Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?

Yes, dogs can eat a little shrimp, as long as it is cooked, plain, and peeled. Raw shrimp can carry germs that make dogs sick. Shells are a choking risk, and fried or buttery shrimp adds fat your dog doesn’t need. One or two pieces is usually plenty.

Is shrimp good for dogs?

Shrimp can be a fine treat. The AKC says shrimp is low in fat, calories, and carbohydrates. It also has vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorus, and antioxidants.

There is one downside. The AKC notes that shrimp is high in cholesterol. Too much of it can lead to unhealthy cholesterol levels over time. That is why shrimp should be a small extra, not a regular meal.

How to serve shrimp to your dog

Follow these steps:

1. Cook it. The AKC says raw shellfish can contain harmful germs. Cooking the shrimp avoids that.
2. Steam it. The AKC calls steamed shrimp the best choice.
3. Take off the shell. The AKC says to remove the whole shell. Shells can cause choking or a blockage, and small dogs are most at risk.
4. Keep it plain. No butter, oil, garlic, onion, or heavy salt.
5. Cut it small. Smaller pieces are easier for little dogs to swallow. The AKC suggests part of a piece for a small dog.

Why is plain shrimp better?

Rich, salty, or seasoned food causes trouble for dogs. The ASPCA says too much salt can make dogs very thirsty and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures. It also says that fatty foods can upset the stomach and may cause pancreatitis, a painful swelling of the pancreas.

The Merck Veterinary Manual says that eating table scraps or other wrong food is a common risk for pancreatitis in dogs. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, weakness, and not wanting to eat. If you see these signs, call your vet.

How much shrimp can a dog eat?

The AKC says one or two pieces of shrimp are usually enough for most dogs. For a small dog, a partial piece is a safer start. The sources don’t give an exact amount by weight, so ask your vet if you want to feed shrimp often.

The ASPCA also says snacks should be no more than 5 percent of your dog’s daily calories. Shrimp is a treat, so it counts toward that.

Other kinds of shrimp

Can dogs eat raw shrimp?

No. The AKC says raw shellfish contain harmful germs. Cook the shrimp first.

Can dogs eat fried, breaded, or seasoned shrimp?

It’s best not to. The AKC warns that fried and breaded shrimp carry extra fat and oil that can be harmful. Seasonings can also hide garlic or onion. The Merck Veterinary Manual says dogs have been harmed by raw, cooked, dried, and powdered forms of both. The signs, such as weakness and pale gums, can appear days after your dog eats them.

Can dogs eat shrimp shells and tails?

No. Peel the shrimp all the way, including the tail. The AKC says shells are a choking risk and can block the gut.

What if my dog doesn’t handle shrimp well?

Dogs can react differently to new foods. The AKC says to stop feeding shrimp if your dog shows signs of stomach upset or illness. Talk with your vet or a vet nutrition expert before making shrimp a regular food.

Other treats to try

Not sure shrimp is right for your dog? These plain options are also easy to share. See our guides on bananas and apples. For a full list of foods to avoid, see our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs.