Raw vs. Cooked: Can Dogs Eat Shrimp Without Getting Sick?

Look, I get it.

You’re standing in your kitchen right now. Maybe you just finished dinner. There’s some leftover shrimp on your plate, and your dog is giving you that look. You know the one. Those big puppy eyes that say, “Please, just one bite?”

And you’re wondering: “Can I actually give my dog this shrimp, or am I about to make a huge mistake?”

Here’s the straight answer you came here for:

Yes, dogs CAN eat shrimp – but ONLY when it’s cooked plain, shells removed, and given in small amounts. Raw shrimp? That’s a hard no. It can make your dog seriously sick.

Now, before you toss that shrimp to your furry friend, let me walk you through everything you need to know. I’ve done the research (talked to vets, read the studies, even tested this with my own lab, Max), and I’m going to break it down in simple terms.

The Raw Truth About Raw Shrimp (Pun Intended)

Here’s something most dog owners don’t know:

Raw shrimp can carry harmful bacteria and parasites that will wreck your dog’s digestive system.

I’m talking about:

• Salmonella (causes vomiting, diarrhea, fever)
• E. coli (leads to severe stomach upset)
• Listeria (can cause serious infections)
• Parasites like roundworms (yeah, not fun)

A study published by the FDA found that raw shellfish carries a significantly higher risk of bacterial contamination compared to properly cooked seafood. You wouldn’t eat raw shrimp yourself (well, unless you’re into sushi-grade stuff), so why risk it with your dog?

What Happens If Your Dog Eats Raw Shrimp?

Let me paint you a picture.

Last year, my neighbor gave her golden retriever some raw shrimp “just to try.” Within 6 hours, that poor dog was vomiting, had diarrhea, and refused to eat anything. One expensive vet visit later (we’re talking $300+), she learned the hard way.

Symptoms to watch for if your dog accidentally eats raw shrimp:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy and weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Fever

If you see ANY of these signs, call your vet immediately. Don’t wait it out.

The Right Way to Prepare Shrimp for Your Dog

Okay, so raw is off the table. But cooked shrimp? That’s a different story.

Here’s my foolproof method (the same one I use for Max):

Step-by-Step Shrimp Preparation Guide

1. Choose Plain, Fresh Shrimp

• Buy fresh or frozen shrimp from a trusted source
• Avoid pre-seasoned or breaded varieties
• Check for any funky smell (if it smells off, toss it)

2. Cook It Thoroughly You have three safe options:

• Boiled (3-5 minutes in plain water)
• Steamed (4-6 minutes until pink and opaque)
• Grilled (3-4 minutes per side, NO oil or butter)

3. Remove Everything

• Shell – completely remove it (choking hazard)
• Tail – take it off (can’t be digested)
• Vein – clean out that dark line (it’s digestive tract waste)

4. Let It Cool

• Wait until it’s room temperature
• Never give your dog hot food (burns their mouth)

5. Cut Into Small Pieces

• For small dogs: Cut into tiny bits
• For large dogs: Quarter-size pieces work fine

Pro Tip: I always cook a few extra shrimp when I’m making dinner for myself. That way, Max gets his treat without me having to make a special batch.

Why You Should NEVER Season Shrimp for Dogs

This is where most people mess up.

You’re cooking shrimp for dinner. You’ve got garlic, butter, lemon, salt, Old Bay seasoning, and all that good stuff. And you think, “My dog will love this!”

STOP RIGHT THERE.

Here’s what those ingredients do to dogs:

I learned about the dangers of certain foods the hard way when Max was a puppy. Trust me, you don’t want to go through that scare.

The rule is simple: If it tastes good to YOU, it’s probably bad for your DOG.

Plain, boring, unseasoned shrimp is the only way to go.

The Surprising Health Benefits of Shrimp for Dogs

Now for the good news.

When prepared correctly, shrimp actually packs some serious nutritional benefits for your pup:

Protein Powerhouse

• Shrimp is about 90% protein
• Helps build and maintain muscle mass
• Great for active dogs

Vitamin B12

• Supports brain function
• Keeps energy levels up
• Helps with metabolism

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Reduces inflammation
• Promotes healthy skin and shiny coat
• Supports joint health (especially important for older dogs)

Phosphorus

• Strengthens bones and teeth
• Supports kidney function

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

• Helps convert food into energy
• Supports healthy circulation

Low in Calories

• Perfect for dogs who need to watch their weight
• One large shrimp = about 7 calories

My vet actually recommended adding high-quality supplements to Max’s diet, and shrimp as an occasional treat fits right into that plan.

But Wait… There ARE Some Risks

I’m not going to sugarcoat this. Even cooked, plain shrimp isn’t perfect for every dog.

Cholesterol Concerns

Shrimp is HIGH in cholesterol. While this isn’t as big a deal for dogs as it is for humans, it’s still something to watch.

If your dog has:

• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Pancreatitis

Then you should avoid shrimp entirely or talk to your vet first.

Allergies Are Real

Just like some people are allergic to shellfish, some dogs are too.

