Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?
Delicious, mouth-watering shrimp can satisfy practically all of your human cravings, but did you ever realize your dog might benefit from this nutrient packed delicacy? Well, it turns out that steamed, peeled shrimp are safe for your dog, but only as an occasional portion which might benefit your pet’s overall health. Please don’t over do it on this addition to their diet as it could cause serious health damage you would rather avoid. Can dogs eat shrimp? Yes, we’ll go through the information you need to know about dogs and shrimp below.
Are shrimp beneficial to your dog’s health?
Shrimp contain Vitamins B3 and B12. This vitamin duo is necessary to DNA synthesis and cellular energy production along with the regulation of enzyme function, fat production and healthy gastrointestinal issues. Glucosamine sourced from shrimp along with phosphorus helps with articulation and bone strength. Shrimp, which contain omega-3 fatty acids along with a number of antioxidants is low in calories but high in protein. A single shrimp has 18 grams of protein along with selenium and Vitamin B12. Selenium is one of the critical nutritional factors for the immune system and thyroid gland but you should not need to add a supplement as it is in many dog foods. Can dogs have shrimp? Yes they can.
Is shrimp bad for dogs health?
Shrimp is a crustacean and as such may not be tolerated by some dogs. Allergies to shellfish are common in humans and canines so on the first and second feedings make the sample small and watch for any sign of allergic reaction, such as swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea. Shrimp could be off-limits for some dogs as it is high in cholesterol and fat content. If your pup or adult dog is on a special diet for any medical conditions, it would be smart to shy away from that extraneous fat. Other things to watch for include ingesting the shell of an improperly peeled shrimp. Can dogs eat shrimp tails? This will not be digested easily and could catch in a pup’s throat, stomach or intestines. Stay away from shrimp tails and also breaded and fried varieties of shrimp as the oils and breading, along with the extra spices offer no positive benefits.
How do you prepare shrimp for your pet?
Make sure the pieces are small and without a shell. Steamed…not fried… That isn’t quite as easy to remember as shaken not stirred, but steaming the shrimp with little to no salt or spices is the way to go. Be aware of your dog’s weight and size and feed accordingly. Speak to your veterinarian if you have questions. Do not prepare the shrimp with onions or garlic as they are members of the allium family and contain thiosulfate which is not toxic to humans but is to dogs. Thiosulfate causes damage to red blood cells which can result in anemia.
Shrimp recipe for dog treats
Ingredients:
- 1lb cleaned cooked shrimp
- 1 medium sweet potato
- ½ c plain yogurt
- 12 oz canned tuna in soybean oil
- ¼ t thyme, ¼ t pepper, ¼ t turmeric
Instructions:
Boil or microwave sweet potato then mash in a medium bowl. Add the shrimp, yogurt and remaining ingredients. Refrigerate in an airtight container. Serve no more than two of the six portions this recipe yields at a time.
What do veterinarians and nutritionists say about dogs and shrimp?
This question will probably be posed by you as it is a great experience for your pet to try out different foods. Just remember that if your pet has other allergies he might also not do well with crustaceous shrimp. Speak to your vet and address your wishes and concerns. Always remember the rule of 10% limit with different specialties added to your pet’s diet.