Can Dogs Eat Cooked Shrimp? Here are Some Top Things to Know…

can dogs eat cooked shrimp

Similar to us, dogs can also be intrigued by shrimp. However, is it alright for dogs to eat cooked shrimp?

Many dog owners wonder if dogs can safely eat shellfish like shrimp.

The short answer is yes.

Dogs can indeed eat shrimp. In fact shrimps are actually good for your pup and provides some tangible health benefits.

So the next time you cook some up, you can spare a portion for your dog.

But as with all things in life, moderation is the watchword.

Can dogs eat cooked shrimp?

Absolutely.

However, even with their benefits, going overboard with them in your puppy’s diet can end up doing real harm instead of good!

Can My Dog Eat Shrimp?

We’ve already said that dogs can indeed eat cooked shrimp.

But the more important takeaway is that the shrimp has to be cooked properly.

Raw shrimp contains dangerous bacteria that could essentially poison your puppy, or cause dangerous allergic reactions.

You might be buying what you believe to be quality raw shrimp fit for sushi. Even so, raw shrimp can pick up bacteria from the manner it’s stored or handled.

Food safety isn’t exactly the same concept for us and dogs.

Think about it…

You can’t be particularly sure about shellfish toxicity and how it might end up affecting your pooch.

Dogs should never be fed raw shrimp. There’s always a risk of taking in bacteria like salmonella and listeria when it comes to raw food.

And cooking your shrimp properly is the one fail-safe you have to counter that.

So, you might be wondering…

Is cooking the entire answer to this conundrum?

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Shrimp?

Yes, provided it has been properly prepared.

The answer is also affirmative if you’re wondering can dogs eat boiled shrimp. What does that mean?

Well it starts from how you pick your shrimp at the store…

Make sure you buy only fresh shrimp that doesn’t smell strongly. That fishy smell is a good indicator that it’s going stale or bad…

If you’re buying packaged shrimp, make sure the packets are completely intact. If you find frost or ice inside, it probably means there is a tear somewhere.

But that’s not all when it comes to preparation…

  • Before starting with the cooking, you need to ensure that the shrimp has undergone a thorough deveining.
  • Deveining is important – it means removing the intestinal bits from within the shrimp that might contain harmful microbes
  • Make sure you go easy on the seasoning and spices as that could just as easily upset your puppy’s stomach – plain cooked shrimp is the best option
  • Putting too much salt can also dehydrate or mess up the blood pressure of your puppy
  • Avoid using onion or garlic – they are toxic to dogs beyond a point and you don’t want to risk that
  • Cook your shrimp at a minimum of 145 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Frying the shrimp in oil or butter will easily counter all the health benefits by needlessly upping the cholesterol

When the shrimp is opaque or a pearly white, you know it’s done.

Peeling and Deveining Properly Before Cooking Shrimp for Your Dog

Like we mentioned earlier, removing the veins is an important step before you cook shrimp for your dog. Cut along the shrimp’s back with a knife, and carefully pull out all the veins.

If your dog ate shrimp shells, apart from the danger of infection the shells are also a choking hazard! Make sure you peel the shrimp properly when preparing cooked shrimp.

Unpeeled shrimp can be dangerous for your dog.

But hang on…!

Don’t peel it before cooking!

Apart from retaining more nutrients, cooking the shrimp within their shells does make peeling easier.

When done cooking, slip your fingers under the shell near the head and slowly pull the shell away.

The Benefits of Eating Shrimp

While having your dog enjoy some tasty cooked shrimp is awesome in itself, the best part about them is the nutrients they offer.

Firstly, shrimps are low-fat and micronutrient–rich – making for a very healthy snacking option.

Shrimps are chock full of nutrients like phosphorus, vitamin B12, niacin, and the super-nutrients best known as anti-oxidants.

  • Phosphorus promotes healthy bone growth
  • Niacin, does a host of great things for the body, like making sure the enzymes work properly, proper fat production, maintaining energy and good circulation
  • Vitamin B12 helps maintain good gut health and regulate metabolism
  • Anti-oxidants help boost immunity and can slow down signs of ageing – so if you have an older dog, shrimp can be a great addition to their diet

Remember, though – too many shrimp can up your pup’s cholesterol levels to unhealthy highs – so don’t make it a regular meal.

We hope you found this post answers your question can dogs eat cooked shrimp. If you have any suggestions of your own on the topic, do mention them in the comments section below!

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