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Can dogs eat shrimp safely? The answer is yes, as long as they are properly cooked and prepared. Not only can your pup munch on these tasty little crustaceans as a treat, but shrimp can offer health benefits as well. We recommend always consulting your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your pet’s diet—and that applies to snacks, too. Canines can have food sensitivities to shellfish just like humans can, and your veterinarian may recommend an allergy test before giving their approval. If your pup has an adverse reaction when eating shrimp, contact your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately.
No, do not feed your dog fried shrimp. Oils used in frying contain high amounts of fat that are bad for canines, and any sort of batter is bound to contain unhealthy ingredients—possibly even toxic. Plus, battered foods are much harder for dogs to digest and can cause gastrointestinal upsets.
Foods high in fat, like fried foods, are widely known to cause pancreatitis and loose stools in dogs. Batters commonly used to coat shrimp before frying often contain salt that raises your pup’s blood pressure and can cause salt toxicity. Combining all these ingredients for your dog creates a recipe for poor health and more severe issues as they age.
Yes, boiling is one of the best cooking methods to use when giving your dog shrimp. Make sure that you don’t salt the water when boiling, and don’t add any seasonings in between cooking and serving the shrimp to your pet. Also ensure that the shrimp has cooled before tossing a bite-sized piece to your pup.
No, there’s nothing in shrimp that is immediately toxic to canines. However, like all seafood, shrimp contains small amounts of mercury, which can cause toxicity or poisoning if fed in large quantities. That’s why shrimp is only recommended as an occasional treat and shouldn’t be provided too often or in large amounts.
Can dogs eat cooked shrimp? The answer is a complicated yes because how you prepare them matters. Let’s start by talking about some of the health benefits your pet may gain by eating shrimp. Shrimp are:
Keep in mind, however, that shrimp are also high in cholesterol and should, therefore, only be offered occasionally as a treat. Overdoing it can lead to gastrointestinal upset, heightened cholesterol levels and other potential health problems. Treats, as a category, should make up no more than 10 percent of your pet’s daily caloric intake.
The answer to “Can dogs eat shrimp?” is yes, as long as you feed them responsibly.
Can dogs eat raw shrimp? No. Uncooked shellfish contains pathogens that, if ingested, can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or a severe bacterial infection called vibriosis. Cooking is the simplest way to kill these pathogens.
Can dogs eat cooked shrimp? Now that you’ve learned about vibriosis, the answer to this question is yes. However, shrimp should be free of any seasoning, like salt, garlic, onion, etc. when feeding it to your dog.
Can dogs eat fried shrimp? No. While there’s usually no cause for concern if your dog gobbles up a fried shrimp that’s been dropped on the floor, breaded or popcorn shrimp is fatty and full of calories most dogs don’t need. Too much fat can lead to obesity—and eventually cardiovascular and joint problems—as well as pancreatitis. Also, some batters, seasonings and sauces contain garlic or onions, which can be highly toxic to canines. This is also why sautéing shrimp is not recommended. Steam or boil them instead.
Can dogs eat unpeeled shrimp? No. The shells can be a choking hazard and cause an intestinal obstruction.
Can dogs eat shrimp tails? No. Like the shells, shrimp tails can present a choking hazard.
When properly cooked and prepared, your dog can enjoy this tasty and nutritious treat. Note, however, that shells and tails are choking hazards and difficult to digest, while ingredients that humans often enjoy—like onions and garlic—are toxic to dogs. Batter, breading and excessive salt can also make your dog sick.
Typically, shrimp will not make your dog sick—but there are a few exceptions. Feeding your dog undercooked or raw shrimp can result in gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. In extreme cases, shrimp that has not properly been cooked can result in vibriosis—a severe bacterial infection similar to cholera.
Your pup may also experience gastrointestinal distress if you allow them to eat the shell or tail of shrimp. These are often difficult for your canine to digest and can pose a choking hazard as well as causing stomach upsets. Making shrimp a regular part of your dog’s diet can also make them sick in the form of high cholesterol and obesity, so be sure only to provide it as an occasional treat.
Can dogs eat cooked shrimp? Yes, cooking unseasoned shrimp—by steaming or boiling them—is the best way to kill harmful pathogens in raw seafood. Sautéing typically involves fatty oils or butter, both of which can be unhealthy for your pup. Breading or battering shrimp also usually involves frying them in oil, which can add harmful and unnecessary calories.
Other types of seafood may be more appropriate for your particular dog’s diet. These may include:
Look for them among the first ingredients in many popular dog food formulas. It’s important to remember all the lessons you’ve learned here, as the necessary preparation, cooking methods and feeding guidelines apply to all forms of seafood and shellfish.
Take a look at other articles in this series, including:
Petco’s ACE team is a passionate group of experienced pet care experts dedicated to supporting the overall health & wellness of pets. The ACE team works to develop animal care operations and standards across the organization and promote proper animal care and education for Pet Care Center partners and pet parents, while also ensuring regulatory compliance.
