Can Dogs Eat Prawns? What You Need to Know
Can Dogs Eat Prawns? The Truth About Feeding Your Pup Shellfish
Every year people all over the world consume more than 10 billion pounds of these morsels from the ocean. But can dogs eat prawns?
From the local crab shack to the drive-thru to the upscale eatery, there are plenty of choices for everyone. This succulent seafood is a popular option, so it's only natural to want to share this cuisine with our furry friends. But are dogs allowed prawns? Let's explore.Are Prawns OK for Dogs? Contents
Can Dogs Have Prawns?
Yes, dogs can eat prawns, but with some provisos — more on that later.
Some dogs can be fussy eaters, so it's better to start with a small amount to check if they like the flavor. Plus, like any new meal, prawns should be introduced gradually to ensure your dog doesn’t have an unfavorable reaction.
Are Prawns Good for Dogs?
These low-fat, low-calorie fruits of the sea can be excellent snacks for your dog. Prawns are not only delicious, but they also include vitamins, minerals, and nutrients like:
- Vitamin B12 — crucial for metabolism, gut health, and brain function.
- Niacin — aka vitamin B3, helps your dog's energy levels, safeguards the cardiovascular system, and supports cognitive function.
- Phosphorus — essential for strong bones.
- Antioxidants — fight free radicals, support immunity and defend against diseases.
- Omega fatty acids — ideal for boosting skin and coat condition, joint and heart health.
How Many Prawns for Dogs Can Be Eaten?
Treats, including prawns, should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog's diet, with the remainder coming from an adequate doggy meal plan.
To ensure that your pooch stays healthy and safe while enjoying the occasional prawn, we’ve put together these suggestions for safe prawn feeding portions:
- Extra-small (weighing 2-20 pounds) — limit their intake to half a medium-sized prawn. E.g. Yorkies, Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus.
- Small (weighing 21-30 pounds) — can safely consume one medium-sized prawn. E.g. Beagles, Basenjis, and Cocker Spaniels.
- Medium (weighing 31-50 pounds) — can have two medium-sized prawns.E.g. Border Collies, Basset Hounds, and Siberian Huskies.
- Large (weighing 51-90 pounds) — can safely consume three medium-sized prawns. E.g. German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Giant Schnauzers.
- Extra-large (weighing over 91 pounds) — can eat 3-4 medium-sized prawns. E.g. Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, and Great Danes.
Remember, when introducing prawns, keep a close eye on your dog. If they accidentally eat too much, watch out for symptoms such as decreased appetite, fatigue, or looking uncomfortable.
If your dog experiences vomiting, excessive diarrhea, blood in vomit or stool, weakness, or collapse, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Are Prawns Bad for Dogs?
When thoroughly cooked, prawns can be eaten by dogs as an occasional treat. However, a few words of caution.
If your dog is diabetic or has poor circulation, it’s best to avoid prawns. Prawns contain high levels of cholesterol and salt. Furthermore, if your dog has a thyroid condition, avoid them. Prawns are a common source of iodine, which is harder to mitigate in thyroid conditions.
Other scenarios where prawns could be harmful to dogs include:
Can Dogs Eat Raw Prawns?
No. Raw shellfish shouldn’t be fed to dogs.
Eating raw prawns is risky, because when uncooked, they can house bacteria and other nasties.
In short. Your dog could contract food poisoning.
Monitor your canine carefully if they've accidentally eaten raw prawns. Look out for any stomach issues, or any strange behavior like dizziness, throwing up, or loose stools. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, reach out to your vet right away.
Can Dogs Eat Prawn Shells?
Another no.
Prawns must be peeled before feeding to dogs. And, if you’re wondering, can dogs eat prawn heads? That’s also a no — the heads and tails should be removed.
The shell of a prawn could result in constipation — particularly in small dogs. Plus, it could also hurt or irritate the intestines. It's not the easiest to digest.
If your dog consumes prawn heads, or tails, check their poop for any signs of bleeding or signs of struggling to pass a stool.
Can Dogs Eat Frozen Prawns?
Yes and no.
Dogs can’t eat them in their frozen state — they could be a choking hazard. But they can be eaten if they’re completely thawed and cooked.
Can Dogs Eat Prawns Cooked in Garlic?
It's a big no-no to give your furry friend any food that contains garlic or onions — including garlic prawns. These foods are toxic for dogs — they contain a substance that impairs red blood cells.
What’s more, it's advisable to avoid any flavored or seasoned prawns because dogs might also be intolerant to highly spiced cuisine.
Can Dogs Eat Prawn Crackers?
It’s not recommended — due to their high fat and salt content, which can cause digestive problems. Some prawn crackers may also contain garlic or onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs.
Can My Dog Eat Prawns That Are Breaded or Fried?
While breaded popcorn prawns are a favorite comfort food for us humans, give cooking techniques involving coatings or frying (deep or shallow) a miss for your furbaby. It will be laden with fats and salt, which really isn’t ideal for your dog's diet.
What’s more, even if you remove the coating, potentially unsafe additives could still be present in the prawns.
How To Cook Prawns for Dogs?
If you want to cook prawns for your dog, here are a few tips:
Before cooking, peel the shell, remove the heads and tails, and devein each prawn.
Boil, steam, grill, or bake the prawns, but avoid frying.
Do not add butter, oils, fats, spices, or seasonings to the cooked prawns.
Cut the cooked prawns into small pieces to serve to your dog.
Serving Suggestions:
You can mix the prawn pieces in with your dog's regular food or make a special treat by mixing them with dog-safe vegetables or cooked rice.
Stuffing the mixture into your dog's treat toy can keep them entertained.
Offer prawns to your dog in moderation, and feed a few nibbles at a time to avoid exceeding their recommended calorie intake from treats.
Final Thoughts
Prawns offer a low-fat, nutritious treat for your dog. But if they’re fortunate enough to eat them, only offer a few prawns each week.
When addressing the question — can dogs eat prawns? Remember they must be thoroughly cooked and properly prepared. Avoid breaded, seasoned, and anything processed — and don’t give your dog the tails or the heads. Keep an eye out for any signs of adverse reactions relating to prawns, and seek medical advice if you have any worries.Are Prawns Ok for Dogs? FAQs
Are Dogs Allergic to Prawns?
Yes, dogs can be allergic to prawns. As with any food allergy, a dog's immune system can overreact to the proteins in prawns and trigger a reaction. Symptoms of a prawn allergy include:
Itching.
Hives.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Swelling of the face, paws, or ears.
Are Prawns Toxic to Dogs?
Prawns are not inherently toxic to dogs. In fact, they can be a nutritious source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. But they can cause digestive issues if consumed in large quantities or if the dog has a pre-existing allergy to seafood.
If your dog has never eaten prawns before, it's best to introduce them in small quantities and monitor their reaction.
How Many Prawns Can a Dog Eat?
Prawns can be a delicious treat for canines. However, how much depends on the weight of your dog. For more info, check out our serving size suggestions.
Are Cooked Prawns Poisonous to Dogs?
Cooked prawns are safe for dogs to eat, as long as they’re cooked properly, peeled, and cleaned before being given. These tasty treats can provide some health benefits — protein, vitamins, and minerals to the canine diet.
Can Puppies Eat Prawns?
Yes, but they must be cooked thoroughly, and the shells, heads, and tails taken off.
Can Dogs Eat Seafood Like Prawns?
Yes, dogs can, but in moderation. Prawns are high in protein and low in fat, which makes them a great source of nutrition for dogs. However, they do contain a lot of sodium and may cause digestive problems if consumed in large quantities.
