When it comes to human foods, dog owners are least likely to give their dogs seafood, scallops included. Then again, it’s still something your dog would try to get their paws on to get a bite. The question is: Can dogs eat scallops? Are scallops bad for dogs or safe for dogs to eat?
Yes, scallops are truly rich in protein and other nutrients, plus they’re low in calories. But the thing is, not all human foods are healthy for your pet dogs. Sad to say, some of the foods we eat are deemed toxic to dogs. Are scallops safe for dogs to eat? Read on to find out.
Dog Food Guide – a dog owners’ (and anyone who love dogs) one-stop site for all their “can dogs” questions – is here to answer your “can dogs eat scallops” query and give you everything you need to know about scallops, their benefits and downsides to your pet’s health, and more.
What You Need To Know About Scallops
Scallops are easily recognized for their fan-like, brightly colored shells. It is a saltwater clam that is found in all the oceans of the world. And guess what? There are over 400 species of these sea mollusks.
The two most common types are bay and sea scallops. The former being the cheaper kind while the latter is deemed pricier since they’re harder to farm.
Either way, both are uber nutritious and super tasty. However, because of the low supply and high demand, these bivalves often come with a high price tag.
Yes, scallops are truly yummy, thanks to their mildly sweet flavor and buttery texture. But it's not just that. It also gets an A+ for its impressive nutritional value.
This small treat is packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to anyone’s diet. So what rewards await those who love eating scallops?
Besides being protein-dense and low in calories, scallops are also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and…
Selenium
Phosphorus
Vitamin B12
Zinc
Iron
Magnesium
Potassium
Can Dogs Eat Scallops? Are Scallops Safe For Dogs?
Scallops are truly hearty – for humans at least. But is it the same for dogs? Are scallops bad for dogs or can dogs eat scallops safely?
The short answer is YES. Dogs can eat scallops and scallops are safe for dogs to eat. In fact, ASPCA confirms that shellfish is generally risk-free (whether scallops, crab, lobster, or shrimp) and is non-toxic to dogs as long as they’re properly cooked and they’re given in moderation.
What’s more, scallops are also good for dogs and serve as a delicious treat for your pets. And you know what? Most dogs love them!
So, next time you prep up a scallop dinner, feel free to let your dog eat scallops. Just make sure they’re fully cooked. And as always, moderation is key. You’ll find out why in a bit.
How About Puppies? Can Puppies Eat Scallops?
Can dogs eat scallops? Yes! However, it’s a different story for puppies.
A puppy’s tummy is a lot more sensitive compared to full-grown dogs. To avoid any unwanted mishaps, it’s best to feed your puppy vet-approved, age-specific, and well-balanced dog food.
Now that you know your pet dog can eat scallops in moderation and that scallops are good for them, let’s look into the various perks your dog gets every time you feed your dog this small treat.
Can Boost Your Dog’s Energy
Is your dog in need of a great pick-me-up? Then feeding your dog a few scallops might do the trick. Loaded with lean protein, this treat can give your furry friends the energy they need for the day.
Great For Weight Management
Thanks to their low calorie- and high protein- content, scallops make a great snack for dogs who need to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Feeding your dog scallops will make them full for longer minus the added pounds.
May Support Overall Health
Remember, scallops contain protein, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin B12, potassium, and other nutrients – all of which are needed by your dog’s body.
The added protein can help maintain healthy muscles. On the one hand, supplementing your dog’s diet with a bit more magnesium and potassium can help prevent kidney stones, support your dog’s brain and nerve function, and promote nutrient absorption.
Possible Dangers Of Feeding Your Dog Scallops
Yes, letting your dogs eat scallops is A-okay. In fact, it presents very little risk. However, doing it the wrong way spells trouble.
So, if you plan to let your dogs eat scallops, do so with caution. If not, your dog might just experience one of the following.
Choking Hazard
While it seems like your dogs are capable of chewing anything, your dog has its limits. So, if you plan to give your dog scallops, don’t give them the whole thing.
The scallop shell is hard and can feel sharp when shattered into tiny bits. These can get lodged in your dog’s throat and block your dog's airways or your dog’s digestive system, causing intestinal blockage. Both situations will require your vet’s assistance.
Stomach Discomfort
Our favorite scallop recipes usually call for seasoning and oil – think sauteed, stewed, grilled, and fried scallops. Although properly cooked or fully cooked, the added oil, seasoning, and too much salt can wreak havoc on your dog’s stomach.
