Can Dogs Eat Shrimps?

Yes! The answer to the question “Can dogs eat shrimp?” is yes. You can occasionally share this food with a dog. Shrimp is high in nutrients but is also high in cholesterol, which makes it a tasty treat but not an everyday staple for your furry friend.

Is Shrimp Healthy for Dogs?

Shrimp can be a healthy treat for dogs when cooked plain and served in moderation. It provides lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and niacin that support overall health.

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp for Dogs

When Is Shrimp Bad for Dogs?

Shrimp can be bad for dogs if it's raw, seasoned, fried, or contains shells, as these can cause digestive issues or pose a choking hazard. Overfeeding shrimp may also lead to obesity or high cholesterol due to its natural fat content.

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Shrimp?

Like humans, dogs can be allergic to just about any kind of food – including shrimp. Common symptoms of a shrimp allergy can include itching, vomiting, diarrhea, and even anaphylaxis. To avoid severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, be sure to introduce shrimp slowly and in small quantities. When you introduce shrimp for the first time, monitor your pup for breathing difficulties.

Can Shrimp Cause Bacterial Infections in Dogs?

Dogs get bacterial infections when bacteria find their way into their body and multiply, wreaking havoc on their immune system. Raw shrimp can contain bacteria that, when ingested, can cause infections. To avoid this problem, any shrimp that you give to your dog should always be fully cooked. You’ll know that the shrimp is cooked when it turns pink or orange.

Is Shrimp Too High in Cholesterol for Dogs?

Shrimp is known for being high in cholesterol. No dog should have it on a daily basis, but if your dog is overweight or has heart problems, you should be especially careful not to feed them high cholesterol foods often. Small, infrequent portions of shrimp are okay as a treat for most dogs.

Can Dogs Have Shrimp Shells or Tails?

Like babies, dogs are prone to choking. They are known to eat too fast, take too big of bites, and not adequately chew their food. Because of this, dogs should never be fed the tails or shells of shrimp, since they can be major choking hazards. If swallowed, they can also cause intestinal blockages, which can be extremely serious.

Before serving, shells, tails, and veins should be removed with a sharp knife.

Can Dogs Eat Raw, Cooked, or Fried Shrimp?

When it comes to dogs and shrimp, the general consensus is that shrimp should always be eaten cooked, never eaten raw, and never eaten fried.

Cooked

Shrimp should always be cooked before being fed to your dog. When cooking, avoid seasoning the shrimp with any butter, salt, garlic, or onions. Although tasty, they can be toxic and make your dog sick. You can boil, cook, or steam shrimp for your dog.

Raw

When dogs eat shrimp raw, it has a high chance of making them sick. This is because of the bacteria that live on and in uncooked shrimp.

Fried

Fried shrimp should be avoided due to the high fat content. The oil that fried foods are cooked in can be harmful for your dog’s digestive system, too.

Don't Season Shrimp

Don't season the shrimp with spices or salt when offering it to your dog. It can raise the blood pressure and hurt their health. As described earlier, raw shrimp is harmful for the dog, hence, make sure the shrimp is properly cooked or boiled. Any rawness may lead to bacterial growth, which is not good for the dog. 

There is no need to add any seasoning to shrimp when it’s for your pooch. The salt, garlic, and onion can be toxic to dogs. Instead of fortifying their health, seasoning will do the opposite.

• Salt. Too much equals dehydration. Sodium poisoning in dogs is a very real threat as well. Vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy can be a consequence of salt intake.

• Garlic and onion: Both are highly toxic to dogs. Compounds that can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia are found in them. Over time, even feeding a small amount of these can be dangerous.

How Much Shrimp Can Dogs Eat?

Dogs can eat a few fully cooked, plain shrimp in moderation as an occasional treat, depending on their size and dietary needs.

Portion Size Guidelines by Dog Weight

Follow the suggestions in the table above when considering how much shrimp to give your dog. Keep in mind that your pet shouldn’t have shrimp more than 1-2 times per week.

Signs Your Dog Ate Too Much Shrimp

• Decreased appetite

• Lethargy

• Diarrhea

• Lip licking/gulping

• Blood in vomit/stool

• Weakness or collapsing

If your dog starts to vomit blood or there is blood in their stool, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. In addition, diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours and extreme lethargy should also be a cause for veterinarian evaluation.

