Can dogs eat shrimp?
If you have a few leftover shrimp from dinner that you’d like to feed your dog, then yes, go ahead. Dogs can safely eat both cooked and uncooked shrimp meat. In fact, it can be good for them.
In rare cases, dogs can suffer from a seafood allergy, so the first few times you give your dog seafood (or any new food) you should monitor them closely. However, avoid giving dogs shrimp tails – especially small breed dogs – as they are a choking hazard.
For those who want to know all the details, there’s plenty more to learn below!
Can Dogs Have Shrimp?
Shrimp is healthy nutritional food for both dogs and humans.
It is a good source of phosphorus and vitamin B12, and also contains some:
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Choline
You’re probably asking whether or not dogs can have shrimp because it’s what you’ve had for dinner.
You want to know if you can share some leftovers with your dog and it’s unlikely you’re going to be feeding your dog whole meals of shrimp (unless you live in an area where you catch a lot)!
Fresh shrimp is much better for dogs than processed store-bought shrimp. It hasn’t been altered or messed around with.
When buying shrimp, some brands are less-good for dogs. For example, some have additives like sulfites that are not good for dogs and add an extra risk of allergic reaction.
However, even in this case one or two isn’t going to hurt them. You just shouldn’t make a habit out of giving dogs shrimp, or any other food, with sulfites.
It’s the same with other “human foods” for dogs – pickles are OK if it’s just one or two, as with tuna fish. As you’ll see below, there are many dog foods on the market that even contain shrimp.
Can Dogs Eat Shrimp Tails?
Besides just answering whether or not dogs can have shrimp, the big question is whether or not they can have shrimp tails.
Cats, for instance, do not do well with shrimp tails and can even choke on them.
The same goes for dogs, especially small dogs. They should not be fed shrimp tails as they can be a choking hazard.
Larger breed dogs, like my lab-German Shepherd cross (see him drinking raw milk in this post), would likely be fine eating them. He often ends up getting into worse things, to be honest, but still, it’s better to play on the safe side.
Also, there are both large shrimp and small shrimp and it can depend on the type we’re talking about here.
As a general rule, shrimp meat is good for dogs. Shrimp tails, heads, and everything else is not.
If your dog has found or stolen some shrimp tails and appears to be fine, you don’t need to panic. However, if after eating them you notice your dog choking or acting unusually, best to take him to the vet (obviously).
The Best Way To Cook Shrimp For Dogs
The best way to cook shrimp for dogs is to boil or steam them.
Barbeque shrimp, or even BBQ King Prawn (another seafood that’s good for dogs), may also be suitable as long as it’s not covered in vegetable oils or seasoning.
Deep-fried shrimp are no good because of all the extra oil, and while pan-fried is a little bit better, it can still be rather oily.
Dogs will readily eat it all up whatever way it’s cooked, of course, but if you want to keep their best health in mind then the less oil the better!
You may not want to feed shrimp to your dogs if you have cooked it alongside other products that are not suitable for dogs.
If they’re covered in onions, for example, it’s probably best to leave it. Or if your prawns have been part of a super spicy Thai red curry, don’t give the dog any!
Dog Food With Shrimp
If you’ve heard about the benefits of feeding shrimp to dogs then you might want to start buying some dog food or treats with shrimp.
There are plenty of options out there – take a look at these products!
1. Northwest Naturals Shrimp Raw Rewards
This is a freeze-dried product that is grain and gluten-free, all-natural, and additive-free. It’s good for both dogs and cats with food sensitivities!
Shrimp like this is more commonly fed to cats or small dogs, as large dogs devour it too quickly. However, they could be a good healthy training treat for dogs of all sizes.
2. Under The Sun Salmon And Shrimp Dog Food
Under The Sun Salmon & Shrimp wet dog food is another good option.
This is a grain and potato-free product sold in single-serve cups. Best for small dog breeds as it’s a bit costly and it wouldn’t touch the sides of a large dog breed.
Salmon is good for dogs as well – even better than shrimp, in fact.
3. Cod And Shrimp Dog Treats
This particular product is 100% mini shrimp prawns all the way from Iceland. They are naturally full of proteins, vitamins, and minerals, but more importantly, dogs find them irresistibly delicious.
4. Canidae PURE Petite Salmon And Shrimp
It is designed for small dog breeds like Frenchies and is bought in packs of 12. It’s reasonably expensive compared to other brands, but it’s popular.
It is grain free and, besides shrimp, it has good ingredients like salmon broth, chicken liver, peas and a vitamin D supplement.
5. Darwin’s Kidney Support Formula
One other product worth mentioning is Darwin’s Pet Kidney Support Formula.
This is part of their Intelligent Design series of dog foods and contains shrimp for its Chitosan.
Chitosan is an all-natural substance that helps the body manage phosphorus levels.
Is Shrimp Bad For Dogs?
So, is shrimp bad for dogs?
No, your dog will be fine eating shrimp (and other fish).
Use common sense to decide when not to feed dogs shrimp, and always monitor your dog while he’s eating, whatever he’s eating.
If you’re wanting an all-in-one solution for feeding your dog, we recommend the Pet Plate dog meal delivery service.