Fried calamari, or squid rings as they’re more commonly known, are delicious to most people and can be found in almost every seafood restaurant. That doesn’t mean they’re suitable for dogs, though. So, what happens if your dog eats fried calamari? What do you need to know about serving squid to your pup? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this tasty treat and if your dog can eat it!
Can Dogs Eat Fried Calamari? Everything You Need to Know
If you’re on the fence about whether or not your dog can eat fried calamari, it might be because you’ve heard conflicting information about whether or not it’s okay for your dog to have seafood. If you want to know more about how dogs eat fried calamari, read on, and I’ll tell you everything you need to know about seafood and fried calamari and whether or not dogs can have them.
What Is Fried Calamari?
First, let’s get something straight: calamari is NOT squid. Squid is a genus of saltwater animals—including cuttlefish and octopus—and is not one species in particular. The food that we know as fried calamari has two names: fried squid, when referring to whole bodies, and calamari, when referring to squids’ tentacles. Both are delicious, but can dogs eat fried calamari? The answer depends on what kind of calamari you’re offering as a treat. And it also depends on what kind of dog you have at home!
Is it Good for Dogs?
Before you feed your dog fried calamari, it’s best to understand if it is healthy for them. Like most seafood, there are a few things you need to consider before making a decision. First, look at how it was prepared; some types of seafood can be toxic when improperly cooked, and not every piece is fully cooked even if it came out of a restaurant kitchen. It might not be as apparent as lobster or fish on a grill. Still, chefs don’t always prepare everything evenly, and cooking seafood (especially deep-fried foods) in vegetable oil can leave carcinogens behind that aren’t healthy for dogs.
How Much Is Too Much?
Pets who regularly eat fried foods (or anything high in fat) are at risk for obesity and heart problems. AsDon’teed your pet something you wouldn’t eat yourself. as a rule of thumb, while most dogs can handle a treat or two now and then, fried calamari is not a regular meal fit for man’s best friend. If you must give your dog fried calamari as an occasional snack or as part of their normal diet, watch out for signs of overheating, such as vomiting or excessive drooling—if these symptoms appear, it could indicate that your dog ate too much!
How Long Will It Take For My Dog To Digest This Meal?
The truth is that nobody knows for sure how long it will take your dog to digest a meal, but it varies depending on his weight, his metabolism, and several other factors. Smaller dogs tend to burn energy faster than larger ones, so their meals will digest more quickly; larger dogs naturally have slower metabolisms. A well-cooked meal will also be more leisurely for your dog’s body to process than a fried or spicy one. The general rule of thumb is that a large meal takes 24 hours to digest completely; smaller meals may take as little as six hours if cooked well. Please talk with your vet about any specific concerns or medical conditions your dog has before deciding whether he can eat calamari.
What Else Should I Watch Out For When Feeding My Dog Fried Squid?
The biggest issue with feeding your dog fried squid is that it contains an ingredient called monosodium glutamate, which can be very dangerous for canines. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that gives food an extra umami kick. It’s found in many condiments and sauces, like soy sauce and some meat-based broths. Still, it’s also commonly used in foods you wouldn’t necessarily expect canned soups and veggies, salad dressings and mayonnaise, breakfast cereals, frozen pizza—you name it. In larger quantities, MSG can trigger reactions similar to those seen with gluten intolerance in people with celiac disease or wheat allergies in humans; nausea and vomiting are the most common complaints.
Is raw squid safe for dogs, too?
Although squid itself is a good source of vitamin B-12, omega-3s, and iron, it has one major drawback: tentacles. As soon as cooked or raw calamari hits your dog’s stomach, its super-strong tentacles can trap food between them and cause bloating. This could also obstruct your pup’s intestines, which can be extremely painful and even life-threatening. In short: don’t give squid to dogs. Raw or cooked—it doesn’t matter; both are unsafe for pets.
How does cooking impact squid’s safety for dogs?
Your dog can eat fried calamari, but it’s essential to watch for signs of food allergies. If your dog experiences hives, swelling, or other signs of an allergic reaction after eating squid, don’t give him any more squid or other foods you suspect might be causing problems. Instead, switch him over to a hypoallergenic diet and talk with your vet about appropriate allergy-relief medications. Most dogs do fine with fish, but some pups can have an allergic reaction that leads to stomach issues and may require special care. Your veterinarian will be able to help you determine whether your dog is at risk for an allergic reaction to avoid further complications down the road.
Additional Tips for Giving Squid to Dogs
Always confirm that your dog is okay with squid before serving. Squid can be highly allergenic and cause dangerous, even deadly, consequences in some dogs. Don’t give too much squid at once; make sure your dog isn’t gorging on calamari instead of regular meals. It’s good to provide small amounts of squid and see how your dog reacts before giving them more. If they have an allergic reaction, such as vomiting or diarrhea, seek medical help immediately!
