Pups love seafood but unfortunately not all seafood is good for dogs so you may be wondering whether oysters are OK for dogs to eat. The short answer is yes but there are several considerations to carefully review before giving this treat to your dog.
Although dogs should not have oysters on a regular-basis, oysters do provide several health benefits for dogs. We will review some of those health benefits below, as well as the adverse effects they can have.
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Oysters Are Good For Dogs
Too much of anything is not good for dogs and this rule also holds true with oysters. However, there are several health benefits from eating the occasional oyster including the fact that they are low in fat and calories, which makes them a fantastic treat for dogs on restricted diets.
Some of the nutritional benefits of oysters include:
- Vitamin B12
- Copper
- Iron
- Manganese
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Selenium
Oysters also contain zinc, which is an important nutrient for dogs and is often added to dry dog foods as a supplement. If you are feeding your dog a raw diet, it is important to make sure that they are getting all of the nutrients they need, including zinc, which they can get from oysters.
Zinc also helps improve the appearance of their coats, improves skin health, boosts their immune systems, and improves their moods and behavior.
Potential Risks From Eating Oysters For Dogs
Although oysters have a lot of beneficial vitamins and minerals, you should be aware that they can pose a risk to your dog’s health. For instance, some dogs that are can be allergic to seafood, particularly shellfish, and they may experience mild to severe allergic reactions from eating oysters.
It’s also never a great idea to give fried oysters to your dog, as all fried foods can definitely be harmful for your pups, or include any sauces with the oysters like wasabi or marinara sauce.
If you believe your dog has ingested oysters and they are experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction, including rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, and itching, you should contact your vet immediately to seek treatment.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Oysters in Moderation
If you want to give oysters to your dog once in a while, it is safe to do so, as long as they are not allergic to seafood. Oysters do contain some of the nutrients that dogs need, including zinc, and they can be a tasty treat. Make sure that they are baked, and not fried, and never feed raw oysters to your dog.