Can dogs eat oysters?

Yes! Absolutely you can feed oysters to your dog but they should always be served cooked. Oysters are an excellent source of protein for dogs and are a healthy food rich in various minerals. Nutrient-rich, it provides numerous health benefits, including boosting immunity, healthy joints, and providing energy. They can be prepared in various ways, such as steamed or boiled. Simply ensure that you never let your dog get into a raw oyster as they cause a high risk of salmonella or norovirus infection for our little furry friends.

What are the health benefits of feeding oysters to my dog?

Oysters are a low-calorie, great source of protein that is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and various minerals beneficial to a dog's health. This is a good alternative for dogs that are allergic to other common sources of protein, such as chicken or beef.

It is rich in minerals such as omega 3, zinc, iron, and selenium, making cooked oysters a great healthy snack if fed in moderation.

Key nutritional facts for feeding dogs oysters

• Protein

  Oysters are rich in protein which helps provide plenty of essential amino acids that help promote muscle growth and produce energy.

• Omega-3

  Omega-3 fatty acids are known to help your dog's skin and coat, as well as promote heart health and provide inflammation relief.

• Minerals
  • Zinc:

    Zinc is a mineral that plays an important role in metabolic activities in the body. It strengthens the immune system and helps skin and hair health.

  • Iron:

    Iron is an essential mineral that oxygenates the body and plays an important role in maintaining energy levels.

  • Selenium:

    Selenium is an important mineral that regulates thyroid function and supports the immune system.

  • Calcium:

    Calcium helps to promote bone growth and teeth health.

• Taurines:

  A type of amino acid that supports heart health.

How to prepare oysters for my dog 

When feeding oysters to your dog, preparing them properly is essential. Never feed raw oysters to your dog to avoid harmful bacteria, salmonella, or risk of norovirus infection. You should also deshell the oyster thoroughly to avoid choking hazards the bits of the shell can cause.

Prepare fresh oysters by either boiling or steaming them and cutting them into small bite-sized pieces. If you are feeding oysters for the first time, sample one piece first and monitor for an allergic reaction. If any common signs of allergy appear, immediately contact your vet and avoid oysters entirely. You never want to season or add any extra potentially harmful ingredients to oysters when feeding them to your dog. Many spices and seasonings tend to be harmful to your pet's stomach and can cause digestive symptoms if consumed.

Risks when feeding oysters to your dog

Can dogs eat raw oysters?

As disclosed earlier, raw oysters have risk factors such as salmonella and norovirus infections, so it is essential that you cook them before feeding. It can be safely fed if cooked by heating for more than 1 minute at a temperature of 185℉~194℉ or higher.

Potential toxin in fish and shellfish to be aware of

Fish and shellfish can ingest dinoflagellates, which contain toxins from the sea, and cause sickness in humans and dogs. Depending on the temperature and storage, paralytic shellfish poisoning can occur, so fresh oysters must be fed in season.

Food allergy

Seafood allergy is rare in dogs, but it can still happen. It is recommended to give a small amount of any new food to your dog to be tested and monitored for signs of allergy. If your puppy shows any signs of an allergy, it is recommended to stop feeding and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Signs of an allergic reaction to look out for:

• Skin problems: hives, facial swelling, itchiness
• Digestive problems: vomiting and diarrhea
• Shortness of breath

Can I feed fried oysters and other oyster dishes to my dog?

It is not recommended to feed oysters cooked for human consumption to pets, especially ones that are heavily seasoned or cooked in oil. Fried oysters are not suitable for dogs to eat due to their high-fat content, and other dishes using oysters typically contain seasonings such as salt which is not healthy for pet consumption.

Curious about other foods you can give your dog other than oysters?

Does your dog also look up at you with those puppy dog ​​eyes whenever you are snacking on something? You know foods like chocolates should not be shared with them but do you search the Internet every time if it's okay to share a bite of whatever you are eating? The Buddydoc Food Dictionary provides information on hundreds of foods that we consume and informs you whether it is safe for them to consume and the nutritional benefits for your pet. If you're curious about other foods, try searching on Buddydoc!