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Yes, your dog can eat cooked crab, but you have to exercise caution. If you had extra crab and didn’t want it to go bad, you probably wondered can dogs eat crab meat. It’s okay to give your pet crab in small amounts and after it’s cooked.
Uncooked crab may carry intestinal parasites that can harm your furry friend. Also, remove the shells because they can be hazardous, especially for a small dog.
Whether raw or cooked, the shell is very sharp and can damage the pet’s gastrointestinal tract. Stick to real crab because imitation crab might have additives your pet is sensitive to.
The best crab meat is fresh and properly cooked. Surprisingly dogs do very well with fish, but crab, shrimp, clams, and other aquatic critters come with a set of warnings. So to ensure you are keeping your pet safe, cook the crab properly before serving.
Do you Know?
We have more great content about what dogs can eat, check out this article: Can Dogs Eat Cherries?
Is Crab Good For Puppies?
Crab can be a healthy treat for your puppy. Crabmeat is a lean protein, which is very important in your pet’s diet. It gives them energy and helps maintain healthy muscles. However, crab meat is naturally high in cholesterol and sodium, both of which are hard for dogs to digest if you give them in excess.
That’s why you have to moderate the amount the pet eats in one serving. If it’s your first time giving the dog crab meat, do it in small quantities and observe how the pet reacts to it. Some dogs are allergic to crab. If you notice adverse reactions like face swelling or vomiting, your puppy may be allergic to crab meat.
You can avoid serious risks when you give the meat in moderation. Even though crab has protein, it’s not the best everyday protein source. Make it a once-in-a-while treat that you and your dog can enjoy together.
Crab Can Help With Essential Minerals and Vitamins
Crabmeat contains many minerals and vitamins that are essential for a dog. It has vitamin B12 that encourages optimal brain function and intestinal health. Minerals in crab meat include zinc, magnesium, and phosphorous.
Zinc regulates metabolism; it keeps the dog functioning well throughout the day. Lack of these minerals and vitamins can be detrimental for your pet. You can use crab to introduce vitamin B12 to their diet once in a while.
Crab, like most seafood, contains omega-3 fatty acids. It keeps heart disease away and also improves kidney function. These fatty acids make the dog’s coat shiny and the skin moisturized.
When feeding your dog, consider their age and size. A small puppy will only need a small portion of meat to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals. But you will have to increase the quantity if it’s a big dog.
Did You Know?
Crabmeat is great for dogs – we know that now. Salmons are also great seafood dogs like, but can you give the skin of salmon to dogs? Can Dogs Eat Salmon Skin?
Can Dogs Eat Crab Shells?
No, you should never give your dog crab shells. While crab meat is safe and nontoxic, crab shells are dangerous and can even be fatal. You should avoid it at all costs, even if it’s cooked.
The shell breaks into tiny shards that can harm your pet’s throat. If the dog has trouble breathing or starts vomiting blood after eating the shells, immediately take them to the vet’s office. The shells are also not easy to digest; they can cause intestinal or stomach issues.
The next time your dog is begging for table scraps from the crab you just ate, ignore them and ensure you discard the shells out of their reach. If you have to share, give them crab meat instead. Crab shell splinters are very sharp; they are not meant to be eaten by you or your dog.
The takeaway
Dogs have much to gain from crab meat. But like any other new food, introduce it in moderation and see how the dog reacts. Please don’t make it an everyday food, but you can treat your pet to deliciously cooked crab meat every now and then. Always find the fresh crab and avoid imitation crab meat.
