🦑 Can Dogs Eat Squid? - Ok For Everyone?

With it’s rich nutrients and high protein content, it’s a great food for humans, but is this the case for dogs too? 🔍

Summary

Yes, squid treats are tasty snacks for our four legged friends. As long as you keep the amount consumed within reason, squid is a nutritious snack option for your dog. Remember to cook before offering it to your pet. Also, remember to clean the cephalopods well after purchasing them, any leftover scraps should go directly into the trash bin.

The health benefits of squid for dogs

Squid is a great source of protein and vitamins and can be used as an alternative to chicken or beef. It’s also high in -3 fatty, which are essential for the development of healthy skin and coat. Squid meat has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help with joint pain and arthritis. The best part about using this instead of other meats? You don’t need to worry about cooking it! Just boil it up like you would any fish. According to the Department of Agriculture, it contains 15.5g protein per 100g and only 92 kcals!

Adding to your dog’s diet can bring many health benefits. This mineral plays a role in maintaining skin integrity and helping to maintain strong bones. Zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss and poor wound healing.

a squid in the ocean

B Vitamins

These help to keep muscles working well and support nerve function, they also play a part in keeping teeth and gums healthy. In addition it keeps skin and coat shiny and strong, boost energy levels and prevent fatigue. Squids are packed full of vitamin B12, which is essential for nerve function, vitamin B6 is found in large amounts too. These two nutrients work together to produce serotonin, which regulates moods and emotions. Serotonin is important because it controls our dog’s appetite, general mood and sleeping patterns.

Vitamin A

A lack of vitamin A can result in dry eyes and mouth problems and squid is a fantastic source for it. Vitamin A supports immune system functions and keeps organs functioning normally. This nutrient is very important for puppies eyesight development, a lack of vitamin A can lead to eye infections and inflammation.

Omega 3

This helps to promote heart health by reducing cholesterol and triglycerides, omega 3 fats are vital for brain growth and maintenance.

Copper

Dogs can’t have too much copper in their diet, squid is rich in copper helps to keep your dog’s skin healthy and shiny, as well as keeping his nails strong and growing properly. It also help discourage fleas or ticks staying on your dog, fantastic 🐶!

Low Fat

It’s very low in fat, which makes it great if you’re trying to reduce your dogs weight, making this a sensible choice as a treat.

Reduces the risk of heart diseases

Heart diseases are common ailments amongst pets. They often suffer from heart attacks due to their poor lifestyle habits. But, eating fish regularly reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by up to 50%. It has been proven that consuming more than two servings per week lowers the chances of getting heart-related conditions.

Why is squid good for your pet?

Yes, it’s a delicious treat for pets, not only does it look cute on a plate but it’s also easy to prepare. Simply place the cleaned squid into boiling water for 5 before serving. Make sure not to overcook though; otherwise, it might become rubbery. Once boiled, squeeze out excess liquid and serve immediately.

Is fried squid ok?

Never give your pet calamari, as this is fried and the batter has unsuitable ingredients and lots of salt. If you must feed your pet calamari, make sure that they only consume raw or lightly cooked versions of the food item. This will ensure that there is no risk of contamination from bacteria present in the frying process and there will be less calories too.

Depending the seasoning used this could impact their digestive health, monitor them if they’ve consumed for 24 hours.

What about other types of seafood like shrimp and lobster?

These foods can be given to your pets if prepared properly. However, these items may contain high levels of mercury which could pose health risks to your furry friend. It’s best to avoid feeding them large amounts unless absolutely necessary. The FDA advise that uncooked shellfish can contain dangerous pathogens which are destroyed by the cooking progress, so please cook being giving to your dog. https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-fresh-and-frozen-seafood-safely

What do I feed my dog if he eats raw squid?

Raw squid isn’t safe for your dog, if they consume too much, their stomach will start digesting the ink inside the tentacles. This could cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and even death. There are some people who believe that eating cooked squid is okay because there aren’t many toxins present when the animal dies naturally. However, this doesn’t mean that all types are edible by humans or animals. Some species contain neurotoxins that can harm your pet, serve your dog this.

a pic of cooked calamari
Calamari is much higher in calories, best avoid for your dog 🐕

Can dogs eat raw fish?

Dogs cannot safely eat raw seafood due to its risk of bacterial contamination, this is backed by the AVMA. Seafood should always be thoroughly washed prior to feeding your pup. Otherwise, bacteria found in the ocean can enter through cuts and wounds on your pooch’s mouth. When preparing food for your dog, make sure to wash hands first to prevent spreading harmful germs too 💧.

Is squid safe for puppies and kittens?

If you’re looking for something different to give your puppy or kitten, then consider giving them squid. They love the taste just like we do! Squids are very low in fat and calories so they won’t add weight to your pup or kitty. Plus, they provide lots of vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B12, and selenium. These nutrients promote good hair growth and strong bones 💪.

Are all types of squid edible by animals?

All types are edible for both human beings and animals. However, some varieties contain toxic substances that can damage your pet’s organs. Therefore, choose wisely which type of squid you decide to offer to your pup.

What should I do if my dog gets sick?

Honestly, we would recommend getting in touch with your vet right away if your dog gets sick after consuming squid, they may have a seafood allergy.

Do dogs need omega 3 fatty acids

Yes, almost all mammals require certain amounts of omega-3 fats in order to grow properly. In fact, these fats play an important role in brain function, vision, heart health, immune system response, and more. Unfortunately, most commercial diets lack adequate levels of EPA/DHA.

Where can I buy the meat for my dog?

You’ll find fresh squid meat at local grocery stores, look for frozen fillets near the seafood section. Frozen is usually available year-round while fresh is typically sold during the summer months depending on where you live in the world.

Our final thoughts

Squid is a great snack for your dog, as discussed above there are several benefits associated with feeding your dog. First off, it promotes overall wellness since it’s is rich in protein and other vital nutrients, it keeps your dog leaner and stronger. Second, it improves his coat quality. Finally, it helps prevents obesity.

Amanda Brennan
Amanda Brennan

Animal enthusiasts, she works closely with animals that require rehabilitation across the US and writes for several pet websites. Her other interests are photography 📸 and training to run a marathon 🏃‍♀️.