Next time you run to the fish market, you may want to pick up a few extra shrimp for your pup...
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Shrimp?
Yes, they can - and it's actually really good for them! As long as they are cooked, shrimp are a healthy, low calorie snack (or dinner topper) that you can feed to your dog. Shrimp offer a TON of nutritional benefits, which we'll discuss later.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Shrimp?
Raw shrimp have the potential to contain harmful pathogens and bacteria that are normally killed during the cooking process. If consumed, these pathogens can cause illness, and in the worst case, a trip to the emergency vet. It's best to avoid raw shellfish - both you and your dog. Always stick to fully cooked shrimp.
Benefits Of Feeding Your Dog Shrimp:
They're high in protein. Because of this, you may see shrimp as an ingredient in dog food and treats. Dogs need protein to for normal body function as it plays an important role in healthy hair and skin, muscle development, and tissue repair.
They're full of nutrients, like vitamin B-12, niacin, phosphorus, and anti-oxidants. Vitamin B-12 is important for gastrointestinal health and metabolic processes. Niacin (or Vitamin B-3) is needed for proper enzyme function and energy production, fat production, blood circulation, chemical signals, and many other processes. Phosphorus is needed for healthy bones, and anti-oxidants help fight free radicals.
Shrimp also contain high levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which support brain development, reduce inflammation, and can help fight cancer among many other things!
Can Dogs Eat Too Much Shrimp?
As with most "human" foods, it's best to feed shrimp to your dog in moderation. While shrimp are generally very healthy, they do contain high levels of cholesterol. So while they're a great treat, shrimp should not become a staple in your dog's diet, as it may lead to unhealthy levels of cholesterol in your dog's diet.
You should always consult with your veterinarian to determine how much shrimp you can feed your dog.
How To Feed Shrimp To Dogs:
You can feed shrimp by themselves, as long as they are fully cooked and the tails have been removed. Tails can be a choking hazard if left on. It's also recommended that you only feed your dog steamed shrimp, rather than breaded or fried shrimp which can contain high levels of fat and oil. Neither of those are good for your dog's health.
You should also avoid feeding shrimp from your meal, since we normally season our shrimp with various ingredients that our pups shouldn't have!
You can also prepare a special meal for your dog with shrimp as one of the ingredients! We love this Homemade Tuna and Shrimp Dog Food Recipe.
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