Pet parents everywhere love sharing human food with their pups. As a pet parent, it’s important to know the types of foods Pugs like to eat and which ones are safe for them. If you’ve ever wondered can dogs eat seafood, and what about shrimp?
Can Pugs Eat Shrimp?
So can Pugs eat shrimp? The short answer is Yes, as long as it is cooked properly and fed in small amounts.
Puppies less than a year old should not be fed any type of human food. Instead, they require a high-quality puppy food for their developing bodies.
We’ll go into more detail on how to properly prepare the shrimp for your four-legged friend below.
Before adding shrimp to your Pug’s diet, consult with your veterinarian.
Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Shrimp To Pugs?
Not only is shrimp tasty, but it is full of nutrients and vitamins that dogs need. That being said, your dog won’t eat enough shrimp to benefit from this food.
It is high in phosphorous, vitamin B12, protein, and niacin. Let’s take a look at how each of these vitamins and minerals can benefit canines.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 which is also known as cobalamin is crucial for a healthy canine nervous system, brain function, as well as the growth and formation of blood cells.
Basically, the vitamin is required to maintain healthy digestion.
Protein
Protein plays several roles in your dog’s body from the growth of new skin cells, building muscle tissue, hair growth, the formation of new skin cells and so much more.
Phosphorus
Phosphorous is an essential mineral in a canine diet, as it helps support healthy kidney functions, and makes it possible for your dog to perform normal functions such as; running, walking, chewing and etc.
Niacin
Niacin also is known as Vitamin B3 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps in the functions of the digestive system, skin, and nervous system.
It is necessary for helping your dog properly metabolize carbohydrates, fat, and protein.
Calories and Carbohydrates
Shrimp is low in carbohydrates, calories and fat, so it shouldn’t cause your dog to gain weight if fed occasionally.
Fun Shrimp Facts
There are over 2,000 species of shrimp. The term shrimp is also used to refer to some decapod crustaceans.
It is the most popular seafood that is consumed in the United States. The average person consumes about 4 pounds of shrimp per year.
There are several different ways to prepare it from; roasting, cooking, boiling and grilling.
Nutritional Facts
One cup of boiled or steamed shrimp (145 grams):
- Protein: 25.2 grams
- Calories: 132
- Carbohydrates: 1.7 grams
- Fat: 1.9 grams
- Sugars: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
Is Shrimp Safe For Pugs?
Yes, as long as your Pug does not have any type of food allergies, they should be fine eating small amounts of cooked shrimp.
The Dangers of Shrimp To Pugs
When it comes to the safety of shrimp for Pugs, there are four considerations that can impact the safety of your pooch.
- Some dogs may be allergic to shrimp.
- Small dogs like Pugs have a higher risk of choking or esophageal foreign bodies from the shells or tails.
- Raw shrimp can contain a bacterium such as a salmonella, E.Coli, or listeria, which can be toxic to your pooch.
- Gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis can occur in dogs when they consume too much shrimp or it is cooked in too much fat, oil, or seasonings.
Always monitor your dog when feeding them human food or any type of new snacks.
Can Pugs Eat Raw Shrimp?
Never feed your dog raw shrimp. Why? Like raw meat, shellfish and raw shrimp can contain harmful pathogens that can be poisonous to your pooch.
Can Pugs Eat Boiled Shrimp?
Yes, as long as it is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 145℉ and has an opaque whitish color when cooked properly.
Avoid using any type of seasoning such as garlic powder, salt, cayenne and etc as it can be toxic to Pugs.
If you plan on seasoning your shrimp, set some plain deveined aside specifically for your pooch.
Can Pugs Eat Cooked Shrimp?
Yes, cooked shrimp is the only safe way to feed your pup shrimp. As mentioned above, make sure it is cleaned, deveined and cooked thoroughly before feeding your dog.
What About The Shrimp Tails?
No, it is not safe to feed your dog the shrimp tails or shells. Like small chicken bones, shrimp tails can cause choking or blocking hazards. In addition, the sharp edges can tear or damage your dog’s esophagus or GI tract.
Always peel and remove the shrimp tail before feeding your pooch. You can also purchase frozen peeled shrimp from your supermarket if you plan on sharing with your four-legged friend.
Can Pugs Eat Fried Shrimp?
Fried food is not good for you and me, therefore, you should avoid feeding your dog any type of fried food.
The oil and grease may upset your dog’s tummy.
How Can I Feed My Pug Shrimp?
Most dogs love the taste of seafood, so it won’t be hard to share with your pooch. You can cut a small bite-size piece and hand-feed your pooch, or mix it in their regular dog food.
Always start off adding new foods slowly to ensure your dog does not have any negative reactions.
How Much Shrimp Should You Feed A Pug?
Moderation is the key to feeding your dog any type of snack or human food. Every dog is different, but small dogs like Pugs should eat no more than half a shrimp at one time.
Shrimp should only be given as a snack or a special treat, it should never replace their regular diet.
Consult your veterinarian if you want to add shrimp or other shellfish to your dog’s diet. They will provide you with professional advice about the best way and the proper amounts to feed your furbaby.
Alternatives To Shrimp For Pugs
If your Pug loves eating seafood, then you may want to consider sharing some of these other ones that are safe in moderation.
- Fish
- Salmon (Can Pugs Eat Salmon)
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Shrimp
Even though shrimp is considered safe for dogs, they don’t get the same benefits as we do. If you’re considering feeding your dog shrimp because of the vitamins and minerals, consider a high-quality dog food that will provide them with all the nutrients they need.
If you do decide to share your seafood with your pooch, make sure it is properly prepared and it doesn’t consume more than 10% of your dog’s regular diet.
References And Further Reading
MSD Manual – Veterinary Manual – Nutritional Requirements and Related Diseases of Small Animals
NCBI – Antibiotic Resistant Salmonella and Vibrio Associated with Farmed Litopenaeus Vannamei
Pet MD – Vitamin B12 Supplementation in Pets With EPI
Veterinary Partner – Wendy Brooks, DVM, DABVP – Calcium Phosphorus Balance in Dogs and Cats