Yes, dogs can eat shrimp as they contain low fat, calories, and carbohydrates. However, make sure to cook them properly before feeding as raw shrimps contain Bacteria known as Vibrio and a virus named Norovirus. Both can cause gastrointestinal issues.
You should also be aware of the high cholesterol content in the shrimps that can lead to hyperlipidemia. obesity and diabetes. However, cooked shrimp is a perfect occasional treat.
85 grams of shrimp contain 84.2 calories, 20.4 g of protein, and 1.39 mg of zinc.
Health benefits
- Shrimp are not only delicious but also include important nutrients dogs need.
- Vitamin B12 is a crucial part of your dog’s metabolism and is associated with digestive health.
- Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin that is vital for enzyme function and essential in ensuring proper metabolism, fat production, blood circulation, and chemical signals.
- Phosphorus is essential for healthy bones, antioxidants can help fight free radicals like cholesterol and can also fight aging effects on the brain.
- It contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids that are vital for the healthy functioning of the brain.
Risks
- Raw seafood like octopus, snails, crawfish, mussels, and shrimp poses a greater risk of pathogens, ticks, parasites, salmonella, and other foodborne illnesses for dogs.
- Shrimp shells and tails pose a choking hazard. They can also upset the stomach due to irritation of the stomach wall.
- Fried shrimp is usually coated in dough and butter, or cooked in oil, pets need less oily and lower calorie food. This may be a factor in causing pancreatitis or other health problems.
- While you might love all the extra sauces and seasonings that make shrimp taste great, some of those items may cause trouble for dogs. Some sauces or seasonings also contain garlic and onions which are a toxicity problem for dogs.
How to serve shrimp to dogs?
First of all, talk to your vet if you want to put something new on your dog’s diet.
Make sure you cook your shrimp before feeding them to your dog. Remove the shells and tails. Stay away from seasonings like sauces and marinades that are high in calories and fat. Watch to make sure the shrimp agrees with your dog’s stomach- vomiting or diarrhea are signs it doesn’t agree.
How much shrimp is good for a dog?
Most experts recommend moderation when it comes to dog food. Every pup is different and they might react very differently to new food items so it is always important to keep this in mind and provide them with one or two pieces of shrimp per day max.
Are dogs allergic to shrimp?
No, not all dogs are not allergic to shrimp. However, just like us, some dogs can be. You should make sure your dog is not allergic to it. Some signs that indicate an allergy are gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Stop offering any shrimp if these symptoms are present and contact your vet.
Can dogs eat popcorn shrimp?
No, dogs can not eat popcorn shrimp. This is because the shrimp is fried and contains too many additives like oils & spices that can have negative effects on your furry friend or lead to pancreatitis.
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.
