Crawfish are crustaceans that are very popular in Louisiana and many other areas of the United States. They are also known as ditch bugs, freshwater lobsters, mudbugs, crawdads, and crayfish.
Crawfish occur all over the world, though they are most commonly found in freshwater habitats. They are usually found in ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and other bodies of water. Crawfish can also live in brackish water.
They are generally considered to be a delicacy. Many people like to eat them boiled or fried.
Besides being a tasty crustacean, crawfish are an excellent source of niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B12, selenium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron, and magnesium. There are 539 calories in a pound of crawfish.
Can dogs eat crawfish?
Yes, dogs can eat crawfish in moderation. Since crawfish is a high-fat and high cholesterol food, if a dog overeats it, it can result in digestive problems and liver damage in dogs.
Crawfish meat
Dogs can eat crawfish meat, but it might make them sick. Crawfish meat is mainly protein and fat and contains no carbohydrates. Moreover, it is also more acidic than other meats, which can cause stomach problems.
Crawfish tails
Crawfish tails are not generally safe for dogs to eat, but they can if they’re cooked correctly. The problem is that uncooked crawfish tails are full of icky, crunchy little bones, which can cause problems.
Crawfish shells
Can dogs eat crawfish shells? The answer is, Dogs cannot eat crawfish shells; the shells are too hard, and the inside is an acid that will cause stomach problems.
Cooking crawfish shells destroy the structure of shells. This causes the release of a substance called “hemolymph.” Hemolymph contains proteins, sugars, and lipids. Hemolymph is what’s leftover after the blood has been removed from the body. Dogs cannot digest hemolymph, and it may cause them to become ill or die.
There is also the possibility of bacteria like Vibrio parahaemolyticus in them. This bacteria is in the water and the crawfish themselves.
Crawfish heads
Crawfish heads are a delicacy in some parts of the world, and dogs may find them to be a tasty treat. Be wary of the claws and the spines as these can cause gastrointestinal blockage if ingested.
Boiled crawfish
Dogs can eat boiled crawfish because boiling crawfish kills off the harmful bacteria present in the meat. However, it is not recommended. When cooked in boiling water, they release a neurotoxin that can cause dogs’ vomit, diarrhea, convulsions, and death.
Cooked crawfish
Cooked crawfish should only be given to dogs if they do not have a food allergy. If a dog has a food allergy, it could lead to anaphylactic shock, which is a severe allergic reaction.
Is crawfish safe for dogs?
Crawfish is safe for dogs if served in moderation. Cooking or boiling crawfish is a good idea as it will help get rid of bacteria and parasites that can be harmful or fatal to dogs. However, cooking or boiling results in the loss of nutrients. So, it’s not worth the effort to buy crawfish specifically for dogs.
What happens if a dog overeats crawfish?
The dog may experience an upset stomach from the additional grit in the crawfish. The crawfish’s shell can also cause irritation to the dog’s digestive tract. The consumption of raw or undercooked seafood may result in a condition called a ‘fishbone impaction’ where a foreign object blocks a dog’s gastrointestinal tract and causes a life-threatening infection.
What to do if a dog eats crawfish?
If your dog eats some crawfish, don’t worry. It’s not harmful to them. However, if your dog overeats crawfish, you should take it to the veterinarian immediately. Possible complications can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Why are crayfish not good for dogs?
Crayfish are too salty because they come from the ocean, where the salt content is naturally high. Salt is too much for dogs to handle.
Crayfish are not a good option for dogs, as they have a high water content, high phosphorus content, and a hard outer shell. In fact, some dog foods are made specifically to avoid these ingredients as they can be very dangerous to dogs’ health.
Alternatives of crawfish for dog
Cockroaches, crickets, mealworms, wax worms, and shrimp are good alternatives to feeding crawfish to your dog.
Ankita is a passionate pet lover and head of content at Pet Food Brands. With her extensive knowledge and research, she provides pet owners with top-quality information on dog food and nutrition. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs makes her a leading voice in the industry.
