Can dogs eat clams? Whatever you’re eating something, your doggie will probably beg you for a little. You might be tempted to feed your dog when you see him staring at your plate.
Dogs have different food requirements than humans, which is very important to consider before feeding your dog anything. What about feeding clams to your dog? Can dogs eat clams? The answer is YES. Clams are safe for your dog, but the cooked and de-shelled ones.
Nutritional Facts
Clams are bivalve molluscs or shellfish that mostly flourish in the freshwater setting. They are a rich source of vitamin B12, proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and other vital minerals like zinc, iron, and magnesium.
- Functioning of Nervous System and Metabolism Process
Clams are tasty food for dogs and also consist of many essential nutrients. They are a rich source of vitamin B12 which improves your dog’s metabolism process and good functioning of the digestive system.
Vitamin B12 is also good for your dog’s nervous system and affects brain functioning.
- High in Proteins
Clams are high in proteins. They are a great source of essential amino acids, including proteins like glutamic acid, alanine, and glycine that the body cannot make but are helpful in body functions and should be taken from food. These protein components help dogs to maintain healthy muscles.
- Boost the Body’s Function
Clams are a rich source of Omega-3s. It helps to boost your dog’s health, heals body infections, and reduces the risk of illness.
Clams contain Zinc that maintains the iron and energy level and contributes to making healthy joints.
The Iron component helps synthesise blood and transports oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body.
Clams also contain Vitamin C improves a dog’s health, repair and maintains bones, and strengthens the immune system.
- Essential Fatty Acids
Clams are enriched in omega-3 fatty acids and saturated fats that keep your dog’s coat healthy and boost body functions.
How Many Clams Can A Dog Eat?
Can dogs eat clams? Yes, dogs can eat clams. The cooked clams are good for your dog but in moderate amounts.
The best way is to keep it moderate; otherwise, they are high in cholesterol, so feeding too many clams can contribute to high levels of cholesterol in the body that are harmful to your dog’s health. Feeding only one or two clams at once a week is good.
Did you Know?
We have written many articles about what dogs can eat. But did you know about this one? Can Dogs Eat Hash Browns?
Ways to Give Clams to Dogs
Can dogs eat clams? Yes, dogs can eat clams, but the best way is to cook and de-shell them before feeding your dog. You can also feed boiled or steamed clams to your pet.
Steamed clams are the best option for your dog. The fried ones contain unhealthy fats and oils that harm your dog’s health.
Consider the following instructions before feeding clams to your dog.
- Cook the clams properly.
- Avoid adding extra ingredients, seasonings, or sauces while cooking clams.
- Don’t feed clams to your dog regularly, but rather once a week or less.
- If your dog is allergic to clams, stop feeding him more.
- Avoid feeding fried clams to your dog; it can cause digestive issues.
How Are Clams Bad For Dogs?
Can dogs eat clams? Yes, but they can also be bad for your dog if they are uncooked or consumed excessively. The raw clams contain harmful bacteria that can cause infection in your dog’s digestive tract and has many other hazardous effects.
The best way is to cook the clams before feeding them to your dog. You should also remove the shell before feeding because it can cause choking hazards, especially in small dog breeds.
If your dog eats an excessive amount of clams or uncooked ones, the following symptoms can appear;
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting and Diarrhea
- Kidney problem
- High temperature
- Bloating
- Unusual behavior
- Gut infection
- Swollen face or muzzle
- Excessive drooling
If your dog shows intestinal discomfort, food poisoning, or any other illness because of eating clams, stop feeding him more if the symptoms worsen. Contact the veterinarian for proper medication.
Wrapping Up
Can dogs eat clams? The answer is YES, but under some conditions. Cooked clams are safe for your dog, but raw ones are not. It is important to feed your dog fully cooked and de-shelled clams.
It is delicious and contains many essential nutrients that are good for dogs’ health. However, they are also high in cholesterol, so ingesting too much can lead to digestive problems and other major health issues.
