Can dogs eat shrimp?

Updated 29/04/2024

We wouldn't be surprised if your pup's snout starts twitching when those umami aromas waft from the kitchen each time you cook up a bowl of shrimp. And with its low fat, high protein profile, we wouldn't blame you for wondering - can dogs eat shrimp? Well luckily for your snack-crazy canine pal, dogs can eat shrimp, so long as they're cooked all the way through and without any extra fat, seasonings or flavorings. To find out more on feeding dogs shrimp safely, take a look below.

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Is shrimp poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat shrimp without coming across any qualms or queries, or are dogs allergic to shrimp in any particular (snacky) circumstance? Well luckily for your furry friend, shrimps aren't poisonous to dogs if they're cooked properly and are in-date. But like with any shellfish, shrimp can go bad, growing harmful bacteria that can make both dogs and their humans pretty ill - all the symptoms of food poisoning, check. And just as with any other product, there's a slim chance your pooch might be intolerant to shrimp, so always keep a close eye on your furry buddy when giving them the chance to try any new foods.

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Is shrimp bad for dogs?

And can dogs eat shrimp and get any negative health effects, or is shrimp good for dogs? Well we're glad to let you know that shrimp can be a pretty healthy snack for your furry friend. It's low in fat and high in protein, which makes it a better choice than many of the foods we humans like to indulge in. And while a few shrimp are a good choice for dogs, they should never make up your dog's protein portion as they're particularly high in salt - partly due to their saltwater origins, partly due to the salt that's added during the preservation process. Shrimp are also high in cholesterol, which means your pup shouldn't be gnawing on them regularly. For more on some of the precautions you'll need to take when feeding dogs shrimp, take a look below.

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Health benefits of eating shrimp for dogs

So, can dogs eat shrimp to get any of the health benefits that we humans can? Certainly - when eaten as a snack alongside a healthy diet of dog food that's right for your specific pup, shrimp can add extra nutrition into your dog's diet - something that can't be said for all 'people foods'. To explore some of the nutritional benefits of shrimp for dogs, take a look below.

• Vitamin B12. Helps to keep your pup's digestive system in working order.
• Niacin (vitamin B3). Helps your pup convert food into energy.
• Phosphorus. Helps maintain healthy teeth and bones.

Selenium. Supports the functioning of the thyroid gland and helps promote a strong healthy immune system.

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Feeding your dog shrimp

So, now we've cleared up the query - can dogs eat shrimp - you might be wondering how to best prepare the fish for your furry friend. Well, rule 101 for feeding dogs 'people food' (after you're sure it's not toxic to dogs), is to never let it make up more than 5% of your dog's calories - any more and they'll either be consuming too much food, or not getting enough nutrition from the dog food you've chosen for them. Next, cooking shrimp for dogs is pretty simple. Start by removing the head, shell, and vein. Either boil, grill, steam, or bake the shrimp without any seasonings or additional fats, and serve up to your pup once it's cooled down or straight from the fridge. Now we've cleared that up, let's answer a few common questions pet parents have on feeding dogs shrimp.

Can dogs eat shrimp tails?

While many in the world of 'people food' eat shrimp tails, we wouldn't advise feeding them to your pup as they pose a choking hazard and are of no nutritional benefit to your furry friend.

Can dogs eat raw shrimp?

No, always make sure the shrimp you serve up to your pup is cooked all the way through. Raw can contain bacteria that causes nasty symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and nausea.

Can dogs eat shrimp shells?

Always be sure to remove all of the shell when feeding dogs shrimp. It’s a choking hazard for dogs and could get stuck in their gastrointestinal tract.

Can dogs eat breaded shrimp?

Only feed your pup plain-cooked shrimp. Any coatings add too much additional fat into the snack for dogs, plus they often contain seasonings (like garlic) that are toxic to dogs.

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Other shrimp products

So can dogs have shrimp just as safely if it's cooked into your favorite dishes, slathered in sweet sauces and heavy, herby butters? It's a hard no on this one, sadly. As you'll know, our furry friends have pretty sensitive stomachs, so don't be tempted to share even one shrimp that's not plain - it could be toxic to your pup.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we've cleared up the questions - can dogs have shrimp - get clued-up on the other foods dogs can eat.

• Cranberries
• Cinnamon
• Celery

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.