Can Dogs Eat Mussels, Clams, & Oysters

Can Dogs Eat Mussels, Clams, Oysters, EELS? [Safe Seafood For Dogs]

Can Dogs Eat Mussels, Clams, & Oysters? Can dogs eat seafood? And if so, which ones are good and which ones should be avoided? Let us know what the answer is.

When we are at the table, it is impossible that the dog does not look at it; Whatever delicacy is on our plate, whether it is harmful to his body or not, his big eyes beg for food.

Seafood has a particularly pleasant smell, even for our dog; Let’s find out together if he can eat there.

Dog’s Diet

The dog, as most people know, is an omnivorous animal.

This gives us a double benefit: on the one hand, there are many foods we can share with a dog; On the other hand, it is always easier to make changes in your diet, while always respecting the nutritional needs of your body.

However, it should not be forgotten that meat is more important than other foods in a dog’s diet. It should occupy almost half of the menu of our beloved dog.

The remainder can be distributed among fish and plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. The importance of fish in a dog’s diet is often underestimated. In fact, it is usually a food that we associate with the figure of a cat.

Instead, the benefits it can bring to our friend dog are enormous. Of course, this may not turn into an automatic green light for every fish product; We should periodically evaluate the foods that are beneficial to your body and which should be avoided.

Which Seafood Is Safe and Unsafe for Dogs?

Dog-safe types of fish include:

  • Salmon
  • Whitefish
  • Light Tuna (Canned)
  • Herring
  • Cod
  • Whiting
  • Flounder
  • Catfish
  • Sprats
  • Hilsa

Unsafe fish include:

  • King mackerel
  • Albacore tuna
  • Tilefish
  • Shark
  • Swordfish

Which fish is not good for dogs?

Like raw eggs, raw meat and fish can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. Some fish such as salmon, trout, shad, or sturgeon may also have a parasite that causes “fish sickness” or “salmon poisoning sickness.” It is treatable but seeks help immediately.

Can I feed fish To dogs Daily? 

Too many good things can become a problem. Simple, cooked, steamed, or grilled fish is fine for dogs to eat in moderation.

As a general rule of thumb for portion control is to ensure that treats make up only 10 percent of your dog’s daily diet.

Can Dogs Eat Mussels?

The answer is yes, dogs can eat mussels. While there may be considerable skepticism about it, mussels are mollusks that fit into the group of edible and healthy fish products for four. In fact, dogs can eat fish like tuna but also shellfish.

In fact, mussels are an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals such as zinc, iron, and manganese.

Protein is known to help dogs maintain healthy muscles. Omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, strengthen the immune system by reducing the onset of inflammation and reducing the risk of diseases, especially heart diseases.

They are also known to improve the appearance of the coat by making it softer and more lustrous. On the other hand, zinc makes the joints healthier and stronger and reduces the risk of canine arthritis.

Whereas iron keeps energy levels high. Lastly, manganese helps the dog have a healthy and efficient metabolism.

How to cook mussels?

Dogs can eat mussels as long as they are cooked properly.

  1. First, clean the shell to prevent the dog from swallowing it, as is the case with pistachios.
  2. Then boil them to avoid adding the salt already contained in the seawater absorbed by the mussels. In fact, sodium, if taken in excess, is very toxic and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, excessive thirst, kidney problems, convulsions, and in the most severe cases, even death of the dog.
  3. Also, don’t add garlic or onions as they contain thiosulfate which is highly toxic to dogs.

Thiosulfate consumption is highly prohibited as it causes:

  • Anemia,
  • shortness of breath,
  • tachycardia,
  • vomiting,
  • diarrhea,
  • jaundice,
  • somnolence,
  • loss of appetite,
  • dehydration,
  • and abdominal pain in the dog.

Can dogs eat clams?

We find shellfish on the list of things to eat for a dog: in fact, dogs can eat clams. As we humans can make the most of it by assimilating useful nutrients.

