Yes. Dogs can eat shrimp that is fully cooked, plain and peeled, with the shell, tail and vein removed. Keep it to one or two pieces as an occasional treat.

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?

Why

Shrimp is not toxic to dogs. The AKC notes that it is low in fat, calories and carbohydrates and supplies vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorus and antioxidants. PetMD adds potassium, magnesium, iodine and omega-3 fatty acids, and describes cooked shrimp as safe for dogs and puppies in small portions.

Shrimp is also high in cholesterol, and PetMD notes that it is high in sodium, which is why it stays a treat rather than a regular food. The real risks come from preparation: raw shrimp can carry pathogens, shells can cause choking or blockages, and shrimp is often cooked with butter, oil, garlic or onion.

What to watch out for

Shells, tails and heads, which can cause choking or an intestinal blockage
Raw or undercooked shrimp, which can carry harmful bacteria
Garlic shrimp, scampi and other dishes cooked with garlic or onion
Fried, breaded, tempura and coconut shrimp
Too much shrimp, given its cholesterol and sodium
Vomiting or diarrhea after a first taste, which can signal an intolerance

How to serve it

Boil, steam, grill or bake the shrimp until fully cooked, with no butter, oil, salt or seasoning.
Remove the shell, tail, head and vein.
Cut it into small pieces, especially for small dogs.
Start with a small taste and stop if your dog has an upset stomach.

How much?

PetMD suggests about half a medium shrimp for a dog under 20 pounds (about 9 kg), one for a 21 to 30 pound dog, two for a 31 to 50 pound dog, three for a 51 to 90 pound dog, and up to four for a larger dog, within the 10% treat limit.

Treats, including human foods, should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

Can dogs eat shrimp shells and tails?

Shrimp shells and tails should not be given to dogs. The AKC warns that shells can cause choking and obstructions, especially in small breeds, and PetMD advises removing the shell, tail and vein before sharing. Heads and legs are just as hard to digest.

Peelings left in an open kitchen bin are easy for a dog to raid. Bag them and put them in a covered bin. If your dog swallows shells or tails, call your vet for advice, and go in right away if your dog vomits repeatedly, strains, stops eating or seems to be in pain.

Is raw shrimp safe for dogs?

Raw shrimp is not safe for dogs. The AKC notes that raw shellfish can carry harmful pathogens, and PetMD warns that undercooked shrimp can cause shellfish poisoning from bacteria. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain, and PetMD advises seeing a vet right away if they appear.

Ceviche, shrimp sushi and shrimp cocktail made from raw shrimp fall into the same category. Frozen shrimp sold raw needs to be cooked through before sharing, and precooked shrimp should be plain, with no seasoning listed on the label.

Shrimp dishes to keep away from your dog

Shrimp as people eat it rarely comes plain. PetMD notes that coconut shrimp, shrimp tempura and sautéed shrimp contain added ingredients that are unhealthy for dogs and can upset the stomach, and the AKC says fried or breaded shrimp adds fats and oils dogs do not need. Do not share:

Garlic shrimp, shrimp scampi or anything cooked in garlic butter
Stir-fries, fried rice, curries and noodle dishes, which often contain onion or garlic
Fried, breaded, battered, tempura or coconut shrimp
Shrimp with cocktail sauce, spicy sauces or creamy sauces
Shrimp chips and shrimp crackers, which are salty snacks

Common questions

Is shrimp good for dogs?

Yes, as an occasional treat. Shrimp is not toxic to dogs. The AKC notes that it is low in fat, calories and carbohydrates and supplies vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorus and antioxidants.

Is shrimp bad for dogs?

Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: shells, tails and heads, which can cause choking or an intestinal blockage.

Are dogs allowed to have shrimp?

Yes. Boil, steam, grill or bake the shrimp until fully cooked, with no butter, oil, salt or seasoning.

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Sources

PetMD. Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?
American Kennel Club (AKC). Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.
American Kennel Club (AKC). “Can Dogs Eat…?” article series.

If your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Do not wait for symptoms. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).