Can Dogs Eat Crab Meat? Everything you Need To Know

Yes dogs can eat crab meat. Crab meat can be a healthy meal if eaten in limited qualities and without the shell. Crab meat is a nontoxic, lean protein enriched with vitamin B12, zinc, and omega fatty acids. However, crab meat shouldn’t be fed daily or in large quantities as it could cause indigestion.

Is Crab Meat Safe For Dogs?

Yes, dogs can have properly cooked crab meat, excluding the shell.

Is Crab Meat Good For Dogs?

Seafood is good for the brain and crab meat in particular, is enriched in Vitamin B12 which is beneficial for the brain’s function and other internal organs. As crab meat is rich in protein, it helps repair the skin’s cells, nails, hair, and cartilage of the dog’s body. Feeding crab meat to dogs in reasonable quantities will make their coat polished and support kidney functions. 

Dogs that may suffer from vitamin B12 insufficiency or exocrine pancreatic deficiency will benefit from crab meat as it will raise the vitamin levels. The Omega-3 fatty acids in crab meat helps moisturize the skin and make the coat shiny.

Is Crab Meat Bad For Dogs?

Raw crab and crab with shells are bad for dogs. Raw crab carries intestinal parasites which can cause health issues. Crab shells, both cooked and raw, are sharp and hard and can easily damage a dog’s gastrointestinal tract, leading to injury. Before cooking the crab, get rid of the entire shell. The shell may break into shards and get stuck in the dog’s neck leading to choking or internal injuries. If you suspect choking or internal injuries, immediately consult a veterinarian. 

Some dogs can be allergic to crabs, so confirm whether your dog is allergic to crab before feeding.

Symptoms of Crab Meat Allergies

The symptoms of crab meat allergy in dogs are comparable to that in humans, and it depends on the severity of the allergy and the amount of crab the dog has eaten. Though not all dogs will be allergic to crab meat, while feeding crab for the first time, serve a small patch and look for the following symptoms.

• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Face swelling
• Signs of cold
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Vomiting

These symptoms are common for various allergies and diseases, so it is recommended to examine them through a vet as these can be fatal.

How Much Crab Meat Should You Serve Your Dog?

Start with small servings of crabs to test for signs of allergy. If your dog isn’t allergic to crabs, gradually add the crab meat to your dog food to avoid diarrhea or vomiting. Crab meat should not be added to your dog’s daily diet, as it is high in iodine, cholesterol, and sodium. Some dogs can be sensitive to iodine, and while cholesterol will be difficult for dogs to digest, high sodium can cause severe electrolyte imbalance. 

What If My Dog Eats a Crab at the Beach?

Dogs may come across dead crabs, cuttlefish bones, and jellyfish at the beach, and these are highly unsafe for dogs. If your dog has any of these in it’s mouth, try to pull it off from it’s grip or distract it with something to remove the hazard from the dog. 

If your dog has eaten a dead raw crab, the shell or the decay could cause a problem. Look for the following symptoms:

• Abdomen Upset
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Difficulty in eating

If you see any of these symptoms, take the dog to a vet as soon as possible.  

Final Words:

Dogs can have crab meat, but in moderation (it should not be part of your dog’s daily diet) and it should be cooked without the shell (which can break into shards and cut your dog’s intestine). Always start with small quantities to test for allergies before increase the amount of crab you serve your dog. Even if your dog is not allergic to crab meat, it is recommended to seek a veterinarian’s advice before adding it to your dog’s diet.