Fish, shrimp, and other water animals, especially shrimp in boiled or fried form, are so delicious to us, but what would be the situation for our dog friends? What kind of shrimp can my dogs have? Yes, but use them with caution. Basically, shrimp should be incorporated in their diets sparingly, a condition that should apply both to dogs as well as humans. While shrimp is loaded with proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help the proper functioning of the heart and brain, then it is advisable to consume these occasionally. Here are some tips on how to feed shrimp to your dog without any risk to his health.
Healthy Options
Incase you desire to feed your dog shrimp, you should only offer plain boiled, steamed or grilled shrimp that has not undergone any preparation process. It is more convenient for the dogs since they do not need the extra flavors that might cause stomach uneasiness.
Dogs are carnivorous; thus, they prefer foods that are crunchy and savory. For example, although fried shrimp may look delicious and could be preferred over boiled shrimp, it has more calories and may contain spices that might be unhealthy. Nevertheless, once in a while, a small piece should not be a problem. To successfully use shrimp in air frying without breading it, you should go for healthier options with comparable texture. Make sure it is not too hot before giving it to your dog to eat since that could be dangerous.
Safety Precautions
However, one needs to be careful when feeding their dogs with shrimp prepared on wooden barbeques since such equipment is hazardous to the health of the dogs. Here, chances are that skewers can pierce through the stomach wall or even affect the stomach lining to an extent where surgical intervention may be necessary.
Raw vs. Cooked
Raw shrimp is loved in some cultures especially as sushi, but comes with its dangers.The aforementioned are likely to cause infections. That is why one should avoid consuming raw or pukka shrimp since they may have bacteria like Vibrio and Salmonella present on them. These can lead to the development of severe pathology in humans and, while less frequent, in dogs as well. I’d recommend that should the dog by any chance slurp a raw shrimp that has fallen on the floor, you should take keen note of any irregular behavior that may be associated with the sickness.
Symptoms of eating contaminated shrimp include:
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Lethargy
– Fever
– Appetite loss
Other Potential Hazards
Well, sometimes if your dog or puppy is vomiting, has diarrhea or itching a great deal then it is quite possible that he is allergic to shellfish. But it happens and though such is a very rare occurrence people should at least have the knowledge that it can happen.
Some of the pieces in shrimp tails are hazardous to the health of your pet, and it is therefore advisable not to provide the shrimp tails as a delicacy to your pets. Such treats are not unhealthy for a dog’s health but are not encouraged as they may be chewed and swallowed and can cause choking or even blockage in the gastrointestinal tract in small-sized dogs. While preparing your dog for a type of shrimp, be careful when you want to call it by its shell, as this is safer for your dog.
Moderation is Key
Crawfish is another dish that should also be limited since it contains many calories, and one or two-half of one should suffice. Shrimp should not be given in portions more than 10% of the gross dietary amount under the canine per day.
