At the end of a meal, you may be tempted to give your dog what's left on your plate, but it's important to remember that canines have different food prep requirements. While there are some snacks you and your furry friend can enjoy together, shrimp is one that should be approached with some caution.
Shrimp is safe for dogs to eat, according to Dr. Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian with Wellness Natural Pet Food. They're a healthy, protein-packed food, but should always be served fully cooked and without the shell.
The shell can pose a serious choking hazard for pups. "You wouldn't want them to eat shrimp whole. They should be peeled," Dr. Bernal told CountryLiving.com. Undercooked and raw shellfish can also cause your dog to get sick.
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When preparing meals and snacks for your dog, you should always cut food into small pieces that can be easily chewed. Here are some other nutrition and food tips to keep in mind:
- To improve the health of your dog's coat and muscle strength, serve him protein-rich foods.
- Fruits and veggies likes carrots and oranges should account for no more than 10-20 percent of a dog's diet to ensure the bulk of his nutrition is coming from clinically proven and balanced sources.
- If your pup is always begging for more, you can top his meals with fiber-rich fruits and veggies like broccoli and apples.
Courtney (she/hers) has spent the past 5 years testing everything from reusable straws to standing desks to homemade kombucha kits. A longtime reviewer, deals hunter, and lifestyle writer, she currently heads up the American Kennel Club's product review site Retrievest and previously worked as the Shopping Editor for USA Today’s Reviewed. Additionally, she has covered design and lifestyle trends for Apartment Therapy, Domino, SELF, and more. A graduate of Elon University, she loves telling everyone about what race she’s planning on running next while raving about her favorite running headphones (they’re bone conducting!).
