can dogs eat shrimp

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp? Read Before You Feed

Share on Social Media

Human love shrimp. But can dogs eat shrimp? Dogs love the smell of shrimp when you are cooking them. Sometimes the owner doesn’t care too much what the pet eats. But consequences may become bad.

Some links in this post are Amazon affiliates. We may earn a commission if you use these links to make a purchase.

Short and sweet answer is yes with conditions, they can eat shrimp. But depending on how it is cooked and the parts of the shrimp, it varies. Not only it is delicious to eat shrimp but also many nutritional values are provided by shrimp to your dog. Therefore, you need to know all correct details before feeding shrimp to your dog.

Below you can see summarize of good and bad of feeding shrimp which we discussed thoroughly in this article later.

GoodBad
Contain lots of nutrientsHigh in cholesterol
 Can cause allergic
 Can harm to digestive system

Shrimp Nutrition Facts

Shrimp is one of the most commonly consumed types of seafood. So, people tend to give shrimp to their dogs too. Shrimp contain certain essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Therefore, shrimp is a good energy source to dogs. They are full of nutrients that dogs need. Also note that shrimps are very high in cholesterol.

Cooked shrimp contain,

  • Calories
  • Fat
  • Cholesterol (very high)
  • Carbohydrates
  • Proteins
  • Sodium
  • Potassium
  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus

Can Dogs Eat Raw Shrimp?

Raw shrimps have both positive and negative sides, so it depends. Because like other foods, heating can reduce the nutrient amount in shrimp.   But raw shrimp may contain parasites like roundworms, flukes, bacteria, viruses and protozoa, which are badly affecting for the health of your dog. Therefore, raw shrimps are not recommended specially for puppies. As an alternative way freezing for a week can destroy harmful parasites before feeding it. Steamed shrimp is the best way you can serve them to your dog.

Watch below video. You can see that they like to eat both cooked and raw shrimp. But keep in in that health issues may arise.

Risk of Feeding Shrimp Shells and Shrimp Tails

We are not consuming head, tail and shell parts of shrimps. Just like us, dogs should not eat those parts. Shrimp tails and shells make a choking hazard and a mess in your dog’s digestive tract. It is good idea to completely remove the shell. It can be dangerous for small dogs if they get stuck in pups throat because they are difficult to digest. Sharp edges in shrimp tails can perforate underdeveloped intestinal wall and makes them easy to get stuck.

How to Feed Shrimp to Your Dog?

Clean, fresh, de-shelled and plainly boiled shrimps are suitable to feed your dogs. Deep-fried and salty & flavors added shrimp are not suitable since they contain unnecessary fats. Do not add any types of oils and spices because they can harm dog’s health.  Shrimps are low in carbs and fat but high in cholesterol. This can contribute to unhealthy diets for adult dogs. To reduce problems with shrimps, it can be given as an occasional treat. Therefore, the best way to feed is partially boiled, deveined, plain and a tiny portion of shrimp.

Shrimps also shouldn’t be garnished with garlic, butter, onions and any seasonings.

can dogs eat shrimp

Nutritional Benefits of Feeding Shrimp

Shrimp is consisting with vital nutrients which are beneficial for your dog. As mentioned before, because shrimps are low in carbs and fats it makes a perfect diet for all kinds of dogs. But high cholesterol level in shrimp can leads to various health issues when it is fed frequently.

Shrimp are full of Omega3; an essential fatty acid which helps in reducing cardiac problems and promoting healthy skin and coat in dogs. Shrimps are a good source of vitamins like vitamin D, B1, B3(Niacin), B6 and B12.

Vitamin B1 & B12 is important in gastrointestinal health and metabolic processes. Vitamin B3 is an important vitamin which can repair body cells and boost dog’s energy. Vitamin D3 is useful for immune function and fat production.

Calcium and phosphorus contained in shrimp help to the growth and maintenance of strong healthy bones and teeth.

Taurine is a critical amino acid for dogs which can be fulfill by adding shrimps to their diet. Taurine helps in decrease the risk of dilated cardiomyopathy and blindness as they age.

Phosphorus helps to increase the strength of bones.

Is My Dog Allergic to Shrimp?

Some dogs can be allergic to shrimps. In those situations, stop feeding shrimps if they show some kinds of illnesses. They show itchy skin when it get allergic.  Every dog is different. So, they may react to shrimp in different ways.

Common symptoms that found in this allergy are.

  • Itchy skin
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of hair
  • Red patches on the skin
  • Anaphylactic shock which can be deadly, but it is very rare.

Stop feeding shrimp if you dog shows abnormal symptoms. It is good to consult your veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist in any complicated situations.

Alternatives to Replace Shrimp

If your dog loves to eat seafood you have to find other alternatives to shrimp.  Because you can’t always feed them with shrimps, and it is not good to their health too. We would like to remind you that moderation is a key factor. If you are looking for healthy, protein rich treats to your dog; tuna, salmon and other marine fish might be the best option to your problem. These fish are inexpensive as well as nutritionally enriched. So, you don’t want to worry with that. Because there are plenty of nutritious treats are available for your fluffy balls.

How much shrimp dogs can eat?

Moderation is the key fact. According to the size of the dog, the amount may vary. But make sure not to feed shrimp frequently and high amounts. Two or Three shrimp usually enough for regular sized dog. And it is better to give small amounts to small dogs or poodles. Further you can consult a veterinarian to know the proper quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat shrimp tails?

Don’t feed them with shrimp tails. Those tails are hard and intensive. So, it can stuck in your dog’s throat.

Can dogs eat prawn crackers?

Prawn crackers are safe to eat. Prawn crackers are made by mixing prawns with water and tapioca. So, it does not consist shells and tails.

Can dogs eat shrimp heads?

Do not feed shrimp heads. They are also hard and intensive. They can harm the digestive system. Even humans don’t eat shrimp heads.

Is shrimp poisonous to dogs?

No, it’s not poisonous. But don’t give them frequently.

Can dogs eat shrimp skin?

Don’t give them shrimp skin. Shrimp skin is hard. Also shrimp skin does not consist valuable nutrients. Then why you give them?

Can dogs eat shrimp scampi?

Dogs can consume scampi moderately.

Can dogs eat unpeeled shrimp?

Shrimp shells and shrimp tails are not good for dogs. They can make a mess un your dog’s digestive system. So better to avoid feeding unpeeled shrimp.

Conclusion

Shrimps are not toxic or bad to dogs. But it does not make a safe choice for a treat. Because there are some negative aspects of feeding shrimps like allergic reactions and hardness to digest.

As we mentioned before it is good to feed shrimp moderately and small amounts. Never give shrimp in their regular diets. Always follow instructions.

Safety precautions should be followed before giving shrimp to your dog. It will help to clear all the problems could be encountered with feeding shrimps to your pet.

Scroll to Top
Scroll to Top