Whether you love it or hate it, shrimp is a popular protein for humans. But is shrimp good for dogs, too? Here’s what you need to know about shrimp for dogs and how to serve it safely. 

Can Dogs Have Shrimp?

It can be frustrating trying to remember which human foods are safe for dogs versus which are toxic. Can dogs eat shrimp? Yes, shrimp is safe for dogs to eat–so long as it’s served correctly and fed in moderation. 

Cooked and unseasoned shrimp actually have a lot of nutritional value for our pups. It’s the shrimp dishes that are deep-fried, battered, or covered in sauce that are no good for dogs. 

Is Shrimp Good for Dogs? 

In moderation, shrimp can be good for dogs. It’s a low-calorie and low-fat protein with a plethora of natural nutrients. Here are just a few benefits of the occasional shrimp for dogs:

• Lean protein that supports healthy muscle function
• Phosphorus for bone health 
• Vitamin B12 for energy and nerve function
• Omega-3 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin

The main drawback is that shrimp is high in cholesterol. For this reason, we don’t recommend feeding your dog this shellfish every day. 

How to Prep & Serve Shrimp for Dogs

Only feed your dog shrimp if it’s fully cooked, deboned, and unseasoned. Raw shrimp is not safe for dogs and can expose your pup to harmful bacteria. Even a small amount of garlic, butter, or seasonings can damage your dog’s stomach. 

Here are a few tips when prepping shrimp for dogs:

• Debone the shrimp and remove the shell, legs, and tail 
• Cook it thoroughly (boiling, steaming, or baking is best for our pups) 
• Skip all seasonings, oil, butter, garlic, or salt
• Chop into small pieces before serving

Can dogs eat shrimp tails? Absolutely not. Shrimp tails are hard and sharp when broken. They are difficult for dogs to digest and pose a choking hazard for smaller dogs. Err on the side of caution and remove the tail before you toss shrimp to your pup. 

How Much Shrimp Can Dogs Eat? 

The amount of shrimp your dog can eat is dependent on their size. As a general rule of thumb, shellfish should account for less than 10% of your dog's daily calories. Here’s a general guideline on serving sizes: 

• Small breeds - 1-2 small shrimp
• Medium breeds - 2-3 shrimp 
• Large breeds - Up to 4 shrimp

Helpful Tips

If it’s your dog’s first time eating shellfish, watch for signs of food intolerance. Odds are your furry friend will tolerate shrimp just fine. But itching, vomiting, and diarrhea can all be signs that your dog’s body doesn’t benefit from eating shrimp. 

When introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, consult your veterinarian. Ask them any questions you have about safe serving and food allergies. 

Alternative Proteins for Dogs

Shrimp may not be the best fit for your dog’s diet. But many other protein choices that are easier to prep, serve, and more budget-friendly. Top proteins for dogs include: 

• Beef
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Fish
• Duck

Choose Sundays Over Seafood

Instead of adding random human foods to your dogs bowl, let us do the formulation for you. Sundays for Dogs is a vet-founded dog food brand with recipes made with 100% whole food ingredients. 

So instead of stressing about serving shrimp, level up your dog’s diet with Sundays. Each meal gets them access to real meat, fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Plus, Sundays’ dog food is delivered directly to your door. 

Switch your furry friend to Sundays for Dogs and see the difference for yourself. Take our customized feeding quiz to see your pup’s personalized plan!