Can dogs or cats eat shrimp?

July 21, 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat shrimp?

Great news for seafoodies: It's safe for dogs to eat shrimp in moderation. Shrimp is a rich source of protein and contains antioxidants like astaxanthin, an ingredient that may promote brain health not only in humans but also in dogs.

Offer your pooch cooked shrimp rather than raw: Cooking helps kill harmful bacteria. (Also, raw shrimp — ew!) Equally important: Remove the shells or tails, which can pose a choking hazard or cause digestive issues.

One other thing to keep in mind: Eating too much shrimp can lead to obesity due to the food's high cholesterol content. So don't go overboard (no pun intended).

As always, consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet! If your dog eats shrimp (or any food) and begins showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. And if your pet requires veterinary care because of something they ate, pet insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat shrimp?

Yup, cats can enjoy shrimp in moderation!

Shrimp is an excellent source of protein, which makes it a great supplement to a cat's diet. Protein is important for maintaining muscle mass and keeping the immune system healthy. Just remember, feeding your cat too much shrimp could lead to health problems such as obesity or digestive issues.

While small amounts of cooked shrimp may be safe for your feline friend to eat, uncooked or raw shrimp should be avoided at all costs. Raw shrimp poses a higher risk of transmitting salmonella or E. coli, which can cause serious illness in cats if ingested. Equally important: Remove the shells or tails, which can pose a choking hazard or cause digestive issues.

As always, consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet! If your cat eats shrimp (or any food) and begins showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. And if your pet requires veterinary care because of something they ate, pet insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Information Purposes Only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet Poison Emergency Protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Food Safety Statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet