Yes, dogs can eat crab in moderation. Crabs are a good source of Vitamin B12 and protein. They also have other essential nutrients which can benefit your dog. Unfortunately, crabs also have higher concentrations of iodine. Therefore, as a responsible pet parent, you must consult a vet before introducing crabs to your dog.
Table of Contents
What Is Crab?
Crabs are found in oceans and are considered to have the strongest exoskeleton. Crabs can come in various sizes. They belong to the Brachyura infraorder of the kingdom Animalia.
Is Crab Safe For Dogs?
Yes, crabs are safe for dogs, provided the below-listed parts are avoided:
Shells: Crab shells are dangerous for a dog to consume. They are thick and can choke your dog to death.
Seasoned crabs: Seasoned crabs will be highly dangerous for your dog as they will have ingredients like onions, garlic, salt, chives, peppers, et cetera.
Why Is Crab Good For Dogs?
Crab is good for dogs as it has plenty of nutritional benefits for your dog. Let us see how and why crabs are great for dogs to consume:
Vitamin B12: Beginning with the neural system, vitamin B12 aids in the formation and improvement of protective tissues that cover the nerves in the brain, giving the dog greater control over all physiological activities. Additionally, your dog’s spinal health benefits from a healthy neural system.
Protein: Crab is high in protein content. Protein is essential for the normal functioning of your dog’s body. Protein provides your dog with vital amino acids that help hair and skin health, muscle development, and tissue repair.
Omega – 3 fatty acid: Omega-3 fatty acid helps puppies develop their brains and eyes properly. DHA may also help dogs with canine cognitive impairment and enhance their cognitive function. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids have been proven in studies to aid in the treatment of canine arthritis and chronic renal disease.
Zinc: Zinc is a mineral found in numerous things in the dog’s body, including enzymes, proteins, and hormones. Zinc is also necessary for the immune system and thyroid function. Therefore, zinc insufficiency can cause various issues in dogs, including incapability of infection protection.
Phosphorus: In dogs, phosphorus is necessary for maintaining healthy kidney function. Your puppy’s kidneys must be beneficial to drain toxins from his body through pee efficiently. As a result, he can stay in the most significant physical form possible. In addition, phosphorus aids motor function by assisting muscle contractions. This allows your dog to conduct typical duties such as walking, chewing, and following you on your morning runs. Phosphorus also aids your dog in maintaining a regular heart rate, which is especially important during activity.
Magnesium: At the cellular level, magnesium is involved in energy generation. Magnesium is required to allow the passage of energy whenever your pet moves a muscle, has a heartbeat, or thinks.
Why Is Crab Bad For Dogs?
Even though crabs are good for dogs, they have their share of downsides. Let us see why crabs are bad for dogs:
Sodium: Crabs are packed with sodium. Excessive sodium is harmful to dogs, even though their diet requires it. The consequences of consuming excessive sodium are:
Dehydration
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive thirst
Excessive urination
Increased respiratory rate
Convulsions
Tremors
Seizures
Pancreatitis
Coma
Death
Iodine: Crab also has iodine content in it. Consumption of excess iodine is dangerous for a dog’s health. The consequences of consuming iodine are:
Anorexia
Coma
Death
Cholesterol: Crab has a higher concentration of cholesterol. This can affect your dog negatively. The consequences of cholesterol intake are:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Bloat
Cloudy eyes
Fat bags under muscles
Raw crab: Raw crab should never be offered to dogs. The consumption of raw crabs can become hazardous as they contain parasites. Therefore, consuming raw crabs can lead to:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Rashes
Inflammation
Lack of coordination
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Behavioral changes
Kidney and liver issues
Eye issues
Seasoned crab: Seasoned crab contains onion, garlic, chives, salt, whole spices, oil, butter, and more. These ingredients are toxic to a dog as they lead to:
Bloody diarrhea
Vomiting
Lethargy
Obesity
Weight gain
Fatigue
Gas
Liver and kidney disorder
Convulsions
Tremore
Seizures
Increased heartbeat
Loss of fur
Coma
Death
How Much Crab To Feed My Dog?
Moderation is the key to your dog’s good health! Offer your dog crab flesh occasionally. However, do not add this to his regular diet. Adding crab to your normal diet can drastically affect your dog’s health, leading to death.
How To Serve Crab To My Dog?
Serving crabs to your dog is an art! First, remove the shells, and put the crab to boil. Once it is cooked properly, take the flesh out and shred it. Provide your dog the shredded flesh as a treat, or occasionally top it in his diet.
What If My Dog Ate Crabs?
If your dog accidentally ate crabs, the concern would be whether he ate the shells or consumed seasoned crabs! In both cases, do not wait for the symptoms to appear. Instead, take your dog to the vet for treatment.
Here, we are listing the symptoms your dog will display after the consumption of shells and seasoned crabs:
Choking
Coughing
Internal organ injury
Bleeding through, lips and gums
Unable to breath
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Convulsion
Frequently Asked Questions
Can puppies eat crab?
No, puppies cannot eat crab as their stomach is not ready to take more vitamins and minerals from the crab. Therefore, providing human food to puppies is not a wise idea.
Can dogs eat canned crab?
No, dogs cannot eat canned crab as they have added salt and preservatives. These can adversely affect your dog and trigger bad health.
Can dogs eat imitation crab meat?
No, imitation crab meat may contain mixes of processed white fish and other additives which are not healthy for your pooches. It may cause gastrointestinal distress.
Final Thoughts
Coming to the tail of the article, we can conclude by saying that cooked flesh of crab in moderation is best for dogs. You must remove the shells before offering your dog crabs. Also, never give your dog seasoned crabs. Ensure a healthy and happy life for your dogs.
