Can Dogs Eat Lobster? Everything You Need To Know

Yes, dogs can eat cooked lobster in moderation. It is packed with protein, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and omega – 3 fatty acids. In addition, lobsters help the dog keep his muscle healthy, reduce the chances of inflammation, and strengthen the joints and bones.

What is Lobster?

Lobsters belong to the Nephropidae family. Lobsters possess long bodies with muscular tails and dwell on the seafloor in crevices or burrows. Three of its five pairs of legs, including the first pair, contain claws that are generally much bigger than the others. Lobsters are commercially significant and one of the most valuable commodities in the coastal areas.

Is Lobster Safe for Dogs?

Yes, lobster is safe for dogs to eat in moderation. However, the dog must not consume:

• Lobster Shell: There are high chances of getting allergies to the shells. The shell is also very hard. Your dog might break it with his strong teeth, but it may injure the throat and stomach. The sharp edges might damage the digestive system and the esophagus. It will act as a hindrance to the gastrointestinal system.

• Uncooked Lobster: Uncooked lobster should not be consumed by dogs. It might have parasites, which will sicken your dog. 

• Seasoned Lobster: Seasoning any food is not recommended for a dog. Adding salt, pepper, butter, onions, garlic, etc., to lobster can be dangerous for dogs.
  

Why Lobster Is Good for Dogs

Lobster has various nutritious values, which makes it suitable for dogs to eat. It is packed with omega – 3 fatty acids, minerals, and other proteins. Lobster is also low-calorie food, which makes it brilliant for dogs to consume. Let us see how dogs get benefitted from lobster:

• Omega – 3: It helps in lowering the risk of inflammation and aids in overall health. It can improve cardiovascular functioning, kidney health, cognitive function, and arthritis.

•  Zinc: It keeps the joint healthy. 
  
• Phosphorous: It strengthens the dog’s bone.
  
• Magnesium: Magnesium helps in absorbing minerals and vitamins. 
  
• Protein: Protein helps in keeping the dog’s muscles healthy.
  
• Vitamin E: This also helps in improving cardiovascular functioning, enhances the immune system, and develops strong muscle. 
  
• Vitamin B12: It is very vital for a dog’s nervous system and brain functioning. It also helps in the growth of blood cells. 
  
• Selenium: It protects antioxidants present in the body, improves the thyroid hormone metabolism, and helps in the proper functioning of the immune system. 
  
• Copper: Improves the connective tissues, collagen, and myelin. It also helps in the formation of bones and absorbs iron.Copper helps prevent anemia in dogs. 

Why Is Lobster Bad for Dogs?

Although there are benefits of lobster for dogs, we must not overlook the downsides of lobster, which are:

• Excessive Sodium: Lobsters naturally contain 5% of pure sodium, which triggers the loss of bone mass, which is osteoporosis. It also causes high blood pressure. High blood pressure starts kidney issues in dogs. In addition, it can lead to sodium ion poisoning.
  
• Obesity: Consuming too much lobster may also lead to obesity. Obesity, in turn, leads to heart attacks and joint complications. Symptoms of Obesity include:

1. Lethargic and inactive. 
2. Incapable of movement. 

• Shocking hazards: If your dog consumes lobster shells accidentally, there are high chances he will suffocate to death. 
  
• Cholesterol: It leads to pancreatitis, caused by the inflammation of pancreas and can also be the reason behind the dog’s death. 
  
• Allergies: Dogs might also face allergies after feeding upon lobsters. Lobsters cooked without proper cleaning contain parasites, which may have the following effects on dogs: 

• Skin infection
• Ear infection
• Runny nose and eyes
• Itching skin
• Hair loss
• Hives
• Obsessive licking and chewing of the feet

• Mercury Content: Lobsters contain mercury which is dangerous for dogs. It might lead to Coma and even death. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include:
  • Kidney damage
  • Blindness
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Vomiting blood
  • Stomach ache
  • Tremors and convulsions
  • Numbness in paws

How Much Lobster to Feed Your Dog

You can feed lobsters to your dog in moderation as occasional treats. Small dogs can eat only 2 bites of lobster once in two weeks. A healthy dog can eat 2-5 bites of lobster once every two weeks. Do not offer your dog lobster if your dog has any underlying health conditions. 

How to Feed Your Dog Lobster

Choose fresh lobster from the market to avoid health issues. Remember to clean the lobster a few times thoroughly to get rid of harmful parasites. Remove the shell from the lobster as it is dangerous for the dog to consume. Let the meat on steam or boil it until adequately cooked. Do not give raw or uncooked lobster to your dog as it might lead to many health issues from stomach upset to skin rashes to even death. While cooking the lobster, no seasonings should be added—dogs like plain and unseasoned food. 

What If My Dog Ate Lobster?

If your dog accidentally consumed lobster, you must first check whether he has consumed raw lobster along with or without the shell or if he has consumed cooked lobster. 

The consequences your dog might face after consuming lobsters are:

• Licking and scratching
• Bald spots
• Itching
• Hot spots
• Inflammations
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Ear Infections
• Stomach cramps
• Lethargy
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Blindness

If your dog shows any of the given symptoms, you must immediately visit a veterinarian. 

Alternatives to Lobsters

Generally, your dog doesn’t need seafood in his diet. Still, if you want to feed him seafood by avoiding lobster, you can consider the following healthy options:

• Crab
• Clams
• Tuna
• Shrimp
• Salmon

Ensure to serve these in moderation as occasional treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dogs Eat Lobster Meat?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked lobster meat as it provides calories. In addition, it possesses other minerals in vitamins. The lobster meat should be cooked appropriately without any seasonings. 

Can Dogs Eat Lobster Tail?

Yes, dogs can eat the meat inside the lobster tail. However, the shell present above as the covering must be removed as it is hazardous for the dogs. 

Is Lobster Scrap Safe for Dogs?

No, lobster scraps are not safe for dogs to consume. The scraps also contain the lobster shell, which is why a dog should not consume lobster scraps. 

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp and Prawn?

Yes, dogs can eat shrimp in moderation if the shell is removed and cooked with seasoning. It will enhance your dog with Vitamin B 12, Protein, Mineral, and Omega – 3 fatty acids.

Can Puppies Eat Lobster?

No, puppies cannot eat lobster until they are introduced to human foods. Their stomach is more vulnerable than that of an adult dog. 

Conclusion

We comprehend that cooked and unseasoned lobsters are safe for dogs to eat on rare occasions from the entire reading. Lobsters also contain vitamins, minerals, and omega – 3 fatty acids. However, too much lobster can lead to obesity, cholesterol, and fat in dogs. Raw lobsters can be deadly to dogs. As a responsible pet owner, look into all the possibilities of getting rid of the downsides of the lobsters.