Can dogs eat squid? Everything You Need to Know

Table of Contents

Can dogs eat squid?

No, raw squid is toxic for dogs! But, yes, cooked squid is safe for dogs in moderation. You can feed cooked squid to your dog in moderation lest it is served properly and safely. Squid is a fantastic source of nutrients, essential for the proper functioning of almost every bodily function of your pet.

What is Squid?

Squid are cephalopods in the super order Decapodiformes with elongated bodies, large eyes, eight arms, and two tentacles. Like all other cephalopods, squid has a distinct head, bilateral symmetry, and a mantle.

Is Squid Safe For Dogs to Eat?

Yes, squid is safe for dogs to eat as long as it is fed in moderation. This is because it contains a lot of benefits like better immunity, formation of red blood cells, and better heart health. However, the parts of squid which you should not feed dogs are:

Skin: The skin carries cholesterol which is not suitable for dog consumption.

Needle-like Spine: The spine of the squid is needle-like in structure. If your dog consumes this, it may get lodged into his throat, causing bleeding and puncturing the esophagus and intestinal tract.

Mouth: The mouth is the tentacles present in the squid. They are similar to parrot’s beaks and can cause serious harm to dogs.

Seasoned Squid: Foods that are seasoned are strictly prohibited for dogs to eat.

Raw Squid: Raw squid is poisonous for dogs. It contains mercury which leads to severe conditions in dogs.

Why are Squids Good for Dogs?

Cooked squids are suitable for dogs in moderation due to the presence of the nutrients below:

Zinc: Zinc plays an essential role in your dog’s diet as it helps maintain your dog’s good skin and fur. It also helps in building your dog’s immunity.

Copper: Copper helps in the formation of a dog’s bones. It also helps the body absorb iron, which helps in the formation of Red Blood Cells.

Protein: Squid is packed with protein which helps in the average growth and development of the dog. It also helps in building muscle and producing enzymes and hormones.

Potassium: In addition to proteins, squid is also loaded with Potassium which forms a healthy diet for your dog. Potassium will help keep your dog’s heart health in check and lower your pet’s risk of developing heart disease in the long run. It helps in keeping your pet’s heartbeat functioning normally.

Vitamins: Squid contains the necessary vitamins that are healthy and essential for dogs. It is rich in vitamin B3 (Niacin), which stabilizes your dog’s blood sugar levels, vitamin B12, B2, and Vitamin E that protects your dog’s heart. The presence of Vitamin B12 also helps the nervous system to be healthy. Vitamins also ensure that the skin and hair coat of your dog remains healthy and shiny.

Calcium: Calcium is a vital element of your dog’s diet since it promotes development, bone and tooth health, correct muscle construction and function, a strong heart, and a healthy neurological system.

Low-Fat Content: Squid is very minimal in fat and calories. This makes it a better protein source for your dog to ingest without risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, its minimal fat content is suitable for feeding your dogs without putting them at risk of obesity.

HDL Fats: Raw squid has healthy HDL fats. These fats provide energy to your dog and help in the proper functioning of the brain.

Why are Squids Bad for Dogs?

Cholesterol: Squids are high on cholesterol, which leads to:

Decreased appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of hair
Obesity
Weight gain or weight loss
Liver Issues
Kidney Issues

Mercury Poisoning: Mercury consumption in any amount is dangerous for dogs. Mercury poisoning causes:

Blindness
Kidney failure
Cancer
Coma
Seizures
Tremors
Death

Allergic Reaction: Feeding squid may cause allergies in dogs leading to severe conditions. Various allergies which a dog might face after consuming squids are:

Inflammation in throat
Inflammation in paw pads
Hotspots
Patches
Inflammation in eyes

How Much Squid Can be Fed to Your Dog?

As previously said, squids are safe for dogs to eat in moderation. Hence, it must be kept in mind that each dog has different dietary requirements, and all the dogs’ digestive systems will not react in the same way. Hence, it is essential to acquire the required knowledge about your dog’s body before deciding the amount of squid given to your dog.

What if My Dog Ate Squid?

If your dog accidentally ate raw squid, you must consult your veterinarian immediately and visit him for a checkup. The vet will provide medication and prescribe a bland diet for a week. Follow as directed.

If your dog consumed seasoned squid, provide your dog enough water to help him ease himself, and then take him to the vet for the following medicational procedures.

Remember to keep seafood out of your dog’s reach.

Alternatives to Squid

Although squid is safe for dogs to eat in moderation, it is recommended not to replace chicken and other dog diets for its protein. There are other better and safer alternatives for your dog. The alternatives are:

Steamed chicken
Chicken broth
Banana
Broccoli
Sliced sweet potato
Bite-sized apple

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dogs Eat Dried Squid?

Dried squid is not suitable for your dog as it is salty. Salty foods can upset your dog’s stomach and increase the amount of sodium content in the blood. This could potentially lead to dangerous health issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and coma.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Squid?

No, dogs should not consume raw squids as they may contain pathogens, bacteria, and a large amount of mercury, which is strictly prohibited for dogs to consume. It leads to mercury poisoning, kidney failure, liver failure, and even death.

Can Dogs Eat Fried Squid?

Fried food, in general, is a bad idea for dogs, with fried squid not being an exception. Fatty and greasy foods can lead to diarrhea and stomach ache in your dogs. In addition, if your pet eats too much-fried food, it can cause inflammation in the pancreas. It also leads to excessive production of enzymes, which can lead to your dog’s intestines being damaged.

Conclusion

Squid is rich in proteins and vitamins; it has them in abundance. This ensures the healthy functioning of your dog’s body. But keep in mind that it is not advisable to feed your dog with fried, dried, or seasoned squid – as it can result in severe health issues.