Can Dogs Eat Shrimp Tails?

You’re enjoying a delicious shrimp cocktail, and your pup is giving you the look. Before you start handing out yummy snacks, you may be wondering, can dogs eat shrimp tails?

No, dogs shouldn’t be fed shrimp tails. Shrimp tails can be a choking hazard and tough on your pup’s tummy. But don’t worry, there are safer alternatives that we’ll look at below!

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp Tails Safely?

Shrimp tails might seem like a crunchy and easy snack for your fur baby, but they’re more trouble than they’re worth. The little shells can be a choking hazard, especially for dogs who tend to scarf down their food without chewing. If your dog eats too many, they might even cause a gastrointestinal obstruction, which requires veterinary attention and even surgery.

Plus, these shells can be tough to digest and may cause tummy troubles, even in small amounts. So, if your pup is giving you those puppy eyes for a taste, it’s best to toss the tail and keep them safe.

Can dogs eat cooked shrimp?

Yes, dogs can eat shrimp as long as it is cooked, plain, and tail-free. Shrimp can even be a healthy snack, as it's packed with protein, omega-3s, and essential vitamins. Just skip the butter, seasonings, and fried shrimp versions. 

If you’re wondering, can dogs eat raw shrimp, the answer is no. Keep the shrimp cooked and plain, and your pup will be one happy camper!

What Are the Risks of Dogs Eating Shrimp Tails?

Shrimp tails may look harmless, but they can cause several potential health problems for dogs who eat them. 

Here’s why they’re better off in the trash than in your pup’s stomach:

• Choking hazard: Shrimp tails are hard, and many dogs don’t chew their snacks completely. They can be a choking risk, especially for smaller dogs and fast eaters. 
• Digestive issues: These tough shells can be challenging for your pup’s belly to break down, leading to tummy troubles like vomiting and diarrhea.
• Internal injuries: The sharp edges of shrimp shells can scrape or puncture your pup’s throat, stomach, or intestines. Smaller dogs may have a bigger problem. 
• Allergic reactions: Some dogs may be sensitive to shellfish, causing itching and digestive problems. 
• Digestive blockages: If too many shrimp shells get stuck in your pup’s intestines, it could cause a blockage, which requires emergency vet care. 

Accidents happen, and some dogs may be particularly set on digging shrimp tails out of the trash. If your pup eats something they shouldn’t, pet insurance can help cover unexpected accidents. Check out Furkin Pet Insurance to keep your four-legged foodie protected!

Are There Any Health Benefits of Shrimp Tails for Dogs?

Shrimp without seasonings or tails can be a nutritious snack, but there isn’t any benefit for your dog eating the tails themselves. Because they’re tough to chew and hard to digest, they don’t provide any nutritional benefits. 

If you want your pup to enjoy the perks of shrimp, stick to the meaty part. Your fur baby’s tummy (and your wallet) will thank you!

Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

Other Shellfish Alternatives

If your pup wants to indulge in a seafood snack, there are plenty of other shellfish options they could enjoy! Just be sure to consult your vet before introducing any new foods into your dog’s diet.

Dog-friendly shellfish include:

• Lobster: Lobster can be a safe bet for dogs as long as it is prepared correctly. You want to avoid feeding the shell and claws. Instead, opt for fully cooked, plain, unseasoned lobster meat.
• Scallops: Scallops are an easy snack, too, when fully cooked and unseasoned. They’re soft and easy to digest, and many pups love them. 
• Crab: Crab is another great choice for your pup, as long as you take the meat out of the shell first! It should also be unseasoned and cooked. 

Any foods your pup eats should be unseasoned. Many common seasonings, like garlic and onion, are toxic to dogs. Ingestion of any type of garlic or onion can lead to acute anemia in dogs and requires immediate veterinary attention. 

Try to avoid salt, also. While dogs do need salt in their diets, they need far less than we do (because of their smaller size). Too much salt can lead to salt toxicosis, which can impact your dog’s hydration and electrolyte balance.

Photo by henry perks on Unsplash

Final Thoughts

When it comes to shrimp tails, it’s best to put them in the trash and avoid giving them to your dog. Shrimp meat can be a tasty, nutritious snack, but shrimp tails are a different story. They can be a choking hazard or even cause digestive issues or internal injuries. In rare cases, your pup may need veterinary attention after consuming shrimp tails, especially if they eat a lot of them. 

Even the most careful fur parents cannot predict every mishap or knocked trash can. Pet insurance can help cover unexpected veterinary expenses. Get a quote from Furkin Pet Insurance just in case your pup one day decides to raid your trash can or eat something they shouldn’t!

Featured image by Natalie Kinnear on Unsplash