I once had a client come in nearly in tears. Her teenage son had been helping in the kitchen and thought it’d be cute to toss their Golden Retriever a raw shrimp while prepping dinner. Just one. No big deal, right?
But that night, the dog started vomiting and acting strangely, and panic set in. She felt guilty. He felt worse. They just didn’t know what was safe and what wasn’t, and honestly, most people don’t.
If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen wondering whether that little bite of seafood could hurt your dog, you’re not alone.
Let’s get into what really happens when dogs eat raw shrimp, and why it’s not as harmless as it seems.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Shrimp
Nope. Raw shrimp is not safe for dogs. It might look harmless, especially when it’s sitting all clean and pink, but it’s hiding some nasty stuff that could seriously mess with your pup’s belly, or worse.
Raw shrimp can carry bacteria and parasites that don’t play nice with dogs. Salmonella, listeria, even a few worms you absolutely don’t want in your house. Just like with raw chicken, it’s a risk you shouldn’t take.
Why Cooking Shrimp Makes All the Difference
Once shrimp is cooked, it’s a whole different story. Cooking kills off most of the bacteria and parasites that live in raw seafood. It also softens up the texture, making it easier for your dog to chew and digest.
You don’t need to get fancy. No butter, no garlic, no fancy seasoning. Just plain, boiled or steamed shrimp will do the trick. Dogs don’t care about taste profiles. They care that it smells like food.
Is Cooked Shrimp Good for Dogs?
In small amounts, cooked shrimp can actually be a healthy treat. It’s low in calories, high in protein, and packed with nutrients like B12, iodine, and phosphorus. Those all help with metabolism, brain health, and keeping their coat shiny.
But it’s not a main meal. It’s a treat. A sprinkle on top of their food, or a once-in-a-while bite from your plate (without the sauce). Too much seafood, even cooked, can upset their stomach or throw off their regular diet.
How to Prepare Shrimp Safely for Dogs
Start by peeling off the shell and removing the tail. Dogs don’t need the crunch. The shells can be sharp and cause choking or get stuck in their throat or gut.
Make sure it’s fully cooked all the way through. No pink or translucent bits. Then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Even large dogs will try to swallow whole chunks and end up coughing it back out like a toddler with a grape.
What About Dogs with Allergies?
If your dog has food sensitivities, shrimp might not be the best thing to experiment with. Seafood allergies aren’t super common in dogs, but they do happen.
The first time you offer shrimp, keep it small. Like, a single bite small. Watch for any itching, swelling, or weird behavior. If something seems off, call your vet and leave shrimp off the menu going forward.
Can Dogs Eat Shrimp Tails or Shells?
Not a great idea. Shrimp tails and shells are crunchy but not in a good way. They can splinter or cause a blockage. And let’s be honest, your dog doesn’t need extra fiber from seafood armor.
Always take the time to clean the shrimp properly before offering it. I know it’s tempting to just toss them the leftovers, but it’s not worth the risk. You wouldn’t eat shrimp shell-on, would you?
Is It Okay to Feed Frozen Shrimp
Frozen shrimp is fine as long as you cook it first. Don’t ever feed frozen shrimp straight from the pack. Thaw it fully, cook it thoroughly, and serve it plain. Skip the cocktail sauce. That’s not for dogs.
Also, check the packaging. Some frozen shrimp comes pre-seasoned or soaked in salt water. That’s a no-go. Too much sodium is a real problem for dogs, especially smaller breeds.
What Makes Shrimp a Good Treat Option?
Shrimp is what I’d call a “novel protein” for dogs who get bored with the usual chicken and beef rotation. It’s light, easy to digest when cooked, and offers a different kind of texture that a lot of dogs seem to enjoy.
It’s also handy for training. One small piece can go a long way. If your dog goes wild for seafood smells, it’s a great high-reward treat for recall or leash training. Just keep the serving size in check.
Let’s Keep It Real
We all slip up. Our dogs grab food they shouldn’t. Or we get curious and want to share what’s on our plate. It happens. But when it comes to seafood, especially raw shrimp, it’s better to stay on the safe side.
Don’t let your dog become a kitchen thief just because something smells fishy and fun. You want them to enjoy treats without ending up at the emergency vet.
If you’re thinking about adding shrimp to your dog’s treat list, keep it cooked, clean, and small. Dogs don’t need variety like we do, but they sure love being included in mealtime. Just make sure it’s safe when you do.
Have you ever caught your dog trying to swipe something they shouldn’t have off the counter?