Can Dogs Eat Lobster? Shell-iously, Can They?
Dog owners know all about dogs’ love for meat–but what about seafood? Particularly lobster. If the thought of feeding your dog lobster has ever crossed your mind, stay tuned and find out here the truth about if dogs can eat lobster.
Can dogs eat lobster? Yes, you can feed your dog lobster. However, like with most foods, there are limitations. First, you’ll need to watch out for how much seafood you’ll be giving your dog. Second, you need to know what type or part of lobster is suitable for a dog’s diet. As always, it’s better to get your vet’s opinion first and see if a lobster is a good idea for your pooch.
Benefits of Eating Lobster for Your Dog
Let’s start with the pros of eating cooked lobster for your dog’s health. That’s right, cooked! Only feed your dog lobster that’s been cooked. Whether it’s steamed or boiled, your dog should be fine just as long as it’s properly cooked. The best way for your dog to enjoy seafood is by mixing it with their canned or dry food or giving it to them as a snack or treat. Either way, they’ll be happy.
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What makes lobster good is because of the various nutrients and health benefits it offers, including:
- High source of protein good for building lean muscles, repairing tissue and muscle cells, and promoting immune health.
- Contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in reducing pain and inflammation, boosting the immune system, and improving skin and coat.
- Zinc helps with joint pain and inflammation.
- Phosphorous to keep your dog’s bones healthy.
- Prevents anemia because of high iron content.
- Includes essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B12, selenium, and calcium.
Why Too Much Lobster Is Bad for Your Dog
Lobster sure looks appetizing and delicious. However, it’s still not good to eat seafood daily or in large amounts. Not only is it unsafe but also unhealthy. Have you heard of the saying, “once is enough, twice is too much, and thrice is a poison that can kill a person.” This applies to everything we put in our bodies and our dogs’ bodies.
Here are the following disadvantages that come with eating lobster.
Food allergies
There’s no way to tell if your dog is allergic to seafood, and you can only know until your dog eats lobster. If your dog is having their first bite of lobster, it’s important to give them in small portions. If your dog has an allergic reaction to the lobster, then take them to the vet immediately. Now, you know not to feed your dog sea food next time.
Dogs with a food allergy will show these signs and symptoms:
- Irritated skin like itching, rash, or skin sores
- Skin inflammation
- Hair loss
- Dry and dull coat
- Glassy eyes
- Teary eyes
- Bloodshot eyes
- Chronic ear infection
- Upset stomach or diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Coughing or wheezing
- Biting or scratching their own skin
Sodium
Lobsters also contain high pure sodium content, which is bad for dogs and humans. Consuming too much salt can cause dehydration and even lead to sodium ion poisoning. Additionally, high sodium intake can also result in high blood pressure and, in return, increases your dog’s risk for health issues like heart attacks, stroke, and kidney disease.
Symptoms of too much salt in the body include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Tremors
- High temperature
- Seizures
High cholesterol and fat
Another problem with shellfish like lobster, crab, oysters, and more is that they are high in cholesterol and fat, putting your dog at risk for pancreatitis, obesity, kidney disease, and heart disease.
Mercury poisoning
Mercury can be found in lobster and other seafood. Consuming lobsters in large quantities can be very dangerous and increases the risk of mercury poisoning.
Watch out for these symptoms of mercury poisoning in dogs:
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal behavior and chewing
- Anxiety
- Convulsion
- Damage to the kidneys (inability to urinate, abdominal swelling)
- Lack of coordination
- Loss of feeling in paws
- Nervousness
- Tremors
- Vomiting blood
- Watery and bloody diarrhea
- Blindness
- Coma
- Death
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What Type of Lobster Is Allowed For Dogs
We already said that the best lobster for dogs is one that’s cooked properly. Other than that, you can also let your dog eat:
- Lobster Tail
- Lobster Bisque
- Red Lobster Biscuits
- Lobster Meat
- Lobster Rolls
All of these contain nutritional benefits that are good for the health of your dog. Remember, lobster should only be eaten in moderation, not in large amounts. Also, be mindful of what other ingredients are included in making these lobsters. Avoid lobsters with ingredients that are bad for dogs like garlic, onion, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, etc.
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What Lobsters Should You Not Feed Your Dog
Finally, let’s look at the lobsters your dog should avoid.
Lobster shells
Lobster shell is not recommended for dogs, especially small dogs because this is a choking hazard. Fragments of the shell can damage your dog’s gums, stomach, and intestines, causing severe internal damage.
Imitation lobster
Imitation lobster is also not good for dogs as this has little to no nutritional value. Imitation lobsters are a mix of various ingredients like fish, flour, artificial flavor, and additives that can upset your dog’s stomach or induce vomiting.
Raw lobster
Stay away from raw lobster because this can be a house for parasites or harmful bacteria that can make your dog sick. As much as possible, you don’t want to risk your pooch getting food-borne diseases due to raw seafood. Only serve lobster that’s cooked, and don’t forget to remove all the bones and shells, so your dog can safely feast on their lobster.
Conclusion
Overall, lobster can be good for your pup’s diet as long as cooked the right way and eaten moderately. It offers many health benefits and can be used as a topping in dry or canned dog food. This is good if your dog is starting to get bored of their food and wants a bit more flavor other than meat.
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