Food safety
Can Dogs Eat Shrimp? Yes, If Cooked, Plain and Peeled
Yes, dogs can eat shrimp in small amounts, as long as it is fully cooked, completely plain and peeled, with the shell, tail and vein removed. Shrimp is a lean protein, but it is also high in cholesterol, so it belongs in the occasional-treat column. Raw shrimp can carry harmful bacteria, shells can choke or block, and shrimp cooked in butter, garlic or batter brings risks of its own.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read2 sources
Why plain cooked shrimp is safe for dogs
Shrimp is not toxic to dogs. Plain cooked shrimp is a lean source of protein and contains nutrients such as vitamin B12, niacin and phosphorus, which is why the AKC says a few pieces now and then can be a reasonable treat. It is also low in calories and carbohydrates compared with most packaged treats.
The catch is that shrimp is relatively high in cholesterol, and that it is almost never served plain at the table. Most of the problems owners run into come from how the shrimp was prepared or from the parts of it that people do not eat themselves.
The shrimp to keep away from your dog
Raw and undercooked shrimp can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can make dogs and the people handling them sick. Shells, tails and heads are hard and sharp-edged; they are a choking hazard and can irritate or block the gut, especially in small breeds.
Prepared shrimp is the other risk. Fried, breaded and tempura shrimp add a lot of fat, which can upset the stomach. Scampi, garlic shrimp and many seasoning blends contain garlic or onion, which can damage a dog's red blood cells. If your dog has eaten a large amount of garlicky or onion-heavy food, call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661; a fee may apply.
How to prepare shrimp for a dog
Start with raw shrimp you have bought for yourself, peel it completely, pull off the tail and remove the dark vein along the back. Steam or boil it until it is opaque all the way through and firm, then let it cool. Add no butter, oil, salt, garlic, lemon or seasoning.
Cut each shrimp into pieces that suit your dog: for a 10 lb dog, a third of a medium shrimp diced small is plenty; for a large dog, one or two whole cooked shrimp. Set aside your dog's portion before you season the rest of the batch for the family.
If you like to share small snacks, a lick mat or a treat ball makes a little go further and slows a fast eater down.
How much shrimp a dog can have
Keep all treats under about 10% of your dog's daily calories. For shrimp, a sensible guide is a small piece of one shrimp for dogs under 20 lb, one shrimp for dogs of 20 to 50 lb, and one or two shrimp for dogs over 50 lb, offered occasionally rather than every day.
The first time, give even less and wait a day to see how your dog's stomach copes, because shellfish is new to most dogs. If your dog has a history of pancreatitis, a sensitive gut or a known food allergy, check with your vet before offering shellfish at all.
Can puppies eat shrimp?
A weaned puppy can try a tiny piece of plain, fully cooked, peeled shrimp, but there is no nutritional reason to give it. Puppies have sensitive digestion and need almost all of their calories from a complete puppy food so they grow properly.
If you do share a piece, chop it very small, offer it once, and watch for loose stools or vomiting over the next day. Never let a puppy chew on shells or tails, which are especially easy for a small mouth to choke on.
Signs shrimp disagreed with your dog, and when to call the vet
Stomach upset from shrimp usually appears within 2 to 12 hours as vomiting, diarrhea or gas. A food allergy can show as itchy skin, ear scratching, hives or facial swelling. Mild, short-lived upset often settles within a day once the shrimp stops.
Call your vet the same day if vomiting or diarrhea continues past 24 hours, if your dog has a painful, hunched belly, or if they ate a pile of shells and are retching, straining or refusing food, which can point to a blockage. Facial swelling or trouble breathing needs to be seen immediately.
Common questions
Can dogs eat shrimp tails?
No. Shrimp tails are hard and sharp, can scratch the mouth and throat, and are a choking and blockage risk, especially for small dogs. Remove every tail before sharing shrimp, and keep plates of tails out of reach.
Can dogs eat shrimp shells?
No. Shells are difficult to digest and can choke a dog or irritate and block the gut. Peel shrimp completely and put shells straight in a lidded trash can, because they smell appealing to dogs.
Can dogs eat raw shrimp?
No. Raw and undercooked shrimp can carry bacteria that make dogs sick and can spread to people in the home. Cook shrimp until it is opaque and firm throughout, then cool it before serving.
Can dogs eat fried shrimp?
It is best not to share it. Batter and frying oil add a lot of fat, which can trigger vomiting and diarrhea, and many coatings are seasoned with garlic or onion powder. Plain steamed shrimp is the safer option.
Can dogs eat shrimp every day?
It is not a good idea. Shrimp is high in cholesterol and is best kept as an occasional treat, a few times a month at most. A complete dog food should supply your dog's daily protein.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