Of course, this does not mean that we can feed the dog with clams every day: a varied diet is the first rule of thumb to make him feel good.

However, it is possible to grant them from time to time without hesitation.

Clams healthy food for dogs

It is well known that omega 3s are good for the human body. The same benefits are found in dogs, which is why our animals can eat clams.

In fact, these mollusks are rich in omega 3’s and more, containing other ingredients useful for a dog’s healthy development and prevention of certain diseases.

Benefits and tastes

Omega 3 are essential fatty acids that are useful for preventing and treating heart diseases and cholesterol.

They are mainly found in fish products. Their properties may also help reduce inflammation by reducing the risk of disease in dogs.

Zinc helps keep joints strong and healthy. Iron, on the other hand, always keeps energy levels high and magnesium helps with the absorption of other vitamins and minerals as well as being needed for certain bodily needs.

Omega 3, zinc, iron, and magnesium are all substances that we find in abundance in clams, which is why it is recommended for dogs to take them. This will only benefit your four-legged friend.

Can dogs eat Eel?

Yes, dogs can eat eel in moderation and if properly cooked. Eel is a source of protein and healthy fats, but it should be thoroughly cooked to eliminate any potential bacteria or parasites that could be harmful to dogs. Additionally, it’s essential to remove any bones to prevent choking hazards. Always consult with a veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog’s diet to ensure they are safe and suitable for your pet.

Benefits:

  1. Dogs can safely consume common eels when properly prepared.
  2. Eels are low in sodium and high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health in dogs.
  3. Eels are rich in essential vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B12, D, and E, as well as phosphorus.

Risks:

  1. Eel bones can pose a choking hazard if ingested, potentially causing gastrointestinal obstruction or injury.
  2. Eel blood contains a poisonous protein that can be harmful to mammals if consumed raw, leading to severe health issues or death. Cooking and digestion can eliminate this toxin.
  3. Eel skin is tough and slippery, increasing the risk of choking if not properly prepared.

Serving Tips:

  1. Thoroughly clean the eel, removing the skin and bones before feeding it to your dog.
  2. Never give raw eels to your dog; always cook them thoroughly.
  3. Offer eels to your dog in moderation and as an occasional treat.

Can dogs eat oysters?

When asked whether dogs can eat oysters, the answer is entirely positive, even though oysters are a food that is commonly eaten raw. In fact, oysters are an incredible source of zinc that is not only good for humans, but also for dogs;

This is because, especially, in dogs, it is good for the health of the furry’s skin, helps the immune system, and improves mood.

In addition to being a source of zinc, oysters contain important nutrients, such as:

  • fatty acids, omega 3 
  • Vitamin A, B12, C 
  • Football 
  • Iron 
  • Copper 
  • Magnesium 
  • Phosphorus 
  • Potassium 
  • Selenium 
  • Manganese

Also, fortunately, this food is very low in fat and for this reason, it is the go-to food for all dogs who need to lose weight.

What can’t dogs eat? 

  • Onions, Garlic and Chives. The onion family, dried, raw, or cooked, is particularly toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and damage to red blood cells
  • chocolate
  • macadamia nuts
  • corn cob
  • Avocado
  • Artificial Sweetener (Xylitol)
  • Liquor
  • Cooked bones.

Not all oysters are safe For Dogs

Having established that dogs can eat oysters, due to the presence of nutrients that may benefit the health of the furry, it is good to point out that not all oysters can be considered healthy for a dog.

Buying raw oysters from a fisherman can be counterproductive because raw oysters can be exposed to toxic algae called dinoflagellates, which can cause muscle problems not only in dogs but also in humans.

However, dogs with more sensitive stomachs than humans are at a higher risk of getting sick from this algae.

Therefore canned oysters are best suited for dogs; Canned oysters are cooked oysters and are characterized by the elimination of toxins in cooking.

In particular, Atlantic oysters are more recommended because they contain more zinc than other oysters.