Seafood, particularly shrimps, are true delights. They are definitely gifts to mankind— gifts that could only send us wondering what had we possibly done to deserve them. Regardless of how they are served, we will surely enjoy one of the best meals of our lives as long as we can munch on them on our tables. Anyone who has not had shrimps in his or her entire life is surely missing out on life itself.
So, this got me wondering, can dogs eat shrimp? Of course, as pet parents we want our dogs to enjoy all the best things the world could offer. Nonetheless, matters of safety and health are still our top priorities. Let us find out now if our beloved four-legged friends can safely enjoy every bite of this gift.
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Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?
The answer to the golden question, “can dogs eat shrimp?” is a resounding YES. However, there are important things you need to keep in mind about this. Let us discuss them in a quick question and answer (Q&A) segment.
Can Dogs Eat Shrimp That Is Raw?
While it is ideal for dogs to eat raw meat, the case for eating shrimp is different. Dogs can eat shrimp as long as you cook it properly.
Why is raw shrimp not good for your pet? Well, raw shrimp contains shellfish toxicity that is harmful to dogs. Even if the product claims to be safe for raw consumption, it is still highly recommended that you cook it at the right temperature. As they always say, “it is better to be safe than to be sorry.”
Moreover, raw shrimp is also rich in cholesterol. By cooking it thoroughly, you are not just stripping it of its bacteria; you are also stripping off the cholesterol levels that will eventually lead to gain weight and cardiovascular (CV) health deterioration.
How Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?
Now that we know that dogs cannot eat it raw, you are surely wondering, “how can dogs eat shrimp?”
As we have mentioned earlier, you need to cook the shrimp before serving it to your dog. Here are the two basic steps you need to follow:
1. Peel And Clean The Shrimp Thoroughly
It is important that you clean the shrimp very well. The skin, tail, and other parts aside from the actual meat are difficult to chew and digest. It is safe to say that they are inedible for dogs.
Failure to clean the shrimp meticulously may result in some parts lodging in your pet’s throat, leading to fatal choking. Keep in mind that the teeth of dogs have not been developed naturally for this food.
2. Cook The Shrimp Wisely
We love our shrimps served in different ways. Fried or buttered, they are just as delicious as they could get. However, these types of servings are not suitable for dogs.
First, the excessive fat in fried shrimps may upset their stomachs. You are lucky if that is all you have to deal with; some dogs even suffer from inflamed pancreas because of fried food.
Then, butter is also definitely something you would want to avoid. It contains salt, which is one of the leading hazardous ingredients for dogs. Salt easily increases their blood pressure. Sometimes, excessive salt consumption may even cause dehydration.
More importantly, never add garlic and onions when preparing shrimps for your dogs.
So, what is the takeaway from all these things? Well, you may cook shrimps for your pet in any way you desire as long as you take these restrictions into consideration.
How Much Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?
Like with any food, shrimp has to be consumed moderately. As much as you would probably want your dog to indulge in its goodness, it is plainly useless in excess.
Always keep your dog’s diet in moderation and in variation. Dogs love to eat, but surely not just one kind of food. The best way to maintain their health is to complete their nutritional needs with the right combination of essential nutrients.
How Can Shrimp Benefit Dogs?
Shrimps are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins B3 and B12, and phosphorus, as well as antioxidants. Additionally, they have low levels of calories and fats.
Vitamin B3 helps regulate your dog’s blood circulation and other biological processes. Also, it facilitates normal production of fat inside his or her body.
Meanwhile, vitamin B12 supports your dog’s gastrointestinal system. It also plays a crucial role in his or her metabolism.
Then, phosphorus promotes bone development. Without or a lack of it, dogs may suffer bone diseases when they grow up.
Lastly, the antioxidants improve brain function as they counter deterioration caused by aging.The only problem with shrimp is that it is not necessarily rich in carbohydrates and proteins; and dogs, as we all know, are built for a carbohydrate-rich and protein-rich diet. So, shrimps will not really sustain your dog’s needs on a daily basis. Much like other snacks, they are perfect occasional treats and variations.
Summary
There you have everything you need to know about shrimps for canine consumption! When you encounter the question, “can dogs eat shrimp?” online or offline, you may explain it in as simple as a couple of sentences.
YES, dogs can eat shrimp as long as it is prepared carefully without any harmful ingredients. They can eat it in moderation. However, eating shrimp does not really sustain our dogs on a regular basis. Shrimps are not excellent sources of carbohydrates and proteins, two of the primary essentials for our dogs to thrive.
If you have fed shrimp to your dog considering all the essential factors and he or she exhibits abnormal behavior and/or signs of discomfort and illness, do not wait around. Bring him or her to the vet immediately.
Have you tried feeding your dog with shrimp? How was the experience? Did he or she like it? Let us know your story by sharing it in the comment section below! We look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you! Have a great day ahead!
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