You may love indulging in some delicious popcorn shrimp. But while it is not toxic to dogs, it is not a good idea to share it with your pet.
If you are asking yourself can dogs eat popcorn shrimp? The answer is yes, but they probably shouldn’t.
When prepared properly, shrimp are safe and can benefit your pup’s health. But popcorn shrimp is breaded, deep-fried, and seasoned, so you should refrain from giving any to your four-legged companion.
Too much fat can lead to obesity, digestive problems, and even pancreatitis, a painful pancreas inflammation in canines.
The chili powder used in most popcorn shrimp recipes can also irritate or damage the canines’ stomach lining.
Also, popcorn shrimp is usually quite salty, which is another no-no for dogs.
Keep in mind that onions, garlic, and garlic powder are highly toxic for these animals, so make sure to avoid feeding your pet any foods which contain them, including some types of popcorn shrimp.
Last but not least, just like humans, some dogs are allergic to shrimp and seafood, so make sure to speak to your vet first and give your pet only a small amount to see if there are any allergic reactions.
Are There Health Benefits of Giving My Dog Some Popcorn Shrimp?
Shrimp are excellent healthy occasional treats for dogs. When they are prepped and cooked the right way, these tiny crustaceans are delicious treats and excellent sources of vitamins B3 and B12, as well as phosphorus, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. They are also low in carbs, fats, and calories. But, pet parents should be warned that shrimp are high in cholesterol, leading to health issues when given in large quantities to dogs.
Before giving your pup some shrimp, remove all shells, tails, heads, and legs and cook it to a safe temperature. The hard shells can cause choking and obstruction, especially in smaller-sized dogs. Plus, raw shrimp can contain pathogens that can cause bacterial and parasite infections in dogs.
On the other hand, Popcorn shrimp is deep-fried in a lot of fat, has spicy and other seasonings, and is breaded. None of these added ingredients are healthy for your dog.
So, to keep your furbaby safe, healthy, and fit, you should avoid feeding it deep-fried popcorn shrimp altogether.
Will My Dog Get Sick From Eating Popcorn Shrimp?
If your pup has eaten one or two pieces, it will most likely be okay and show no adverse reactions.
But popcorn shrimp, just like any other fried food, should not be fed to pups, especially in large quantities.
Ingesting a large amount of this deep-fried shrimp can lead to gastrointestinal upsets. And in more severe cases, it can overload the pancreas and lead to severe and life-threatening inflammation, which can progress to severe pancreatitis in dogs.
The risk is higher in smaller dogs or pups in their golden years or with underlying health issues.
The sodium and chili in this delicious snack can also cause unpleasant side effects and lead to more significant health issues.
In some cases, popcorn shrimp can contain toxic ingredients for dogs, such as powdered garlic.
Is It Okay To Give My Dog Some Popcorn Shrimp Which Has Been Left On The Counter?
No, popcorn shrimp is unsuitable and potentially harmful for dogs even when it is freshly made. If it has been left outside the fridge for a long time, it may have developed some pathogens that can be downright dangerous for you and your pup.
What If It Has Been Out of The Refrigerator For a Few Hours?
As mentioned above, avoid giving your pup any food which has not been stored safely and at the recommended temperatures and conditions.
Can I Give My Dog Fried Shrimp?
You can reward your furbaby with a small amount of fried shrimp, but only on special occasions and if your dog is healthy and in good shape.
But if you want to add some shrimp to your pup’s diet, the best way is to give it cooked or boiled. Serve it without the shells, breading, salt, fat, or other seasonings.
Further Reading: