Can Dogs Eat Calamari?

I’ve always been a fan of calamari.  And like most seafood lovers, I’m always excited to see calamari on a menu. There’s something about the texture and flavor that just makes it irresistible. Plus, as long as it is prepared right, it’s pretty healthy, so I don’t feel guilty when I indulge.

Not long ago I brought some calamari leftovers home and as I was putting them in the fridge, I thought about giving my dogs a bite when I realized that I needed to make sure it was safe for them first. 

After all, there are foods out there that are fine for humans but can be dangerous for dogs. Before giving them any new food, I research to make sure it is okay.

So, what about calamari? Can dogs eat calamari? The quick and easy answer is: Yes, dogs can eat calamari. Just be sure to only feed your furry buddies calamari in moderation and stay away from calamari that hasn’t been prepared in a safe manner for dogs.

Is Calamari Good For Dogs?

Calamari is a type of seafood that is known to have many health benefits. 

It contains high levels of potassium, vitamin E, B12, and B6. This makes calamari a good source of nutrients that are beneficial to your health. Potassium helps to keep your heart healthy, while vitamin B12 is essential for cell growth and development.

Calamari is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. This means that it can help to improve your cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation throughout your body. Omega-3 fatty acids are also known to be beneficial for cognitive function and brain health.

In addition to the many health benefits mentioned above, calamari is also a low-fat source of protein. This makes it an excellent choice for those dogs who need to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Dangers of Feeding Dogs Calamari

Dogs can get mercury poisoning from eating seafood.  This happens when they eat too much seafood, and the mercury builds up in their system. Luckily, calamari is low in mercury so it is rarely caused by calamari consumption alone.

Eating calamari can also be dangerous for dogs if they develop a shellfish allergy.  Symptoms of this allergy can include constantly chewing on the feet, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of fur.

Dog owners need to be aware of these symptoms so that they can get their pets the proper treatment if they do develop a shellfish allergy.

If your dog has eaten calamari and is showing any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Can Dogs Eat Fried Calamari?

One of the most popular ways to eat calamari is to bread it and fry it.  Whether it is served like this as an appetizer or on pasta, fried calamari is a tasty addition to any meal.

Though I’m sure dogs would love it.  They should not eat fried calamari. 

While the spices used in fried calamari can present their own problems for dogs, the breading and frying are what can cause major health problems.

Dogs should not eat fried calamari because it is very fatty.  The high levels of fat can cause pancreatitis, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

The high levels of fat in fried calamari can also lead to rapid weight gain in dogs.  Additionally, it has the potential to cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting.

Fortunately, calamari is a versatile seafood that can be cooked and prepared in many ways, some of which your dog can eat!

How To Cook Squid For Dogs?

Sauteing, roasting, stir-frying, and my favorite, grilling are all excellent ways to prepare squid.  The good news about all these methods is that as long as your flavor enhancers are okay for dogs, so is the calamari!

Just double-check that the spices, sauces, or whatever else you put on your calamari is also okay for your best friend to eat.  As long as those are good to go, you’ll have a healthy, tasty treat for your dog to have.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Calamari?

When it comes to raw squid, there are two rules to follow.  First, just like when you grill calamari, make sure the extras (sauces, etc.) you added are safe for your dog to eat. 

The next rule is to only feed your dog raw calamari that you would eat yourself.  Dogs can become very ill if they eat raw seafood that has started to turn bad.  It’s not a position you want to put your buddy in.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Squid?

Most commercially available dried squid has way too much salt and other preservatives for your dog to be able to safely snack on it. 

If you can dehydrate squid yourself and not use salt or anything else that will hurt your dog, then they could have some dried squid. 

Be careful with the quantity of dried squid you give your dogs though.  Dehydrated squid will lose water volume and appear smaller while still packing the same amount of everything else including things like mercury.

How Much And How Often Can Dogs Eat Calamari?

A dog’s diet should only be 10% treats or less.  This rule alone significantly limits the amount of calamari a dog should have. 

If you want to let your dog have a taste of fried calamari (not recommended) you’ll quickly use up that 10% just from the extra fat content.

Calamari cooked in other ways, such as grilling, can be given to your dog as a treat occasionally, a little at a time.  You don’t want to overdo it!

Summary: Can Dogs Have Calamari?

Can dogs have calamari?  In a word: Yes!  Dogs can eat calamari as long as it is prepared in a healthy way. Make sure your dog is only treated to calamari in moderation. 

As with all new foods, introduce calamari slowly and watch for signs of mercury poisoning and shellfish allergies.

Due to its high fat, fried calamari can be particularly harmful to your dog.  So, it’s best to not let your pooch have any at all.

Make sure the spices and sauces put on grilled, roasted, and raw calamari are safe for your dog to consume too.  Finally, remember to only let your dog eat raw calamari that is high enough in quality that you would eat it yourself.