There are thousands of people a month on Google asking, “can dogs eat seafood”. Seafood is a pretty broad term. While cooked white fish is excellent for your dog, other seafood, such as raw fish skin, can be quite dangerous for them.
Below we’ve compiled the answers to the top 40 Google searches regarding dogs eating seafood. In addition to researching what seafood dogs can and can’t eat, we’ve also written blog posts answering…
Can dogs eat…The Nuts, Beans, Grains, Rice, and Seeds Edition
Can dogs eat…The Vegetable Edition
Can dogs eat…The Fruit Edition
Can dogs eat…The Dairy Edition
Can dogs eat…The Human Food Edition
A note on the answers below — when the answer is:
- No – That means that the food is harmful or toxic to dogs.
- Yes – That doesn’t mean you should feed your dog a diet exclusively of that food. Only that it is safe for dogs to consume, just not as its main food source.
- A little bit – That means that if your pup snuck some of this food off of your plate, or ate it before you realized it, it should be ok in small quantities. You shouldn’t make it a habit of feeding dogs these foods regularly.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s find out what seafood your pup can and can’t eat.
(Keep in mind: Avenue Dogs is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission (with no additional cost to you)).
We’ve turned this blog into a book. We’ve listed over 500 foods dogs can and can’t eat. This paperback would make a great gift for a new puppy owner, a dog lover, or anyone concerned about their pup’s health. Check it out!
Can Dogs Eat Anchovies
Yes
The healthy oils in anchovies provide Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that are beneficial to your dog’s skin, coat, joints, and even heart.
Can Dogs Eat Calamari
A Little Bit
The high nutrient and mineral content of calamari makes it a great snack for dogs, but the way it is prepared often makes it unhealthy.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Salmon
A Little Bit
Opt for low-sodium canned salmon in water, to avoid excess salt or fats. Offer it only in small quantities.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Tuna
A Little Bit
Only offer high-quality tuna in water, and try to avoid excessive amounts because there is a risk of mercury poisoning.
Can Dogs Eat Catfish
Yes
Many commercial brands of dog food use catfish as a protein source, so it’s safe. Use boneless filets to ensure no bones get lodged in your dog’s throat.
Can Dogs Eat Clams
Yes
Give your dog clams for a boost of omega-3, minerals, and a lot of protein for muscle health.
Can Dogs Eat Cod
Yes
Cod is a healthy choice to add to your dog’s diet as a source of protein and nutrition.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Salmon
Yes
Salmon is a high-quality source of protein and omega-3. Add it to your dog’s diet for heart and skin health and to reduce inflammation overall.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Shrimp
Yes
Well-cooked shrimp without added seasonings and butter is a nutritious and healthy addition to your pup’s diet.
Can Dogs Eat Crab Meat
A Little Bit
It’s generally safe to feed your dog crab meat in moderation, keeping in mind that they might be allergic to high iodine levels.
Can Dogs Eat Crawfish
Yes
While it’s generally safe to give crawfish to dogs, some can’t handle digesting them. Avoid them if your dog has food sensitivities.
Can Dogs Eat Fish
Yes
Plain, fully cooked fish is a healthy staple to add to your dog’s diet. However, avoid fish types that tend to be high in mercury.
Can Dogs Eat Fish Bones
No
Never give your dog fish bones, as they are prone to breaking in their mouth and further along their digestive tract as well.
Can Dogs Eat Fish Skin (Cooked)
Yes
So long as you cook the fish skin thoroughly to kill harmful parasites and surface bacteria, it’s a healthy and nutritious option for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Fish Skin (Raw)
No
Never feed your dog fish skins or flesh when it is raw because there is a risk of serious disease from surface parasites and bacteria.
Can Dogs Eat Fish Sticks
A Little Bit
Fish sticks are safe for your dog to consume, but only offer them sparingly because commercial fish sticks do not provide much nutrition.
Can Dogs Eat Fried Fish
A Little Bit
Fish is a healthy food for your dog, but frying them adds an excessive amount of fats that can lead to obesity. Opt for boiled or steamed fish.
