You surely can’t deny how tempting it is to share some pieces of hot, delicious shrimp to your dog, right off your plate! If you have been researching whether you can feed your dog some shrimp, you must have realized how contradictory this seafood is. If you are a confused dog parent, then this article is for you! So let’s break down the nutrients intake, and understand whether shrimp is right for your dog or not.
Is Eating Shrimp Safe For Dogs?
Yes, they absolutely can eat shrimp and it’s safe! The intake of quantity also depends on your dog’s size, weight, and level of activeness. Before you decide to add shrimp into your dog’s diet, you have to be sure that your pooch is not allergic to seafood. Importantly, only cooked shrimp is safe for dogs. The FDA classifies shrimp as a shellfish, and according to their report, raw shrimp contains harmful bacteria and viruses. But if your dog is not allergic to it, it’s totally okay to let your dog eat. In addition, there are certain health benefits.
Health Benefits of Shrimp
Not only shrimps are safe to eat for your pooch but it also has health benefits. Here are the key points you might want to consider.
Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient to build and repair muscles. It is a source of energy and strengthens your dog’s immunity. It is a proven fact that the protein intake for a fully grown dog should be 1.20 grams per pound of their body mass, and shrimps are the right choice.
Vitamin B12
This nutrient helps keep the nerves and blood cells healthy. It also helps in creating DNA. Not having enough of B12 causes fatigue and severe weight loss.
Vitamin B3
B3 or Niacin helps to convert food into energy, repairing DNA, and also acts as an antioxidant
Omega -3 fatty acids
These fatty acids are the most necessary components in cell membranes. They also regulate blood pressure and act as inflammatory responses for your dog.
Which Parts of Shrimp Can Your Dog Eat?
Now that you know how beneficial shrimp is to your dog let’s also discuss the parts of a shrimp that are edible for a dog.
Shrimp Tails
Shrimp tails must be removed before serving it to your dog. Consumption of shrimp tails can be hazardous to your dog. It could obstruct the dog’s airway and even harm the track.
Shrimp Shells
Similar to the tails, it is essential to remove the shell before feeding it to your dog. The shell of the shrimp contains a vein that runs along the back of the shrimp. This vein is the digestive tract of the shrimp and contains recent intakes as well as some grit. Therefore, you must always remove the shrimp shells.
Preparing Shrimp For Your Dog
As we have discussed above, shrimps are low in fat, carbohydrates as well as calories. Therefore, they are an excellent choice for dogs that are on a diet. But there are a few things you must consider while preparing shrimp for your pooch.
Raw Shrimp
Consumption of fresh shrimp is very harmful to your dog. Raw and uncooked shrimp have harmful pathogens. Also, the shell of the shrimp is very hard. And if swallowed can become a choking hazard. It is dangerous for especially smaller dog breeds. So avoid serving raw shrimp to your dog.
Cooked Shrimp
Cooked shrimp is the way! It is harmless to feed your dog shrimp that is properly cooked. But you must remember to not add in spices and garlic. Though such additives make the food tasty for us, it may not have the same effect on your dog. So when you are cooking shrimp for your dog, remember to keep it plain and simple.
Fried Shrimp
Just like in humans, fried food is not healthy for dogs. Fats and oil in large quantities can cause problems in the digestive system or even inflammation of the pancreas
Shrimp Scampi
Just like using oil and grease, butter isn’t good for your dog. Even though you love a mean old shrimp scampi, it could cause adverse effects in your dog’s health. Therefore, using butter in your dog’s serving is to be avoided at all costs.
How Much Shrimp Can Dogs Eat?
Now that we know that shrimp is quite safe and healthy for your dog, in how much quantity should you correctly be serving it? Well, moderation is the answer! Every dog is different and has its own dietary needs. Usually, one or two shrimps suffice for big dogs, while a partial shrimp is good enough for a small dog.
Conclusion
So the next time you look at those pleading dog eyes, you can serve a tempting, drool well cooked and peeled shrimp! If your dog has never had a shrimp before, it is recommended that you first serve it in smaller portions and keep an eye for any symptoms of allergies. Nonetheless, always consult your veterinarian before making changes in your dog’s daily intake.