Can Dogs Eat Calamari? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks
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View 4 More +Calamari is an Italian word for squid, which is exactly what calamari is. You can find calamari in most seafood restaurants, and it’s a favorite among many seafood lovers. If you bring your pooch to a seafood restaurant that allows dogs, you may be wondering if you can share this delicious squid with your canine companion.
The short answer here is yes and no. The reason for this vague answer is that it depends on how the calamari is prepared and cooked to determine if your doggie should eat it.
In this article, we'll explore this topic more in-depth to help determine if letting your dog eat calamari is safe. Read on to learn the specifics surrounding this topic.
Is Calamari Safe to Give My Dog?
So, we’ve already determined that it depends on how the calamari is cooked to determine whether or not it’s safe for your dog to eat. Often, calamari is prepared battered, breaded, or fried. If the calamari is prepared in these ways, you should avoid feeding it to your pooch. Calamari prepared in these ways is high in fat content and can cause obesity if provided regularly.
Calamari prepared in these ways also has added ingredients that are usually high in sodium, and large amounts of sodium can lead to salt toxicosis. However, small amounts of sodium in moderation are not harmful to your dog, but you certainly do not want to make a habit of feeding salty foods.
How Can I Safely Feed Calamari to My Dog?
Steamed or boiled calamari is the best option to feed your dog. Calamari has health benefits when steamed or boiled. It’s high in protein, full of omega-3s, and low in calories.
Steamed or boiled calamari is also an excellent source of copper, iron, and zinc. Avoid raw calamari, as raw can cause gastrointestinal upset for your doggie. If you want to feed your dog calamari, do so in small amounts and only in moderation on occasion. Ensure it isn’t breaded, battered, or fried as well—only steamed or boiled.
What Else Should I Know About Feeding Calamari to My Dog?
It’s possible that calamari can trigger a food allergy in your pooch. For example, calamari contains traces of mercury and can be harmful to your dog if fed on a regular basis. Your dog could develop unpleasant signs, such as digestive issues and reproductive, neurological, and respiratory problems.
How to Know if My Dog Is Allergic to Calamari
If it turns out your dog is allergic to calamari, you will see some common signs that are as follows:
- Swollen face, mouth, ears, or eyelids
- Itchy eyes
- Hives
- Sneezing
- Scratching
- Excessive licking
- Hives
- Vomiting
- Gas/bloating
- Loose stools
If you notice any of these signs, stop giving calamari and contact your veterinarian immediately. Calamari is not considered toxic to dogs, but your dog could have an allergy without you knowing it before letting him have a taste.
Tips for a Healthy Diet for Your Dog
Your dog’s nutrition is of utmost importance. Now that you know how to safely feed your dog calamari, it should never replace your dog’s normal diet.
Your dog’s diet should consist of healthy proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals from fruits and vegetables. A high-quality protein, such as chicken or lamb, should be the first listed ingredient, and the food should be approved by The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) as complete and balanced.
Learning how to read a dog food label is essential for your dog’s overall health. When in doubt, you can always consult your veterinarian for suggestions. Feeding healthy treats in moderation is key, and ensure that any commercial treats you provide adhere to AAFCO’s nutritional standards.
You can feed suitable fruits and veggies as a treat or the occasional snack, but avoid foods that are harmful to your dog, such as grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and unripe tomatoes.
Conclusion
Calamari can be an occasional special treat for your dog when given sparingly and in moderation. Be sure the calamari is boiled or steamed, and avoid raw calamari.
Avoiding spices is also important, as certain spices and seasonings can be harmful to your dog. Remember that any extras you feed should be in moderation so it doesn’t interfere with your dog’s daily nutrition, as treats should make up only 5–10% of your dog’s daily diet.
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Rachel Giordano is a writer and musician living in Pensacola, Florida, with her partner and their two dogs, Aero, a Border Collie/Sheltie mix and Sophie, a Boston Terrier. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and loves writing about animals of all types. When she’s not writing about pets, she loves to write suspense/thriller novels. A musician by night and writer by day, she enjoys educating the public about the needs and requirements of animals, big and small.