How to Safely Prepare Shrimp for Dogs

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Invest in high quality shrimp that is free of flavoring or spices. It can be fresh or frozen.

2. Remove the shell, tail, and vein with a sharp knife. Be careful not to cut yourself.

3. Cook the deveined shrimp thoroughly by boiling, steaming, pan-frying with water instead of oil, or baking.

4. Once fully cooked, chop them into pieces that are easy for your dog to chew. Make the pieces smaller for small dogs, so they don’t choke.

Serving Ideas

To take shrimp from a snack to an entire meal, try mixing it with rice and diced, dog-safe vegetables. Vegetables can include things like carrots, zucchini, and lettuce. Before serving, the rice should be fully cooked to avoid choking.

You can also make it into a fun, interactive treat by stuffing it inside a toy like a Kong or using it as a reward for learning new tricks.

Another fun way to offer shrimp is to play hide and seek with it. Hide a piece of shrimp somewhere near your dog’s food or water dish, their bed, or another space that they visit frequently and watch their nose guide them to the prize.

Just don’t leave it there for too long!

Safe Alternatives to Shrimp

If your dog can’t have or doesn’t seem to like shrimp, don’t worry! They can still reap all the health benefits of fish. Here are a few alternatives to consider.

Sardines

Sardines are an awesome alternative to shrimp. They can be purchased fresh for a low cost at just about any grocery store, but if you’re looking to spend as little as possible on your dog’s sardines, Gerald Pepin, an expert from The Canine Nutritionist recommends offering canned sardines. They are just as healthy as fresh sardines and last a lot longer due to their shelf-stable nature.

Salmon

Salmon is a popular flavor for dog food and treats. That’s why it makes so much sense that salmon is another alternative to shrimp – it’s healthy and dogs love the taste!

White fish

The term “white fish” includes any fish that has white flesh, such as cod, haddock, and catfish. Whitefish are low in fat and can easily be added to a balanced diet.

Regardless of which type of fish you choose to feed your dog, be sure that all the small bones are removed. The little bones, called “pin bones,” are usually soft but can still prove to be a choking hazard – especially for small dogs.

Removing the bones can be time consuming, but the process can be made easier by using tweezers or fish bone pliers for removal. Grasp the bone and pull in the direction that the bone is facing so that it comes out easily and in one piece.

Conclusion

So, can dogs eat shrimp? Yes! Dogs can safely eat shrimp, so long as it is fully cooked and fed in moderation. Shrimp is incredibly healthy, boasting benefits such as vitamins, healthy fat, and antioxidants. When feeding, avoid offering the tails and shells of shrimp, and ensure that all bones are removed.

Remember to monitor your dog for symptoms of allergic reactions such as diarrhea, vomiting, and itching. If you notice that your dog starts to vomit or have blood in their stool, an appointment with the veterinarian should be booked as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is shrimp ok for dogs who are old?

Yes! In moderation, shrimp is healthy for dogs of all ages.

How much shrimp can I give my dog?

You should give your dog 0.5 to 4 whole shrimp, depending on their body weight. This amount can be offered no more than 1 or 2x per week. 

Is shrimp a common dog allergy?

Shrimp is one of the most common dog allergies. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and facial swelling.

What happens if my dog eats shrimp?

Cooked shrimp in moderation is safe for your dog. Raw shrimp contains bacteria, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. 

Does shrimp upset a dog's stomach?

Raw and fried shrimp can upset a dog’s stomach and must be avoided. However, boiled or properly cooked and unseasoned shrimp is good for dogs. 

Can dogs eat shrimp and seafood? Can my dog eat cooked shrimp?

Yes, dogs can eat properly cooked (boiled or steamed) shrimp and seafood. 

Is cooked shrimp healthy for dogs?

Yes, cooked shrimp is healthy for dogs as it is low in fats, carbohydrates, and calories and rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains phosphorus and vitamins B12 and B3.  

Can dogs eat shrimp shells? Can dogs eat shrimp tails?

No, shrimp shells are harmful to dogs as they contain pathogens and can be a choking hazard for your pet. Dogs should not eat tails as they can create gastrointestinal problems in them. 

Can a dog eat fried shrimp?

No, dogs should not eat fried shrimp because it contains fats that are harmful to their health.

Reference List

1. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-shrimp

2. https://www.caninenutritionist.co.uk/food-feeding/fish-for-dogs/

3. https://basepaws.com/dog-insider/can-dogs-eat-carrots