Can Dogs Eat Shrimp? Risks, Benefits & Feeding Guide

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat shrimp in moderation, and this seafood can offer some health benefits. However, before adding shrimp to your pup’s diet, there are a few important factors to consider. While cooked, unseasoned shrimp is generally safe, some preparations—like fried or heavily seasoned shrimp—can harm dogs due to excess fat, salt, or spices. Plus, what about shrimp shells and tails? Is raw shrimp a safer option? Can too much shrimp cause digestive issues? This guide will explore the benefits, potential risks, and the safest way to incorporate shrimp into your dog’s diet.

Is Shrimp Good For Dogs?

Shrimp can be a healthy and nutritious dog treat when fed cooked, plain, and in moderation.

Avoid fried or heavily seasoned shrimp, as added fats, salt, and spices can harm dogs. Also, remove the shells and tails, as they can be difficult to digest and pose a choking hazard.

Benefits

100 grams (3.5-ounce oz) of shrimp contains the following nutrients:

Shrimp Nutrition Chart (100g)

Nutrient Analysis

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Shrimp to Dogs

While shrimp can be a safe and nutritious treat for dogs, there are several risks and considerations to keep in mind before feeding it to your canine companion:

Can Dogs Eat Raw Shrimp?

Raw meats can be safe for dogs when properly handled and sourced as part of a balanced raw diet. Contrary to popular belief, dogs can consume raw shrimp as long as the shrimp is wild-caught and has been frozen for at least a week to kill potential parasites. Keep in mind that raw shrimp can harbor harmful pathogens, including bacteria like Salmonella, Vibrio, and Listeria, as well as parasites such as tapeworms, which can lead to foodborne illnesses in dogs. If you’re uncertain about the safety of the shrimp, it’s best to avoid feeding raw shrimp to your dog.

Are Dogs Allergic to Shrimp?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to shrimp.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Shrimp

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services like the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information: When speaking to a vet, provide the quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion, and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home, or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining shrimp or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Shrimp to Dogs

When feeding shrimp to your dog, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe:

Ways to Feed Shrimp to Dogs

As with any new food, start slowly and feed gradually to give your dog’s digestive system time to adjust.

Best Shrimp Dog Food

Canidae PURE Petite Salmon and Shrimp Pâté is an excellent choice for dog parents wanting to incorporate the benefits of shrimp into their pet’s diet. This grain-free, limited-ingredient wet food is crafted with real salmon and shrimp as the primary protein sources. The pâté texture is perfect for dogs, ensuring easy consumption and enjoyment. With no fillers, artificial additives, or grains, it offers a nutritious and tasty way to include shrimp in your dog’s diet.

Best Shrimp Dog Treat

For dog parents looking to provide the benefits of shrimp, the Icelandic+ Cod & Shrimp Combo Bites Dog Treat is an excellent choice. Made with just cod and shrimp, these treats are pure and natural, offering a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They are sustainably sourced and air-dried to retain nutritional value. This makes them ideal for dogs with sensitivities and a great way to offer shrimp benefits safely.

How Much Shrimp Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats like shrimp. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning shrimp based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Serving Size (Feed Ocassionally)	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	½ to 1 small shrimp (finely chopped if necessary)	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	1-2 small shrimp (cut into small pieces)	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	2-3 shrimp (chopped or whole depending on size)	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	3-4 shrimp (whole, deveined, and tail removed)	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	4-6 shrimp (whole, deveined, and tail removed)	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Shrimp?

Yes, puppies can eat shrimp, but only in moderation and very small amounts. Since puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, it’s best to start with just a tiny portion—such as a teaspoon of cooked, plain shrimp—to see how they react. Feeding too much shrimp at once can lead to digestive upset, as puppies’ stomachs are still developing and may struggle to process the protein and natural cholesterol in shrimp. Additionally, shrimp should always be cooked thoroughly and served without any seasoning, butter, or oil—avoid fried shrimp or shrimp prepared with garlic, salt, or spices, as these can harm puppies. When introducing shrimp or any new food, avoid giving multiple new foods on the same day so you can monitor for any food sensitivities or allergies. If your puppy experiences digestive issues, introducing only one new food at a time makes it easier to identify the cause. Try offering a small, diced piece of plain, cooked shrimp, then wait a few days to observe how your puppy’s digestive system reacts before considering offering more. Always remove the shell, tail, and vein, as these can be difficult to digest and may pose a choking hazard.

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp Shells?

Dogs should not eat shrimp shells due to choking hazard risks, especially for smaller dogs or those that eat quickly. The shells are also difficult to digest and can cause intestinal blockages or even perforate the digestive tract. The brittle, sharp texture of shrimp shells may injure a dog’s mouth, throat, or internal organs. Although shrimp shells contain glucosamine, which can benefit joint health, there are safer ways to provide this nutrient to your dog. If you want to give your dog the benefits of shrimp shells without the risks, you can make a glucosamine-rich broth by simmering the shells in water for a few hours and serving the broth without the shells.

Can Dogs Have Fried Shrimp?

Fried shrimp is not recommended for dogs due to its high fat content and unhealthy oils. The batter used for frying can contain seasonings and additives that are not safe for dogs. Eating fried foods can lead to obesity, pancreatitis, and digestive upset in dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp Tails?

No, dogs should not eat shrimp tails. Shrimp tails are tough and difficult to digest, posing a choking hazard and potential risk for intestinal blockage. They can also be sharp and may cause irritation or injury to your dog’s digestive tract. Always remove the tail before feeding the shrimp to your dog.

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to shrimp that are just as safe and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Shrimp can be a nutritious and tasty treat for dogs when prepared properly and served in moderation. Packed with protein, essential vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, shrimp offers several health benefits, including supporting muscle growth, skin health, and immune function. However, proper preparation is crucial—always cook shrimp thoroughly, remove the shell, tail, and vein, and avoid seasonings, butter, or frying. While most dogs can safely enjoy shrimp, some may have allergies or sensitivities, so it’s important to introduce it slowly and watch for any adverse reactions. As with any new food, shrimp should complement a well-balanced diet rather than replace primary meals. If you’re unsure about incorporating shrimp into your dog’s diet, consulting your veterinarian is the best way to ensure their safety and well-being.

Whether you’re introducing shrimp or any new treat, unexpected reactions can happen. Having the right pet insurance ensures you can handle any vet visits with peace of mind. Check out our guide to the best pet insurance plans to keep your furry friend covered in every situation. If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives.

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Sources

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