Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?

Do you love to eat shrimp and other shellfish and seafood? Does your dog stare at you with those adorable, puppy dog eyes every time you eat shrimp, hoping that you will give him some too? You might wonder if dogs can eat shrimp and, if so, can dogs eat fried shrimp? In a nutshell, yes, dogs can eat shrimp but there are some things that you need to know before you start giving him or her this tasty treat on a regular basis.

How to Prepare Shrimp for Your Dog

First of all, you need to make sure that if you do give your dog shrimp to eat, that you only give them cooked shrimp. It is never a good idea to feed a dog raw shrimp, as it may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Cooking the shrimp will kill any harmful bacteria, making it safe for them (and you) to eat.

Shrimp need to be fully cooked. If you are unsure about whether or not the shrimp is fully cooked, it is best to err on the side of caution and not give it to your dog at all.

Can Dogs Eat Fried Shrimp?

You should not feed your dog fried shrimp. Think about it. We are told every day that fried food isn’t healthy for us to eat. So, why would you think it would be okay for your dog to eat? Fried shrimp is going to be a lot fattier because of the oils used for frying, so it is best to make sure that shrimp is grilled, baked, broiled, or boiled.

Should I Season Food for My Dogs?

Dogs don’t taste seasonings the way we do, so there really is no reason to add any seasonings to food that you cook for them. In fact, many seasonings, including garlic and onion, can actually be toxic for dogs. Salty food is also unhealthy for dogs. When cooking for a whole food diet, be sure to just cook the shrimp, or any other food, as is, with no seasoning at all, and also avoid using any butter. Your dog will enjoy it thoroughly, and you won’t have to worry about the health issues caused by seasonings.

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp Shells?

If you are eating shrimp tails, is it okay to give the shrimp shells to your dog? The answer is no. Yes, dogs can eat shrimp, but the shells can be extremely dangerous to them. Before you cook shrimp for your dog, remove the veins. Once it is cooked, remove the head, legs, and tail, and of course the shell, and then you can serve it up to your dog as a tasty treat.

Yes, Dogs Can Eat Shrimp in Moderation

Shrimp should not cause any problems for your dog as long as you are giving it in moderation. Too much shrimp can cause digestive issues and gastrointestinal pains. It may also lead to weight gain since shrimp is fatty and high in cholesterol. However, shrimp in moderation is OK for your dog to eat and it’s a great source of protein, selenium, B12, phosphorous, choline, copper, and iodine.