Key Takeaways:
- Yes, dogs can eat shrimp. However, it’s important to make sure they are shelled, plain, cooked, and in bite-sized pieces.
- You can feed shrimp as a treat or as a topper for your dog’s normal meals. It’s important to test out a small amount first to see if your pup can tolerate shrimp in larger quantities.
- While shrimp is generally safe, it is best to avoid larger fish that have the ability to accumulate heavy metals in their longer lives, like swordfish and albacore.
You’re minding your business, peeling shrimp, and suddenly, there’s your dog. Sitting. Staring. Plotting. One second away from committing shrimp theft in the first degree.
At The Pets Table, we get it. You feed them once, and now they think everything on your plate is up for negotiation. But when it comes to seafood snacks, you’re probably wondering: is this safe, or is this a straight ticket to an upset stomach?
What Even Is Shrimp, Technically Speaking?
Technically, they’re crustaceans from the same family as crabs and lobsters. They’ve got shells, legs, antennae, and a body in between.
Most of the shrimp you’ll find at the store are white shrimp or tiger shrimp, depending on where they’re caught. And they come in all sizes, from “baby popcorn shrimp” to “this should be illegal.” Fun fact: they’re sold by count per pound, so when a bag says 21–25, you’re getting around that many shrimp per pound.
Oh, and even though they live in water, they’re not fish. They’re more like the crunchy bugs of the ocean food chain and, turns out, a super popular protein for humans.
So, Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?
Yep, dogs can eat shrimp. The real question is how you serve it.
Shrimp is considered safe for dogs if it’s fully cooked and totally plain. No sauces, no seasonings, no questionable marinades that smell like a fancy dinner party. Just simple, cooked shrimp. Steamed or boiled is best. Grilled can work, but skip anything charred or crispy.
Raw shrimp? Hard pass. That’s a bacteria playground, and your dog’s stomach is not invited. Also, peel them. The shells and tails are tough to digest and can be a choking hazard. It might seem annoying, but your dog will thank you by not hacking up a crunchy shrimp fragment at 2 a.m.
Last thing: chop them up. Even if you’ve got a big dog who thinks they’re part shark, shrimp is slippery and best served in bite-sized bits.
Is Shrimp Good for Dogs?
Wondering why you’d want to share your shrimp with your dog? Fair question. Here are a few reasons shrimp can be a win in the treat department.
It’s Packed with Lean Protein
Protein is the MVP of any dog’s diet. It helps build and maintain muscle, supports a healthy immune system, keeps skin and fur looking fresh, and fuels energy for daily chaos.
Shrimp is a great source of high-quality, lean protein. Just one ounce of cooked shrimp contains around six grams of protein and almost no fat. That’s a pretty great ratio, especially for dogs who need protein without added calories or oil.
P.S. Dogs typically need anywhere from 18-25% of their daily calories from protein, depending on their age and activity level. So while shrimp alone won’t cut it, it can be a smart addition to their overall intake.
It’s Low in Calories
Some treats sneak in way more calories than you’d expect. That peanut butter bone? A whole meal’s worth. Shrimp, on the other hand, clocks in at around seven calories per medium piece. So if your dog’s watching their weight or you’re just trying to avoid snack overload, it’s a lean, mean, protein machine.
It also feels like a big deal. It’s not a dry biscuit from a dusty jar — it’s shrimp. Fancy. Bougie. Five-star snack energy.
Shrimp Delivers Key Nutrients
It’s not just about protein. Shrimp is loaded with essential micronutrients that actually do something for your dog’s body:
- Vitamin B12: Helps with brain function, red blood cell production, and gut health. Basically, it keeps your dog energized and running like a well-oiled fur machine.
- Phosphorus: Supports strong bones, healthy kidneys, and cell function. Growing pups and senior dogs especially need this one.
- Selenium: This trace mineral acts as an antioxidant and supports thyroid health and immune response.
- Choline: Important for liver health and nerve function. Dogs make some of it naturally, but a little boost doesn’t hurt.
Is it a multivitamin? No. But it’s got some real nutritional chops for such a tiny ocean snack.
It’s Soft, Sliceable, and Easy To Chew
Shrimp is easy to prep and easy for most dogs to eat. Once it’s cooked and peeled, the texture is tender and simple to break up, making it ideal for senior dogs with dental drama, small dogs with small jaws, or literally any dog that eats like they’re in a competitive eating contest.
And because you can portion it however you want, it’s great for training rewards or just tossing them a “you’ve been a good pup today” bite.
How Much Shrimp Is Too Much?
Shrimp might be small, but when it comes to feeding them to your dog, less is more. So, how much should you actually serve?
A good rule of paw is this:
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): ½ to 1 medium shrimp
- Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 1 to 2 shrimp
- Large dogs (50+ lbs): Up to 3 shrimp
And that’s per serving , not per day. Shrimp should be an occasional treat, not a daily ritual. Once or twice a week is plenty if your pup tolerates it well.
