Every pet owner always searches for the best food for their dog to fulfill their nutrients. Among so many options, today we will talk about the shrimp. Are you surprised to hear that? You will definitely be, so we will answer your question: can dogs eat shrimp?
Dog owners select food for dogs full of nutrients, so shrimps are safe to eat for dogs and nutritious. According to the Economic Research Service and American Kennel Club, Americans are more prone to eating shrimps than other fish categories. Shrimps are nutrient-dense protein that is low in calories and saturated fat. Shrimp contains vitamin B complex, protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and healthy fats.
So, the American people will likely add shrimp to their dog foods, too. Uncooked shellfish contain any harmful pathogens, so always feed cooked shrimp to your dog before feeding them. Therefore, removing the shrimp shell is a good idea because it can cause obstructions, especially in small breeds.
Is Shrimp Good for Dogs?
Shrimps are not only good in taste but also have lots of nutritional benefits. The good thing is that it is low in calories and has many nutrients, such as protein and fats. Among so many nutrients, Vitamin B12 is important for a dog’s metabolism and plays a role in gastrointestinal health.
Another B Vitamin, Niacin, is vital in enzyme function, fat production, blood circulation, chemical signals, and other processes. Moreover, other nutrients like phosphors are important to make bones healthy, fight against free radicals, and reduce brain aging.
Therefore, there is no danger for digs to eat shrimps other than the risk of a bacterial infection called Vibriosis. But this illness is caused when humans and animals eat raw and undercooked seafood. Vibriosis is a gastrointestinal upset that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and discomfort. So now, this question has cleared that dogs can eat shrimp adequately.
How Much Shrimp Can Dogs Eat?
Dogs and cats can be obese or overweight, just like humans, which leads to other health problems. Veterinarians also recommend that extra treats should not exceed 10 percent of a pet’s diet.
So always calculate the calories before feeding shrimps to your dog. According to The World Small Animal Veterinary Association, a small shrimp has almost 10-12 calories, so if your dog has a 30-pound weight, that means the dog can eat 1080 to 1345 calories a day.
Therefore, giving 108 to 135 calories from daily treats from 10 to 13 small shrimp is possible. Well, just make sure about the diet choices according to calories. Another issue you should keep in mind is that dogs could be allergic to any particular food just like humans; therefore, always test out food in a very small amount to ensure you don’t see any signs of an allergic reaction.
How to Safely Feed Your Dog Shrimp?
Always purchase the best quality shrimp from a reputable seafood distributor or seller. After that, remove the shells, tails, and veins, and now these are ready to boil, bake, steam, or grill.
Moreover, never use butter, oils, spices, and seasonings; just cut into small pieces. You can mix the shrimp pieces in their diets and make social treats with other vegetables like potatoes, carts, sweet potatoes, peas, and broccoli.
Bottom Line
Every pet dog has a different taste and likeness, just like humans. We can try different organic foods at home for pet dogs, like apples, oranges, and bananas for dogs. These are full of nutrients and healthy for humans and dogs as well.
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