Dogs have their nutritional requirements. Some human foods are beneficial for your dog, and some are not. Here I am going to talk about seafood that is beneficial for your best pal but in small amounts. Can dogs eat shrimp and what benefits shrimp has on your pet health, we are going to discuss about that.
Can dogs eat shrimp in 2022
Are shrimps healthy for dogs?
Yes, they are but in small amounts. Shrimps are crustaceans having a long narrow abdomen, and the term used for more long forms is prawn. They belong to a category of seafood. Shrimp is a low-calorie diet, and rich in protein. Shrimp contain omega fatty acids and antioxidants like astaxanthin, which have many health benefits.
They keep your dog skin shiny and make it looks healthier. In addition to that, these vital nutrients also play an essential role in keeping your dog free from joint diseases and maintaining hearth health. They are also crucial for brain function. Shrimps also contain vitamin C, vitamin b12, and vitamin b3, which help in developing a robust immune system.
Shrimp side effects
Feeding raw shrimps can lead to severe consequences for your pet. Here is the description of some disadvantages:
Bacterial diseases
When shrimps are not properly cooked, they contain lots of bacteria like salmonella, shigella, campylobacter jejuni. These will harm your dog’s health. Your dog will have an upset stomach, and all its essential nutrients will be lost through diarrhea, vomiting. Its health will deteriorate, and excessive weight loss will occur. So always give cooked shrimps to your dog.
Choking hazard
You have to remove shells of shrimps while feeding them to your dog, because shells of shrimp are not digestible for dog and will cause intestinal blockage. Shrimp tails should be removed while feeding it to your dog. They have sharp edges and will irritate the upper digestive tract and can cause stomach pain and diarrhea, so it is advisable to remove tails before feeding shrimps to a dog.
Viral diseases
Raw shrimps also contain hepatitis A virus and norovirus. These viruses have a severe consequence on your dog’s health.
Allergic reactions
About 60 percent of the human population is prone to allergic reactions while eating seafood. Dogs are also susceptible to severe allergic reactions. Always notice your dog’s skin. If you find any allergic reactions, consult it with your veterinarian.
Shellfish toxicity
If your dog eats raw shrimp, shrimp tail, and shells, it will lead to toxicity, generally known as paralytic shellfish poisoning.
So looking at the above consequences, it is better to avoid giving shrimps to your dog, there are some other treats available that will be good for your dog But if you still want to feed shrimp to your dog there are specific methods available:
How to give shrimps to your dog?
Always consult with your veterinarian before feeding shrimps. First, wash the shrimps and then properly boiled it and then remove the shells. After removing the shells, remove the tails which have sharp edges outside and can lead to choking. You can also devein the shrimps, which is the removal of the intestines, but this is optional. It is the proper method of feeding shrimp to your dog if you want to.
There are some other treats available that have more health benefits
Alternatives for shrimps
- Oranges
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Mangoes
- Broccoli
If you want fish food in your dog diet, which is a good source of vitamin A then you can try the following:
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Whitefish
- Cod
So there are some generally asked questions about can dogs eat shrimp, here are the answers.
Can dogs eat fried shrimps?
It is not advisable to give fried shrimps to your dog because they contain oil and fats, which are not suitable for your dog.
Can dogs eat boiled shrimps?
Yes, they can.
Can dogs eat raw shrimps?
No, they are toxic and contain lots of pathogens.
Can dogs eat seafood?
You can give seafood to your dog by removing the shells and tails.
Conclusion:
Can dogs eat shrimps, Yes they can eat shrimps in small amounts, but it is advisable not to give shrimps as there is other seafood and treats available that have a more beneficial effect on your dog’s health. But always consult with your veterinarian before giving any food, and If you notice any allergic reactions, stop giving the food to your dog and take your dog to the nearest animal hospital. I hope you like the article. If you have any questions regarding can dogs eat shrimp, feel free to contact us.
