No. Dogs should not eat imitation crab as they are packed with unhealthy ingredients. Dogs mostly chew off anything, yet there is stuff a dog should not eat. Imitation crab is not crab meat but a mixture of different components, including surimi, preservatives, and other additives. Also, it includes food coloring to make it more appealing to humans but can be harmful to dogs. However, it is always advisable not to feed your dog any human food.
Table of Contents
What is Imitation Crab?
Imitation crab is a mixture of various things with a white fish called Alaskan Pollock as the main ingredient. This ingredient is also referred to as surimi and is only fish flesh that has been washed, deboned, and then minced into a paste. This paste prepares imitation crab with preservatives, artificial colors, and other additives to enhance the color and taste that imitates crab meat. Imitation crab is prepared from seafood and contains no crab except a tiny crab extract to add flavor. Restaurants spell imitation crab as krab on their menu cards to indicate that it’s fake.
Nutritional Value of Imitation Crab
The imitation crab does not have many benefits and contains fewer nutrients than real crab meat. A 3 oz of imitation crab has the below nutritional value.
Calories
81
Total Carbohydrates
12.7g
Omega-3 fat
25.5 mg
Starch
6.5g
Added Sugars
5.3 g
Proteins
6.5 g
Sodium
715 mg
Vitamin B12
8%
Magnesium
9%
Phosphorus
24%
Zinc
2%
Copper
1%
Selenium
27%
Is Imitation Crab Safe for Dogs?
No, imitation crab is not safe for dogs to consume. Imitation crab is a mixture of white fish and several ingredients consisting of preservatives and food colorings that can harm the dog. They contain salt and other seasonings, which can create allergic reactions in dogs. Real crab meat is nutritious for dogs, while the additives in imitation crab can cause illness and sometimes death. As tempting as they may be, dogs can suffer serious health problems when consumed in large quantities.
Why is Imitation Crab Bad for Dogs?
Imitation crab is unhealthy for dogs due to the processed ingredients, preservatives, and coloring substances added to enhance taste and color.
Sodium Pyrophosphate: Imitation crab contains excessive sodium pyrophosphate, causing heart disease and high blood pressure in canines.
Salt: Imitation crab is high in salt content and can cause long-term health problems. Too much salt consumption can lead to heart problems and high blood pressure. Also, bad fats present in imitation crab can lead to obesity.
Carmine: Imitation crab consists of an ingredient called carmine, made from dead bugs. Carmine is an artificial food coloring and gives pink color to the meat. Carmine causes respiratory illnesses in dogs like asthma.
Potassium chloride: Potassium makes the food savory but causes the dog’s poop to be smelly. It removes the water from the dog’s body and causes bloating. Potassium chloride also causes digestive issues in dogs.
Disodium Inosinate: This is an addictive addition to imitation crab. This causes a burning sensation in the mouth and chest and a tight feeling around the area. This ingredient also affects the dog’s fur and skin.
What if My Dog Ate Imitation Crab?
The risks of consuming imitation crab include
Vomiting
Bloody diarrhea
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Increase in thirst
Inability to walk
Increased heart rate
It is always advisable to keep the food away from the dog’s reach or never buy it. If you find your dog eating imitation crab by mistake, never hesitate to call you to the vet immediately to avoid adverse effects. The dog may need hospitalization and a lot of fluids as treatment. If untreated, it may lead to death. However, follow the below steps without fail for an effective treatment.
Contact your vet immediately
Contact the ASPCA(Animal poison control center) helpline to determine the toxic reaction of your pet
Note down the ingredients list in the licorice package for any toxic ingredient like carmine
Seek medical attention at the earliest if necessary.
Alternatives To Imitation Crab
The healthy alternatives to imitation crab that can be fed to your dog as a source of protein include
Beef
Chicken
Lamb
Duck
Fish
Real crab meat
Frequently Asked Questions
Can crab meat hurt canines?
A natural crab meat will contain a large amount of proteins. This is good for dogs.
Can dogs eat crabs on the beach?
Yes, dogs can catch and eat crabs as they are not toxic and are full of protein, making them a healthy treat.
Can dogs eat imitation seafood?
Never. It is not real meat and should not be fed to dogs.
Can dogs eat imitation crab sticks?
Imitation crab sticks are made of ingredients like starch, crushed white fish, and unhealthy additives, and better avoid feeding your dog with imitation crab sticks.
Final Thoughts
Imitation crab is a mixture of processed white fish and preservatives. It is not crab meat but an artificial food that looks like meat. All imitation seafood is toxic for dogs and should be avoided entirely. Contact your vet to prevent serious illness if your dog eats large amounts of imitation crab.
