Yes, dogs can eat calamari if prepared properly.. Calamari is not technically toxic for dogs, but a lot depends on how the calamari is cooked.
Breaded, battered and fried calamari is not a healthy food for your dog and eating too much of it could lead to canine obesity. Other seafood options like clams and scallops might be better choices than calamari for your dog.
As always, you must ask your regular vet before sharing any human food with your faithful pooch, including seafood. Here’s what you need to know about calamari and dogs.
When is calamari okay for dogs to eat?
There are a lot of nutritional benefits that come from eating calamari. It’s a low-calorie food that’s also high in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. Calamari also packs a lot of minerals, including zinc, iron, and copper. All of these can help to improve your dog’s heart health and immune system.
As a general rule of thumb, calamari is safest when boiled or steamed and cooked without additional spices or salt. If you’re preparing calamari for dinner, you can cook some plain for your pup and set it aside before continuing to cook your own in more flavorful ways.
When is calamari bad for dogs?
The main problem with feeding calamari to a dog is the method in which it is cooked. In general, it’s best to avoid feeding your dog raw seafood. Raw seafood can bring on gastrointestinal upset in your dog
You should also avoid feeding your dog breaded or battered calamari that has been fried. This is due to both the high fat content and the presence of extra ingredients and sodium in the batter. Eating too much fried food is not healthy for your dog and can lead to canine obesity.
The best way to feed calamari to your dog is to simply steam it. This way you keep some calamari’s nutritional benefits while avoiding the downfalls of fried food.
In general, it’s best to serve your dog a small amount of plain, cooked calamari as a treat or mix it in with their existing food rather than make it an integral part of mealtimes. Your vet can advise you on a precise amount that is safe for your dog to consume.