Consuming fried scallops and other dishes rich in oils and additives can simply lead to an upset stomach, which usually goes away on its own overnight. However, frequent consumption of fried food or foods with very high-fat content (like fried scallops) can result in a painful condition called pancreatitis.
Bacteria- & Parasite-Borne Diseases
Scallops are not toxic to dogs. This doesn’t mean that you can feed your dogs raw scallops.
Raw scallops may carry parasites and bacteria (think tapeworms and salmonella). As such, giving your dogs raw scallops is a bad idea. Besides getting an upset stomach, your dog may also suffer from shellfish poisoning. If this happens, contact your vet immediately.
Allergy
Shellfish is a very common allergen among humans as well as dogs. And like humans, a dog that is allergic to shellfish may show the following symptoms.
Skin irritation (think itching and scratching)
Coughing or wheezing
Sneezing
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Tips On How To Feed Scallops To Your Canine Companions
If you’re a seafood lover, then you’re probably relieved to know that you can actually share this yummy goodness with your pal. But given all the downsides, it’s a good idea to know all the feeding dos and don'ts before giving your dogs a bite.
What are those? See below:
Remove The Shells
Although this is pretty obvious, it’s a tip worth adding. After all, dogs have a surprising way of getting themselves into trouble.
So, if you have some leftover shellfish with the scallop shell still intact, make sure to tuck them somewhere your dogs can’t reach. Choking and intestinal blockage are just some of the things you’d never want your dogs to experience.
Always Serve Cooked Scallops
Scallops should never be served raw to your dogs since they may carry harmful bacteria. And it’s not just scallops. Raw seafood, in general, should never be given to your pal.
To get rid of those, ensure to only feed your dog fully cooked scallops or cooked shellfish. Raw scallops like those found in sushi or sashimi should be kept far away from your dog’s reach.
Plain Is The Way To Go
Fried scallops might be yummy but they’re not healthy for dogs. If you want to give your dog some scallops, besides serving fully cooked scallops, you should also serve your dog completely plain, non-fried cooked scallops. Don’t worry, your dog will still enjoy it!
Introduce Gradually
Figuring out what foods can cause an allergic reaction is difficult. As such, it’s always best to introduce any new food gradually.
Start by feeding your dog a tiny amount. If your dog can tolerate it, then you can give some more.
Offer Occasionally
Since this type of food is not part of your dog’s regular diet, you’d want to only give this as an occasional treat.
Want to know how many scallops your dogs can eat? This will depend on their size. To be on the safe side, you can let your dogs eat 1 to 2 scallops once a month to satisfy your dog’s scallop cravings.
Final Verdict
Can Dogs Eat Scallops? They sure can! Dogs can eat scallops in moderation.
Can dogs eat raw scallops? Can dogs eat scallops cooked? If you don’t want your dog to get a stomach upset, get those hands moving and cook those scallops to perfection. Giving your dog raw scallops is a No-no.
Are scallops good for dogs? They sure are!
Just make sure to keep the fried scallops for yourself and give your dog his share of seasoning- and oil-free, completely plain, non-fried, cooked scallop. This way, your dog can enjoy his share of scallops minus the health risks or dangers.
What seafood can dogs not eat?
Avoid tuna, swordfish, and any other big species with a long lifespan. They collect great amounts of heavy metal in their meat, which can have a negative effect on your dog. Also, moderation is key, since too much seafood in the canine diet can cause weight gain and nutritional imbalances.
Why can't dogs eat shellfish?
Raw shellfish can carry intestinal parasites, so it should be cooked first. The shells can be hazardous, particularly for small dogs, and must be removed before consumption.
Can dogs eat cooked seafood?
When cooked and thoroughly cleaned of their shells and nasty bits, shrimps, lobsters, and crab can be eaten by dogs. However, only the meat of the shellfish can be served to dogs, and only if it's fresh and properly cooked (no leftovers!).
Can dogs eat scallops and clams?
Both are bivalve mollusks, and the same cautions apply to scallops and clams. Fully cooked and divested of its shell, a few scallops should be safe for dogs in general, though individual dogs' tolerance for and reaction to them may vary widely.
How useful was this post?
Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0
No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
As you found this post useful...
Follow us on social media!
We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!
Sheena is a graduate of BS Psychology. While her course is not related to her new-found role, her time at the university helped her develop the skills and attitude she needs to write high-quality content.