Can Dogs Eat Fried Shrimp
A Little Bit
Excess fats in fried shrimp make them an unhealthy option, so only offer your dog fried shrimp sparingly.
Can Dogs Eat Imitation Crab
A Little Bit
While safe for dogs, imitation crab meat is a mix of processed seafood and fillers with low nutritional value.
Can Dogs Eat Lobster
Yes
Lobster is a nutrient-rich option for your dogs, including healthy fats and minerals. Just make sure the shells are completely removed.
Can Dogs Eat Mussels
Yes
Mussels are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can be a highly nutritious addition to your dog’s diet.
Can Dogs Eat Octopus
Yes
Octopus can help you add high-quality protein to your dog’s diet, especially because it is soft and dogs generally enjoy it.
Can Dogs Eat Oysters
Yes
Add oysters to dog food as an excellent source of essential minerals, protein, and healthy fats.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Fish
No
Do not give your dog any kind of raw fish to avoid the risk of infection or infestation from harmful parasites and bacteria.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Salmon
No
Raw salmon may contain Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which causes salmon poisoning so avoid giving it to your dog. Additionally, the bones are a choking hazard and cause digestive problems.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Shrimp
No
Only serve your dog fully cooked shrimp because raw shrimp may contain harmful pathogens that will make your dog sick.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Tuna
No
Raw tuna is high in mercury and contains parasites and other microorganisms that are harmful to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Salmon
Yes
High-quality, fully cooked salmon is an excellent source of nutrients for your dog that help keep them healthy.
Can Dogs Eat Salmon Skin
A Little Bit
Fully cooked salmon skin is non-toxic but high in fat, so only offer it as a treat sparingly.
Can Dogs Eat Sardines
Yes
Choose high-quality sardines to offer your dog as a nutrient-rich healthy and delicious meal.
Can Dogs Eat Scallops
Yes
Add fully cooked scallops to your dog’s meals for a boost in essential minerals and muscle-building protein.
Can Dogs Eat Seafood
Yes
Dogs can eat most seafood if it is fully cooked plainly without spices, fats, or other additives.
Can Dogs Eat Shellfish
Yes
Shellfish are nutrient-rich, full of protein, healthy omega-3 fats, and essential minerals. Be sure they are fully cooked before offering them to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Shrimp
A Little Bit
Give your dog shrimp for a low-fat, low-carb, protein-rich meal. However, it tends to elevate cholesterol levels so offer it in moderation.
Can Dogs Eat Shrimp Shells
No
Although cooked shellfish are a healthy treat, the shells are a choking hazard, especially to smaller dog breeds.
Can Dogs Eat Shrimp Tails
No
Shrimp tails contain nutrient-rich flesh that you can serve cooked to your dog. Be sure to get rid of the shells because they can get lodged in your dog’s throat.
Can Dogs Eat Smoked Salmon
No
Smoked salmon is not fully cooked, so there is a risk of infection from surface pathogens.
Can Dogs Eat Squid
Yes
Squid, like other nontoxic seafood that humans consume, is perfectly safe to feed your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Sushi
A Little Bit
Only occasionally offer moderate amounts of high-quality sushi to your dogs and try to avoid raw fish.
Can Dogs Eat Tilapia
Yes
Cook boneless, skinless fillets of Tilapia for your dog, without adding any spices or fats.
Can Dogs Eat Tuna Fish
A Little Bit
Small amounts of tuna are safe for your dog, but mercury poisoning is a risk if you give them excessive quantities.
Can Dogs Eat Tuna In Water
A Little Bit
Canned tuna in water is safe to give your dog on occasion. Choose low-sodium options and avoid giving them too much to avoid mercury poisoning.
Can Dogs Eat Tuna Salad
No
Many of the ingredients in tuna salad (like onions and mayo) aren’t safe for dogs to eat, so avoid the tuna salad altogether.
Anne Kamel is a content writer with word-brokers.com that is passionate about writing informative articles about a wide array of topics. She is also a long-form content writer, specializing in travel, food, and technology.
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