The Ultimate Guide to Safe Foods for Dogs

Dog Health Problems

Dog Breeds

CAT FAQ

Cat Health Problems

Cat Breeds

 

Finding safe alternative foods for your dogs to eat can be tricky. We have a long list of articles about every food you could possibly consider feeding your dog. One thing we recommend is that you consider looking into pet insurance for your pet and you can start by checking out the best rates for dog and puppy insurance. 

 

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