Can Dogs Eat Prawns?
Prawns. Tasty, nutritious, bite-sized seafood. Temping for us, never mind the dog! So you can understand why your pooch might give you the eyes whenever you sit down with a paella. But the question is: can dogs eat prawns? The short answer is—yes, they can. We asked Rory the Vet for all the details, including how you can safely incorporate them into your furry friend’s diet.
MEET RORY THE VET
We’ve partnered up with animal whisperer and renowned veterinarian, Dr Rory Cowlam, to share his wisdom when it comes to all things furry. And boy, does this man know his stuff.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet.
Follow him on Instagram
MEET RORY THE VET
We’ve partnered up with animal whisperer and renowned veterinarian, Dr Rory Cowlam, to share his wisdom when it comes to all things furry. And boy, does this man know his stuff.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet..
Follow him on Instagram
The nutritional benefits of prawns
Are prawns good for dogs? On top of being a delicious treat, there are also various health benefits that come with eating prawns - not only for you, but for your dog too. Prawns are high protein, low fat snacks that contain a multitude of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. These include:
• Omega 3
• Vitamin B12
• Potassium
• Niacin
• Phosphorus
• Magnesium
• Iodine
• Antioxidants
Note that these benefits are dependent on how much content your dog consumes. For example, for ‘high protein’ to apply, the amount of prawns your dog eats (or the amount that is in the recipe containing prawns) must include at least 20% of the total energy.
How many prawns can you feed your dog?
In my opinion, prawns should be fed to your dog as an occasional treat, not as part of their everyday dog food, as they are high in fats and cholesterol. Prawns make a good high value treat which you can use in tricky scenarios, such as bathtime.
For more guidance on your dog’s diet, stop here.
How to add prawns to your dog’s diet
If your dog has never eaten prawns before, always consult with your vet first before feeding them. Every dog is different, and what may be fine for one dog may not be suitable for another.
If your dog has enjoyed prawns before and been a-okay, then I would suggest following the below guidelines.
1. Check ingredients carefully
When feeding your pooch ‘human foods’ it is important to avoid any foods that may be toxic for your pet to consume.
Prawns are safe for dogs to eat (in moderation and if your vet agrees!). I would recommend fresh, cooked prawns, including pre-packed prawns and frozen prawns. Just make sure that these have been prepared properly and safely, using the instructions to come.
Avoid human foods that simply contain prawn as an ingredient, for instance, dressed/garlic prawns. However, you can find recipes made specifically for dogs that contain prawns, which can be a safe, tasty option.
2. Make sure they’re cooked
You must never give your dog raw prawns as they can give them food poisoning. Cooking them greatly reduces this risk. So always make sure they’re thoroughly cooked before they enter your dog’s mouth!
You can safely cook prawns a few ways: boil, steam, grill or bake. Out of these methods, I would recommend boiling as the most efficient way to serve your dog prawns.
Don’t add any flavourings, spices or additional ingredients like you might for yourself. These could be toxic or unhealthy for your dog to eat.
When it comes to the shells of the prawns, I wouldn’t worry too much! Most dogs will be fine to eat the shells, and they can contain beneficial nutrients. However, you as their dog parent will need to determine whether this applies for your dog. Consult with your vet if you are unsure or remove altogether (removing the head, legs and peeling away the shell) if you are in doubt. Of course, if you see any sharp shell pieces, be sure to remove them!
3. Monitor your dog for adverse effects
Whenever you feed your dog something new, it’s essential you monitor your dog’s reaction carefully for any signs of adverse effects. Prawns, being shellfish and a protein, can cause an allergic reaction or intolerance in dogs, so make sure to look out for any changes in your dog’s digestion or potential signs of a skin irritation.
See your vet for further advice
There you have it! I hope that answers all of your dog-and-prawn related questions. As always, I would stress that a visit with your veterinarian is always a good idea if you have any further queries. And if you spot any adverse effects from a change in diet, contact your vet immediately. Otherwise, I hope your dog enjoys any upcoming prawn treats that may head their way!
The information in this article is intended as a guide to help pets and pet parents on their journey together. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a vet, behaviourist, trainer or other professional. We encourage all pet parents to consult with their vet and/or behaviourist to ensure their pet’s specific needs are met.