When I tried crawfish for the first time at a party, I loved it. And since I’m a person who shares everything with his dog, I wanted him to taste the delicious fish too.
However, can dogs have crawfish? I conducted thorough research to get an answer to this question, and it’s all here!
Read on for more on whether crawfish are safe for dogs. The article also goes over the benefits of feeding your dog crawfish and how you should serve them.
Can Dogs Have Crawfish?
Generally speaking, dogs can have crawfish, but not the whole body. They should also consume it in moderation because too much crawfish meat may cause some health problems, like an upset stomach.
What Is Crawfish?
Crawfish typically go with several different names, such as crawdadies, ditch bugs, crayfish, mudbugs, freshwater lobsters, and crawdads.
They belong to the crustaceans family, like lobsters and shrimp. You can find them in freshwater ways, including streams, brooks, or even swamps.
What Parts of Crawfish Can Dogs Eat?
Although crawfish can be safe for your dogs, you still shouldn’t feed your dog the whole body of the fish. Remember, it’s a type of shellfish, so you need to be extra watchful for allergies.
Can Dogs Have Crawfish Meat?
Dogs can have crawfish meat, and it can be very delicious. However, you shouldn’t let your dog overeat it to avoid stomach aches and allergic side effects.
Can Dogs Have Crawfish Veins?
The vein of the crawfish is the thin line that runs through its body. This part isn’t good for your dog. It can cause digestive problems.
You usually remove it while cooking, so we recommend you cook the crawfish for your pup.
Can Dogs Have Crawfish Heads?
Well, I’m not sure about you, but I like sucking on the heads of crawfish. I know my dog doesn’t, though. Dogs don’t have this skill and would eat the whole head with the shell and all.
The problem is that your dog’s little stomach can’t digest it, which will likely cause them trouble.
Can Dogs Have Crawfish Tails?
Yes, but not all! Your dog can eat the meat within the tail. However, he can’t digest the skeleton. So, it would help if you peeled the tail for your dog.
Can Dogs Have Crawfish Shells?
Dogs can’t digest the shells. This means that they’ll most likely get uncomfortable and probably even severely ill.
Moreover, smaller dogs may get the shells stuck in their throats, which can cause choking or diarrhea. In severe cases, a dog may require surgery to remove the shells blocking his throat.
If your dog is allergic to shells, it’s a whole other story. In this case, it’s better to avoid crawfish altogether.
Even if cooked, the shells of crawfish may cause severe problems. Cooking the shells releases a harmful substance that dogs can’t digest. Therefore, you shouldn’t give your dog crawfish shells under any circumstances.
What Are the Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Crawfish?
Crawfish is a rich source of minerals and vitamins. It includes vitamin E, iron, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc.
It also has a high protein content. It includes “good” Cholesterol or “HDL,” which is pivotal for your dog’s health.
Crawfish is rich with Omega-3 acids that provide your pup with a healthy heart. Omega-3 can also boost your dog’s brain development.
Above all this, crawfish are low in calories. This makes them an ideal food for dogs with obesity or health issues.
How to Serve Crawfish to Dogs?
You should thoroughly cook your dog’s crawfish. Crawfish are a type of shellfish, which means that they can include certain harmful bacteria and toxins. If you serve your dog raw crawfish, you put him through the risk of getting salmonella and listeria.
Cooking the crawfish for your dog helps prevent shellfish toxicity. It’s also important that you avoid adding spices, onion, or garlic to your dog’s crawfish.
The best way to cook crawfish for your dog is by boiling it with the least amount of seasoning. Dogs shouldn’t eat seasoned, buttered, or fried crawfish.
In Summary
Can dogs have crawfish? The good news is that they can but in moderation. It’s safe for dogs to consume only the meat of crawfish.
Crawfish shells can cause much trouble to dogs, ranging from gestational problems to severe poisoning that may threaten the life of your pooch.
Anyway, if you choose to feed your dog crawfish, make sure to serve your dog cooked, preferably boiled, crawfish. This helps you get rid of harmful bacteria and toxins.
FAQs
What Happens If My Dog Eats Too Much Crawfish?
If your dog isn’t allergic to shellfish, he’ll merely get an upset stomach. However, in some severe cases, the overconsumption of crawfish can cause a fatal infection due to intestines blockage.
How to Know Whether My Dog Is Allergic to Shellfish?
After your dog eats crawfish for the first time, you should keep an eye for any strange behavior. The symptoms of allergies in dogs include itchiness, diarrhea, loss of fur, vomiting, and skin infections.
If you recognize any of these symptoms or others, visit your veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid life-threatening complications.
