Lobster sure is a yummy seafood treat that comes with a hefty price tag. As such, a pricey delicacy like this makes celebrations all the more special.
It’s also the type of food worth sharing with your friends. Now, if one of your treasured friends is a dog, you might ask yourself: Can dogs eat lobster?
We all know that dogs just love meat. It’s in their blood. And since lobster is an excellent source of protein, you might think that giving your dog lobster meat is A-okay. But then you might also think twice since lobster is a type of seafood.
Well, hold those questions for now because we’re here to answer each one. Dog Food Guide is, after all, your go-to site for all your dog food and can dogs-related questions. And we are here to do just that and more.
Must-Know Lobster Facts
Rich. Check. Satisfying. Check. Pricey. Check.
But did you know that lobsters are considered tasteless and a poor man’s protein back in the day? A type of food eaten because it’s dirt cheap, slaves and prisoners, back then, even complained about getting this food every day and having too many lobsters.
Nowadays, though, even if we wanted to eat lobster all day, we can’t since this once ubiquitous food never comes cheap.
On days when we could indulge, though, we can also enjoy the thought that these low-fat anthropods pack a lot of vitamins and minerals. So, don’t think that these contain no nutritional value, because it does.
To prove this, here’s a rundown of some of the vitamins and minerals you could get from eating a cup of cooked lobster (according to Healthline).
- Protein: 27 g
- Vitamin B12: 51% of the DV (Daily Value)
- Zinc: 53% of the DV
- Selenium: 190% of the DV
- Copper: 198% of the DV
Can Dogs Eat Lobster?
The short answer here is YES. Both humans and dogs can eat lobster, and lobster is safe for dogs.
If you want to feed your dog lobster, you’ll be thrilled to find out that lobster could, in fact, be a healthy treat for your dogs. But just like many “human” foods, feeding your dog lobster comes with risks.
So, before you let your dog eat lobster, make sure to find out first how this will positively and negatively affect your dog’s health. This way, you’d know when to give your dog lobster and how to serve it.
5 Yummy Benefits Your Dogs Can Get From Eating Lobster
Yes, you can feed your dog some lobster every now and then, and you’ll be delighted to know that this treat comes with a couple of nifty health benefits.
What are those? Check out the list below to know the healthy nutrients it has in store.
It’s An Excellent Source Of Protein
Compared to other seafood (shrimp included), lobster ranks the highest in its protein content. And as many dog owners know by now, protein is an essential part of a dog’s diet.
Protein is needed to repair and build new muscle tissues and skin cells. It can also boost your dogs’ immune system health and increase your pet dogs’ energy levels.
It Is A Good Source Of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Apart from protein, this well-loved shellfish is also loved by humans and dogs for its high fatty acid content. In fact, compared to other seafood like shrimp and crayfish, this one tops the list.
Lobster contains two types of omega 3 fatty acids – DHA and EPA. Both of which can improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels. These can also alleviate inflammation and reduce the risk of diseases.
This Seafood Contain Zinc
Zinc is one other essential mineral that your dog can get if you feed your dog lobster. Zinc plays a vital role in keeping your pet dog’s skin and coat healthy. It also regulates thyroid function, strengthens their immune system, and improves their eyesight.
Phosphorus Content
Your pet dog’s diet will not be complete without a dash of phosphorus. Giving your dog foods rich in phosphorus will help keep your dog’s bones healthy and strong.
Lobster Contains Magnesium
Healthy nerve and muscle function can be achieved by adding some magnesium into your pet dog’s diet. After all, your dog needs magnesium to regulate 300+ biochemical body reactions. This includes keeping your dogs’ heart and bones in tip-top shape.
Possible Dangers Of Lobster To Dogs
Lobster may be among the human foods your dog can eat, and your dog may be rewarded with all its benefits. But since dogs’ nutritional needs vary a lot, you’re pet might be among those who might find this seafood dangerous instead of healthy.
To know if your dog shouldn’t eat this shellfish, here’s a list of risks you have to watch out for. Of course, talking to your vet is also highly recommended.
Choking Hazard
If you think that your dog is capable of chewing and swallowing anything, including lobster shells, think again. If you haven’t noticed it yet, the lobster shell is tough (especially the shell from a raw lobster).
When cracked and broken, the pieces of lobster shells can also be sharp. As such, letting your dog munch on a lobster shell is a bad idea and is downright dangerous.
Apart from the risk of the lobster shells getting stuck in your dog’s throat, the shards of the shell can also block or puncture your dog’s digestive tract.
And just like in humans, this could cause vomiting, suffocation, as well as lethargy. So, if your dog eats a chunk of shell and you happen to observe these symptoms, contact your vet ASAP.
Can Trigger Food Allergies
It is uncommon for dogs to develop an allergic reaction to seafood since dog allergies are often triggered by meat products like chicken, beef, and lamb and dairy foods like milk. But the chances of your dog being allergic to lobster is still possible.
If your dog has allergies, make sure to watch out for these common allergic reactions:
- Itchy skin
- Upset stomach (vomiting and diarrhea)
- Lack of energy
- Aggression
It’s High In Sodium
Dogs can be hypertensive. If your dog has high blood pressure, then it’s best for your dog to avoid lobster. Why?
Lobster contains loads of sodium – around 5% of the lobster is sodium. And similar to humans, excessively eating foods rich in sodium can lead to high blood pressure, as well as osteoporosis, kidney problems, and stroke.
It’s Loaded With Cholesterol
Although low in fat, lobster contains high doses of cholesterol – almost as high as the amount of cholesterol found in shrimp. As such, feeding your dog large amounts of lobster meat is not recommended.
Apart from the risk of obesity, eating foods high in cholesterol can also lead to pancreatitis – a painful condition you don’t want your pet dogs to suffer.
Lobsters May Contain Heavy Metals
Besides its cholesterol and sodium content, lobster can also be contaminated by heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, and lead – all of which are dangerous to one’s health.
Thankfully, the mercury levels in lobster are low compared to other marine-born meat products.
It Can Carry Parasites
If you’re planning to give your dog raw lobster, DON’T! Just like you, your dog may also get sick after consuming raw (or even undercooked) lobster. Like all other living creatures, lobsters can also carry parasites in their hard-shelled bodies.
Tips On How To Feed Lobster To Your Dogs
After going through all the pros and cons, you might still want to take the chance and give your dog some lobster.
If you do, here are a few things you need to keep in mind to avoid any adverse lobster-related side effects and to ensure a pleasurable lobster-munching experience:
Always serve cooked lobster. As mentioned raw lobster can only make your dog sick. Cooking it thoroughly (either by steaming or boiling) will ensure that all harmful bacteria and parasites are killed.
Keep it plain. Adding butter, garlic, and onions make lobster melt in your mouth, but this won’t do for dogs. The addition of fat, garlic, and other seasonings make this sumptuous food all the more harmful to dogs since. So, if you must serve lobster, serve it cooked and plain.
Get rid of all the shells or bones. The shells of crabs – from the head down to its tail – have to be removed to avoid unwanted accidents.
Start small and only serve this occasionally. By giving small portions of cooked lobster, you’d be able to check for signs of allergy. If adverse reactions arise, then you know for sure that this food doesn’t mix well in your dog’s tummy.
In case your dog is able to tolerate it, ensure to give cooked lobster only as an occasional treat and in moderation.
Our Final Verdict
Can dogs eat lobster? Yes!
Lobster is actually a food that you can safely share with your dog. But if you value your dog’s health above all else, make sure to give this in moderation.
Keep in mind that you can only give your dogs cooked lobster minus the shell and seasonings. Alternatively, you can try out Lobster dog food recipes you find online.
