Can dog's eat... Prawns?

Yes, dogs can eat prawns, but they should only be given as the odd treat. Like most things, moderation is key. Too much of any one food item has the potential to cause tummy troubles or dietary imbalances. We know it can be easy to fall into the trap of giving in to your dog's favourites all the time, particularly with small dogs and fussy eaters.

If you want to offer your dog the occasional prawn, then it should be cooked and served plain.
Let's look at this in more detail, with some commonly asked prawn questions…

#Can dogs eat cooked prawns?

Cooked prawns are perfect for dogs. They must be peeled, deveined, and thoroughly cooked, just as we would eat them. Prawns that are not properly prepared could carry harmful bacteria, which might make your pet poorly.

Cooked prawns must be offered to your dog plain. Ingredients like garlic and onions can be toxic to dogs, even causing haemolytic anaemia in high enough doses. Other ingredients like salt, spices, butter, or creamy sauces are also not that healthy for dogs and could lead to stomach upsets. So that means no prawn cocktail for Rover!

Chopping your cooked prawns into bite-sized pieces will make them more manageable for your
dog to eat safely, especially if they are a small breed or puppy.

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##Can dogs eat raw prawns?

Raw prawns are definitely not recommended. Uncooked seafood can carry harmful bacteria like
Salmonella and E.coli, which can make both us and our pets very unwell. Prawns should be deveined to remove the dark 'vein' (digestive tract) and thoroughly boiled or steamed before serving. Try and avoid frying prawns for your pet, as the fat used to cook them could cause stomach upset or even pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. A well-cooked prawn will be opaque and pink in colour. Frozen prawns are fine to give to your dog, provided they have been cooked first.

If your dog has accidentally eaten a raw prawn, then keep an eye on them for any signs of vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy. If these develop, then contact your vet for advice.

##Can dogs eat prawn shells?

Prawn shells should not be fed to your dog. The hard shell can be a choking hazard and contains little nutritional benefit. Plus, they may also be contaminated with bacteria if they have been removed from raw prawns.

##Can dogs eat prawn crackers?

Technically, dogs can eat prawn crackers, but it is not recommended. While not toxic to dogs,
they aren't exactly nutritious either. Prawn crackers are high in fat and will add additional calories to your pet's diet. This may lead to weight gain over time. The same goes for prawn cocktail flavoured crisps or any other processed snacks. 

#Health benefits of prawns for dogs

Prawns have several great health benefits for our canine companions:

• High in good quality protein - This is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Omega-3 fatty acids - These support joint health and coat condition.
• Essential vitamins and minerals - B12, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium are all found in prawns, which are essential for good health.
• Very palatable - Most dogs enjoy the taste and texture of cooked prawns. This means they can be useful as high-value treats for training, or for dogs that are recovering from recent illness. Just check with your vet first as to whether they would be appropriate for your dog's condition or not.

Just remember that prawns should only be offered as an occasional treat. Feeding a diet that
is solely based on prawns will be deficient in other nutrients and could lead to dietary imbalances. Therefore, a good quality complete pet food should still make up the bulk of your dog's daily diet. They will be getting all their essential nutrients from this, so there shouldn't be a need to supplement them with extras like prawns.

However, it's always good to know whether the snacks you are offering your dog are considered
healthy or not!

#When are prawns bad for dogs?

As we discussed earlier, prawns could cause problems for pets when:

• Offered raw
• Fed in large quantities
• Served with other ingredients, like sauces or seasonings.

However, there is another issue to be aware of - allergies.

Just like people, dogs are at risk from food allergies, including seafood. So, while most dogs will be fine, there is a risk of prawns causing a reaction in your pet. Symptoms of a seafood allergy may include:

• Excessive itching and scratching
• Swelling of the face, paws, or ears
• Hives (small, raised bumps in the skin)
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Breathing difficulties
• Collapse in extreme cases of
  anaphylaxis

It is best to only offer your dog small amounts of prawn to begin with, and assess their response, before offering any more. If your dog shows any of the above signs of allergy, then stop giving them any more prawns to eat and call your vet for immediate advice.

#Conclusion

Let's summarise all the key points about dogs and prawns:

• Plain, cooked prawns are safe for dogs to eat in moderation.
• Seafood must be properly prepared and cooked to avoid illness.
• Avoid giving your dog prawn shells or any other ingredients alongside their prawns.
• Keep an eye out for signs of seafood allergy and contact a vet if you are concerned.