Can dogs eat shellfish? Maybe you’ve found yourself wondering this while putting together a fresh shellfish platter of shrimp, oysters and lobster. If humans can eat shellfish, can dogs safely eat it too?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat shellfish. In general, shellfish provides a good amount of protein for dogs, along with healthy levels of Omega 3 fatty acids and minerals, including zinc and iron.
But it’s best to avoid feeding raw shellfish to your dog, and always make sure that any shells are removed before allowing your canine to feast on shellfish.
As always, you must ask your regular vet before sharing any human food with your beloved dog, including seafood. Here’s what you need to know about shellfish and dogs.
How Is Shellfish Good For Dogs?
Shellfish, including shrimp, crab, lobster, scallops, oysters, and clams, generally provides a good amount of protein.
Additionally, shellfish is high in Omega 3 fatty acids that can improve your dog’s immune system. It also contains decent levels of minerals, such as zinc and iron, which can help with joint health and general energy levels.
How Can I Safely Give Shellfish To My Dog?
As a general rule, only serve cooked shellfish to your dog. Raw shellfish might not necessarily be toxic to your dog, but eating raw shellfish increases the chance that your dog will become sick from the presence of bacteria.
Cook shellfish for your dog simply. It’s best to steam any shellfish on its own. Avoid adding any extra salt, herbs, or spices to any shellfish you’re preparing for your dog.
Additionally, if you’re considering feeding canned shellfish to your dog, always read the label on the can or jar thoroughly and take note of any extra sodium or preservatives that have been added as these may prove harmful to your dog’s health.
Shellfish can be a great addition to your dog’s diet, but it’s best used as a treat rather than the main part of any daily meals. Your vet can help to formulate a precise guide as to how much shellfish you can safely feed to your dog.
Does your dog love eating shellfish? How do you like to serve it to your dog? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