Even though shrimp is low in calories, it’s still rich in cholesterol and can be a bit much for some dogs’ stomachs, especially if they’re not used to richer proteins or new foods in general. Giving too much at once might land you in tummy trouble territory (think: gas, diarrhea, or some late-night carpet regrets).
How To Feed Shrimp to Your Dog
You already know the drill: raw shrimp, seasoning, and crunchy tails = hard no. But once you’ve got your shrimp plain, cooked, and prepped like a pro, how do you actually serve it to your pup?
Here’s how to keep things safe, simple, and snack-worthy:
Step 1: Start Small
Feeding shrimp for the first time? Go easy. Start with a tiny piece and see how your dog handles it. No need to toss them a full portion right out of the gate; shrimp is a new food, and new foods deserve a test nibble before full bowl status.
Step 2: Go Bite-Sized
Shrimp is soft, but it’s also slippery. Cut it into small, manageable pieces to avoid gulping, choking, or dramatic mid-meal coughs that make you panic for no reason. Whether your pup is a five-pound pup or a 90-pound couch hippo, small pieces are the move.
Step 3: Use It as a Treat or Topper
Shrimp isn’t meant to replace your dog’s regular food. It works best as a bonus bite; think high-value training reward, occasional treat, or a mix-in with their usual meal.
Step 4: Watch and Wait
After serving, keep an eye out for anything off like loose poop, excessive licking, or mystery itching. Most dogs are totally fine with a bit of shrimp, but it never hurts to monitor the post-snack vibes.
Are There Any Dogs Who Should Skip the Shrimp?
Not every pup’s digestive system is ready for shrimp. Dogs with food allergies might not handle it well, especially if they’ve reacted to other proteins before. A few bites could lead to itching, an upset stomach, or full-body side-eye.
Dogs with a history of pancreatitis should also steer clear; shrimp might be low in fat, but they’re still rich enough to cause problems for sensitive systems. And then there are the dogs who just don’t do change well. If your pup has a track record of funky poops, belly gurgles, or acting off after trying new foods, shrimp might not be worth the risk.
Puppies under six months? Let their bellies mature a bit before bringing seafood into the mix. If you’re unsure, your vet’s always a good gut-check (literally).
What’s the Best Way To Treat Your Dog to Shrimp?
If your pup gave shrimp the green light, congrats; you’ve officially unlocked a high-value snack that smells like success. The real flex now is figuring out when and how to use it. A chopped piece or two makes for an excellent surprise on top of their usual dinner.
If your dog’s already dining with us at The Pets Table (solid choice, by the way), their meals are loaded with complete, balanced goodness like real chicken, salmon, lamb, and zero sketchy fillers. Adding a little shrimp is like giving them a crunchy bonus level on top of an already stacked bowl.
Training session? Shrimp’s your VIP reward. It’s got the attention-grabbing scent of something that shouldn’t be allowed, which makes it perfect for big asks like getting them to stop pretending the mail carrier is a threat to national security.
Whatever the moment, just remember: shrimp is a sometimes snack, not an everyday thing. Keep it chill, keep it bite-sized, and your dog will think you’re a culinary genius.
FAQs
What seafood should dogs not eat?
Any large fish with a long lifespan can pose a risk to your pup. These fish (swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and albacore tuna) can accumulate heavy metals over their lives; the high levels of mercury in their system can make them dangerous for dogs.
Can dogs eat canned tuna?
Yes, you can feed your dog canned tuna, but definitely only in moderation and infrequently. Choose the version that’s packed in fresh water instead of oil or salted water. It’s also important to check the label and make sure there is no extra salt added.
Can a dog eat scrambled eggs for extra protein?
Yes, dogs can eat scrambled eggs. They are a safe and nutritious treat for dogs when cooked and served plain. Scrambled eggs can be a good source of protein and essential fatty acids for your pup.
So, Can Dogs Eat Shrimp? You Bet.
As long as it’s cooked, plain, and served in moderation, shrimp can be a tasty little win for your pup. It’s high in protein, low in calories, and packed with nutrients that support everything from energy levels to tail-wagging endurance. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, prep it safely, and skip it altogether if your dog has sensitivities.
And if you’re already feeding them The Pets Table, you’re basically halfway to Top Chef status. Our vet-approved recipes, like Chicken Casserole with Green Beans or Turkey Casserole with Broccoli, are made with premium proteins and superfoods designed to support dogs at every life stage. A little shrimp on top? That’s just flair.
Ready to build your dog’s personalized meal plan? Take our quiz and see why so many pups are licking their bowls clean.
Sources:
What you need to know about wild and farmed shrimp | FoodPrint
Can Dogs Eat Shrimp? | American Kennel Club