Can Dogs Eat Shrimp? Here's the Truth!

The nutrients in shrimp make it a good addition even to human food as shown in  this research by Dayal et al. However, below are responses to two popularly asked questions that you must understand before you feed shrimp to your dog.

No, dogs should never eat raw shrimp as it is toxic for them. There are many reasons for this strong NO.

• Raw shrimp can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Vibrio that can cause food-borne illness which will likely get your dog sick.

• Raw shrimp can cause your dog to have loose stools, an upset stomach, vomiting, and even abdominal pain.

• It can lead to vibriosis, a bacterial infection caused by consuming raw or undercooked shrimp. This infection could be life-threatening so it is best to avoid raw shrimp even in human foods

Yes, cooked shrimp is safe for dogs to eat. However, this safety depends on the cooking method and ingredients used, as well as the cooking time. When dogs eat well-cooked shrimp, they stand to gain the numerous health benefits of this rich food.

Avoid feeding breaded or fried shrimp to your dog as they contain unnecessary fats that can lead to obesity. Instead, boil, grill, steam, or bake the shrimp to kill harmful bacteria and make it safe for your dog to eat. Once cooked, remove the shrimp tails and shells before serving the shrimp meat to your dog.

Treats such as shrimp should make up 10% or less of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The remaining 90% should come from other foods that make up a healthy diet. Start with small portions when introducing shrimp to your dog and monitor its behavior and health. Here's a general guide to shrimp portion size for pet parents based on their dog's weight:

• Extra small dogs (2-20 pounds): One small shrimp or half of a medium one

• Small dogs (between 21-30 pounds): One medium shrimp

• Medium dogs (between 31-50 pounds): Two medium shrimp

• Large dogs (between 51-90 pounds): Three medium shrimp

Extra large dogs (over 90 pounds): Up to four medium shrimp

Allergy, food intolerance, and poisoning are conditions where your dog cannot consume certain foods as they have adverse reactions when they do.

"Food intolerance is further subdivided namely: reaction due to pharmacological active ingredient, reaction due to metabolism of certain ingredients, food idiosyncrasy, and pseudo allergy" ( Bhagat., R, et al, 2017 ).

According to the above study, the ingestion of shellfish which contains high levels of histamine is responsible for mast cell degranulation and categorized under a  pseudo-allergy . If this is your first time feeding shrimp to your dog, monitor your dog’s behavior and health closely for symptoms of an allergic reaction after introducing shrimp into their diet.

Common signs of allergic reactions in dogs to look out for include the following:

• Vomiting, diarrhea , itching, scratching, and hives.

• Abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite

• In severe cases, shrimp allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

When introducing shrimp to your dog's meals, do so gradually and watch for unusual behavior and symptoms like those listed above. Ensure you consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog is allergic to shrimp for a more professional opinion and to safeguard your dog's health.

As we've seen, cooking shrimp properly and feeding it to your dog can positively impact their health. At least, that's the case for dogs without shrimp intolerance. However, as pet parents, here are some other risks associated with dogs eating shrimp that you should look out for.

Dogs eat shrimp shells if their owners feed them to them, however, you should avoid doing this. Why? Shrimp shells and tails create a choking hazard and may even cause intestinal blockage in dogs.

Shrimp is high in sodium and cholesterol which can lead to unhealthy weight gain, hypothyroidism, heart disease, or Cushing's disease. Even after you cook shrimp, before serving it to your dog, always practice portion control to manage your dog's sodium intake.

Your dog's stomach may be sensitive to new foods and even stress. Digestive upset from shrimp consumption could be a result of excess intake, eating raw shrimp, or consuming shrimp tails which can cause stomach irritation.

Uncooked shellfish contain harmful pathogens. These pathogens can cause shellfish poisoning in your pup. Here are precautions to take to minimize the risks when feeding shrimp to your dogs:

• Ensure the shrimp is properly cooked and never feed your dog raw or undercooked shrimp

• Even with cooked shrimp, ensure feeding is done in moderation, as part of a balanced diet.

• Always remove shells and tails before feeding cooked shrimp to your dog.

• Cut shrimp into bite-sized pieces to confirm the absence of shells, tails, or any other potential hazard.

• Mix the shrimp with other foods you know dogs love.

Here are some best practices to incorporate shrimp into your dog's diet.

• Mix properly cooked shrimp with ordinary dog food or vegetables to create a balanced meal.

• Avoid feeding shrimp to dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.

• Introduce shrimp gradually to prevent allergic reactions or digestive issues.

• Choose wild-caught, frozen shrimp to avoid added preservatives and seasonings.

 Happy-Furever™ ChewsConsumption of seafood generally poses many risks for dogs. From shellfish poisoning to allergies, choking hazards, and even internal injuries from bones or shells, the risks are numerous. So, what to do if you want to give your pooch a treat? There are many seafood shrimp alternatives that your dogs can more safely eat such as salmon, green-lipped mussels, and sardines .

You can play it even safer by feeding your dog a healthy treat like  Happy-Furever™ Chews and plant-based fruits like apples and carrots.

Shrimp can be an interesting new addition to your dog's diet as long as it is prepared properly—fully cooked and fed in moderation. However, it is best to consult with a veterinarian before introducing shrimp into your dog’s diet. Remember to carefully incorporate it into their diet, always remove parts that result in a choking hazard, and check if they are allergic by monitoring their behavior and health closely after feeding shrimp.

Remove shrimp from their diet if your dogs can eat other good alternatives like salmon and mackerel but develop stomach problems when they consume shrimp. In all, always research new foods and treats before feeding them to your dog.