Can Dogs Eat Shrimp? + Shrimp Benefits | Pupford

One of the most commonly Googled questions for dog parents is “can my dog eat __?”. In this article we'll cover "can dogs eat shrimp".

Whether you’re looking to share a special treat with your dog, or figuring out if you need to take a ride to the vet after they got into the trash, it’s always a good idea to check what’s safe to feed your dog.

In fact, we have a bunch of articles that can help you figure out what human foods you can and can’t feed your dog:

• Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
• Can Dogs Eat Chicken? The Truth on Raw, Freeze Dried, Dehydrated & Cooked Chicken
• Can Dogs Eat Lamb? The Truth on Incorporating Lamb Into Your Dog’s Diet
• Can Dogs Eat Apples?
• Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
• What Happens if Dogs Eat Chocolate & What to Do
• Sweet Potatoes for Dogs: Can They Eat Them, Are They Good?
• 39 Vegetables and Fruits Dogs Can and Can’t Eat
• Can Dogs Eat Salmon? Raw, Cooked, Dehydrated + Is it Good?

Today we’re going to add another to the list: shrimp.

While shellfish is a matter of taste preference (and allergies) for humans, a lot of people wonder if it’s a matter of safety for their dogs. So today we’re going to cover everything about feeding shrimp to your dog.

However, if something your dog ate is in question, and they have vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, confusion, or changes in behavior, stop reading and call your veterinarian!

CAN DOGS EAT SHRIMP?

Good news: there’s no need to be shellfish, you can share shrimp with your dog!

Bad puns aside, yes, your dog can eat shrimp. For many reasons, it’s even beneficial to do so. Shrimp can absolutely be a healthy part of your dog’s diet – and yours too!

But there are a few caveats, which we will get into shortly, to make sure your dog stays safe and healthy while consuming shrimp.

🐶 Don't miss out, try some Freeze-Dried Shrimp Training Treats for your dog. Shop here! 🐶

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT GIVING YOUR DOG SHRIMP

Just because it’s safe for your dog to consume shrimp doesn’t mean you should go ahead and toss some of your Bang Bang Shrimp order in their bowl, no matter how much your dog is begging and giving you their best puppy eyes.

Here are some considerations for giving your dog shrimp:

• Raw shellfish contain harmful pathogens that can make your dog sick. Always cook shrimp through before giving to your dog, in the same way that you would for yourself.
• Many seasonings, sauces, and herbs can cause digestive issues in dogs – some are downright toxic. Always serve plain, unseasoned shrimp to your dog.
• Shells are a choking hazard and can cause intestinal obstruction, so be sure to remove shells and tails completely.
• Shrimp is relatively high in cholesterol, so it should be served in moderation to maintain a healthy cholesterol level.

If those guidelines are followed, shrimp can be a really beneficial part of your dog’s diet – more on that in the next section!

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SHRIMP FOR DOGS

It’s important that you’re filling your dog’s diet with nutrient-rich foods that don’t push them over their daily caloric intake recommendations.

Shrimp fits the bill!

Here are some of the many health benefits of shrimp for dogs:

• Low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates
• Excellent source of protein
• Good source of Vitamin B12, which is important for metabolism and gastrointestinal health
• Good source of Niacin, which is important for enzyme function, blood circulation, and chemical signals within the body
• Good source of phosphorus, which keeps bones healthy
• Good source of antioxidants, which fight free radicals and protect cell health

Safely preparing shrimp for your dog can be really beneficial for their diet – so let’s get into how to do that!

🐶 Don't miss out, try some Freeze-Dried Shrimp Training Treats for your dog. Shop here! 🐶

HOW TO FEED SHRIMP TO YOUR DOG

So now that we’ve covered why you should include shrimp in your dog’s diet, let’s get into how to do it!

First, you’ll want to introduce shrimp in small amounts. Animal proteins like shrimp can sometimes cause allergies in dogs, so start with a little bit and monitor your dog’s digestion and skin for signs of reaction.

By starting small, you’ll be preventing major, life-threatening reactions. But if you do notice any skin irritations, vomiting, diarrhea, etc., contact your vet.

Once you know your dog is not allergic to shrimp, follow the health and safety guidelines we mentioned about cooking and preparing shrimp.

RECAP OF CAN DOGS HAVE SHRIMP + BENEFITS

Want an even easier way to include shrimp in your dog’s diet? There’s a secret… well okay it’s not a secret, you just might not know about it: freeze-dried shrimp.

Freeze-dried shrimp for dogs offers all the nutrition of shrimp, without any of the worries of having to prepare it yourself. And with no added ingredients and a satisfying crunch, serving shrimp to your dog this way is a win-win.

Our brand-new shrimp training treats are made with high-quality shrimp and nothing else. Low-calorie and small in size, they make the perfect training treat at about 1 calorie per piece! 

Try them for your pup today, and let us know what you think!

And as a reminder, dogs should not eat raw shrimp. But when cooked correctly, shrimp provides a lot of great benefits for dogs like high protein, vitamins and minerals.

Does your dog like shrimp? Tell us in the comments.