Can dogs eat prawns

Reviewed by Dr Tamir Spiegel

29th May 2024

4 mins read

Summary

Prawns can be a tasty treat for your pup as long as they're plain, cooked, and the shell and tails are removed. But avoid giving them prawn-flavoured foods like crisps or prawn crackers, as these can have harmful or unhealthy ingredients.

From prawn cocktails to tempura rolls, prawns are a big hit with seafood lovers. If you love a prawn or two (or ten), you might be wondering if your dog could snack on one too since they’re tasty and meaty. We’ll answer “can dogs eat prawns” as well as looking at a few other prawncentric foods you might wonder if your dog can share.

Remember some human foods are toxic to dogs, like chocolate and grapes. Always check with a vet before feeding your dog anything new.

Can dogs eat prawns?

Yes, dogs can eat prawns. Prawns are a great source of protein can make them a good treat for dogs. Plus since they’ve got a pretty recognisable smell, they can be extra enticing as high-value rewards.

If you’re going to give your dog prawns, they’ll need to be prepped to reduce the risk of stomach upset or injury.

To prep your prawns, devein them, and remove all shells and tails to get rid of any sharp or hard to digest bits. And wash them thoroughly! When cooking prawns, avoid salt or other flavourings that aren’t good for dogs. Always serve them plain for your pooch so it’s safe and tasty.

Can puppies eat prawns?

It's best to just feed puppies food that’s specifically made for their age. Puppies have sensitive digestive systems and developing immune systems that aren’t fully equipped to handle the range of foods adult dogs can eat.

After your puppy turns one, talk to your vet about how to introduce prawns safely to prevent potential allergic reactions or other problems.

Are prawns good for dogs?

Prawns can offer several health benefits, so are good for dogs as a healthy treat.They’re packed with lean protein for muscle growth, and omega-3 which is good for your dog’s coat and skin. Prawns also have essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium.

Even though prawns are nutritious, they should be a treat as part of a balanced diet. Treats or “complementary” foods are meant to complement their diet (hence the name), not replace it. So don’t replace your dogs main meals with prawns.

Keep them as a treat

Besides, even though prawns make a healthy snack, your dog will get all the nutrients they need from a “complete” dog food. So if your pooch doesn’t have or like prawns, that’s alright. They’re not missing out on any nutrition by not having it.

All treats, even healthier ones like prawns, should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily food. The other 90% should be a complete dog food, to make sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need in the right amounts. It’ll also help prevent overeating and weight gain.

Can dogs eat raw prawns?

No, dogs shouldn’t have raw prawns. Raw seafood poses a risk of bacterial contamination, (food poisoning!) which can lead to health issues in dogs. Cooking prawns thoroughly reduces this risk, making them safe for your dog.

Can dogs eat cooked prawns?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked prawns. Boiled, steamed, or grilled prawns without added seasonings or sauces are the best options for your dog. Give them small, bite-sized pieces of plain, cooked prawn.

Always remove the shells and tails. This reduces the risk of choking, and gets rid of any sharp or tough to digest bits.

Can dogs eat frozen prawns?

Yes, dogs can eat frozen prawns. You’ll just need to thaw or defrost frozen them and thoroughly cook them before giving them to your dog. Just like how you’d feed fresh prawns, serve them plain and cut them into bite-sized pieces before giving some to your dog.

Can dogs eat prawn crackers?

No, dogs should not eat prawn crackers. Snacks like prawn crackers aren’t good for dogs because they’re often high in salt, preservatives, and other additives that can be harmful to dogs. Stick to plain, cooked prawns instead as a healthy snack for your furry friend.

Are prawn crackers bad for dogs?

Prawn crackers are considered bad for dogs because they’re high in salt and fat, which can put your dog at risk of illness like sodium poisoning or pancreatitis. The high calories also put your pup at risk of unhealthy weight gain. Finally, they can have added ingredients that could be harmful to your dog.

Can dogs eat prawn cocktail crisps?

No, dog’s should not eat prawn cocktail crisps, or any crisps for that mater. These snacks often have seasonings, artificial flavours, and high levels of salt, which can be harmful to dogs. They’re also high in fat, which can cause weight gain and increase risk of pancreatitis.

Too much salt can cause sodium poisoning, with symptoms like throwing up, having diarrhoea, and, in severe cases, worse health problems.

Can dogs eat prawn toast?

For similar reasons to prawn crackers and crisps, dogs should not eat prawn toast. Prawn toast usually has added ingredients like garlic and onions which can be toxic to dogs. Garlic and onions can harm a dog's red blood cells, causing anaemia.

Can dogs eat prawn shells and tails?

No, dogs can not eat prawn tails or shells. The tails and shells can cause injury, because they're a choking hazard, and they’re often hard and sharp. That means they could irritate or injure your dog’s gut. Always remove tails and shells from cooked prawns before giving them to your dog.

Recap: Can dogs eat prawns

Dogs can eat prawns as part of a healthy diet. Prawns have lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals so they can be a good ingredient in dog food, or tasty treat.