Signs your dog might be allergic to shrimp:

• Itching and scratching (especially face and paws)
• Red, inflamed skin
• Hives or rashes
• Swelling (face, lips, or throat)
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing (EMERGENCY – get to a vet NOW)

Pro Tip: The first time you give your dog shrimp, give them just ONE small piece. Wait 24-48 hours and watch for any reactions before giving more.

This is the same approach I use when trying new treats or foods with Max.

Choking Hazards

This is especially important for small dogs or dogs who gulp their food without chewing (I’m looking at you, Labradors).

Choking risks:

• Shells (hard and sharp)
• Tails (can get stuck in throat)
• Whole shrimp (too large for small dogs)

Always cut shrimp into appropriate-sized pieces for your dog’s size and eating style.

How Much Shrimp Can Dogs Eat?

Here’s where moderation comes in.

Shrimp should be a TREAT, not a meal replacement.

My rule of thumb:

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 small shrimp per serving
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-3 medium shrimp per serving
• Large dogs (50+ lbs): 3-5 large shrimp per serving

Frequency: No more than 2-3 times per week

Remember, treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. The other 90% should come from balanced, nutritious dog food.

Think of shrimp like you’d think of cookies for yourself. One or two? Great. A whole bag? You’re going to regret it.

Common Shrimp Questions (Because I Know You’re Wondering)

Can Dogs Eat Fried Shrimp?

Nope. Hard pass.

Fried shrimp is loaded with:

• Excess oil and fat (hello, pancreatitis)
• Breading (empty carbs, often contains garlic or onion powder)
• Salt and seasonings (toxic ingredients)

Just don’t do it.

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp Tails?

No.

Shrimp tails are made of chitin, which dogs can’t digest. They can cause:

• Choking
• Intestinal blockage
• Stomach upset

Always remove them completely.

Can Dogs Eat Cocktail Shrimp?

Only if it’s plain.

Most cocktail shrimp comes with cocktail sauce, which contains:

• Horseradish (causes stomach upset)
• Lemon juice (too acidic)
• Salt (dangerous in large amounts)

Rinse it off thoroughly or, better yet, just cook your own plain shrimp.

Can Puppies Eat Shrimp?

Yes, but in smaller amounts.

Puppies have more sensitive digestive systems. If you give shrimp to a puppy:

• Cut it into very tiny pieces
• Give only 1 small piece to start
• Watch closely for any digestive upset

Focus on proper puppy training and a balanced puppy diet first. Treats like shrimp are just the cherry on top.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something They Shouldn’t

Accidents happen. Maybe your dog snatched that garlic shrimp off the counter when you weren’t looking.

Here’s your action plan:

1. Don’t panic (I know, easier said than done)
2. Figure out what they ate and how much
3. Call your vet immediately or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)
4. Watch for symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures)
5. Don’t try to induce vomiting unless your vet tells you to

Keep your vet’s emergency number saved in your phone. I also keep a pet camera set up in my kitchen so I can check on Max when I’m not home.

The Bottom Line: Shrimp Safety Made Simple

Let me break this down one more time in the simplest way possible:

✓ YES to:

• Cooked shrimp (boiled, steamed, or grilled)
• Plain (no seasoning, no butter, no oil)
• Shell and tail removed
• Small portions (1-5 pieces depending on dog size)
• Occasional treat (2-3 times per week max)

✗ NO to:

• Raw shrimp
• Seasoned or fried shrimp
• Shrimp with shells or tails
• Large amounts
• Daily feeding

Key Takeaway: When prepared the right way, shrimp can be a healthy, low-calorie, protein-rich treat your dog will love. But cutting corners can lead to serious health problems.

Make Informed Choices About Your Dog’s Diet

Look, I love spoiling Max. He’s my best friend, my running buddy, my alarm clock (who needs an app when you have a dog?).

But loving our dogs means making smart choices about what we feed them.

If you’re looking to expand your dog’s treat options safely, check out these resources:

• Best treats for dogs (safe options reviewed)
• Are Nylabones safe? (chew toy safety guide)
• What can dogs chew daily? (dental health tips)

And if you want to level up your dog’s nutrition game completely, I highly recommend:

• Variety meal plans for balanced nutrition
• Healthy homemade dog treat recipes you can make yourself

Your dog depends on you to keep them safe and healthy. That means doing your research (like you’re doing right now), asking questions, and never assuming something is safe just because it’s safe for humans.

Oh, and don’t forget hydration! Make sure your pup has access to fresh water at all times. I use a dog water fountain to keep Max’s water clean and encourage him to drink more. Learn how long dogs can go without water and why it matters.

Final thought: When in doubt, ask your vet. That’s what they’re there for.

Now go ahead and give your dog that properly prepared shrimp treat. They’ve earned it just for being awesome.

Have you given your dog shrimp before? How did they react? Drop a comment below and let me know!

Need personalized advice about your dog’s diet or behavior? Consider getting an ESA letter for professional support, or track your dog’s health patterns with a dog health tracker to share with your vet.