Can Dogs Eat Calamari (Squid)?
Yes, dogs can eat calamari (aka squid!). When you prepare calamari for your dog, it’s good to know that this seafood is generally safe and not toxic. Unlike some other seafood, calamari doesn’t have high levels of mercury.
When it comes to calamari (just a fancy Italian name for squid, by the way), the main thing to watch out for is how you prepare it. In my home, we absolutely adore it and live for grilled calamari with garlic and lemon juice! But when I give it to my dog, I always do that before I add the dressing.
It’s not like I can spend every day in the Mediterranean soaking in the sun and enjoying fresh calamari! I really don’t have access to a lot of fresh seafood, but depending on where you live, if you can buy and make fresh grilled squid, then I envy you!
Jokes aside, what we mostly shop for in supermarkets is frozen, battered calamari that we destroy by deep frying and adding lots of salt. Don’t get me wrong, I sometimes love to indulge, but that’s not the type of food I share with my dog. Deep-fried, battered calamari is definitely not dog food, so if you only eat that, you can share a piece or two with your dog, but don’t give them table scraps or leftovers!
Is calamari (squid) safe for dogs?
Yes, calamari is safe for dogs! Calamari, or squid, has a mild taste and tender texture that many dogs enjoy. It’s an excellent protein source, and it’s rich in vitamins and minerals. As a lean protein, calamari can support your dog’s muscle development and overall health, so there’s really no reason not to share with them.
Fish and seafood, in general, are considered super healthy food, and they are full of health benefits for dogs. They are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which will make their coat and skin healthy, reduce inflammation, and support heart health. We already wrote about how oysters are good for dogs because they are rich in zinc and other essential nutrients. We also mentioned that we love sharing scallops with our dog, even though they are crazy expensive here.
We have already said that the preparation method makes a difference, so let’s analyze the most popular calamari dishes and see if they are safe for our gourmet-loving dogs.
Types of calamari and whether they are safe for dogs
Dried squid
Dried squid is usually processed by air drying or smoking, and it often contains a lot of salt. You can find dried squid in Asian supermarkets or specialty stores. While nothing bad will happen from your dog eating one piece, be cautious with dried and smoked squid because it’s salty and can make them very thirsty. Remember, it makes a big difference if you’re giving it to a Chihuahua or a Labrador – the size and tolerance of your dog matter.
Cooked squid
Cooked squid, or calamari, is generally safe for dogs, but how you cook it is important. We know garlic is a favorite companion here, but garlic is not good for dogs and can even be toxic. So, if you want to share cooked squid with your dog, make sure it’s plain and without any seasoning that could harm them.
Squid ink
Squid ink is often used in gourmet dishes and pasta, giving it a unique flavor and color. While squid ink is not toxic to dogs, it’s best to avoid giving it to them. The unique taste and possible additives in dishes with squid ink may not sit well with your dog’s stomach.
Grilled squid
Grilled squid is one of the better options if you want to share this treat with your dog. Just make sure it’s plain and not seasoned with anything bad like garlic or heavy spices. Grilled squid retains most of its nutritional benefits and is a super nice treat for your dog.
Fried calamari
Fried calamari, especially when deep-fried and battered, is not healthy for dogs. The grease and batter can be too heavy and fatty, making it a poor choice for your dog’s diet. It’s best to avoid giving your dog fried calamari to keep them healthy and happy.
Can dogs eat raw squid?
You really shouldn’t give raw squid to your dog. At least not all the time! In Japan, raw squid is very popular for sashimi or sushi toppings, and many people do give their dogs raw squid. A piece here and there won’t do any harm. However, it’s not that raw squid comes without a risk.
Thiamine is essential for your dog’s health. A study about insufficient dietary thiamine in pet food has highlighted the importance of adequate thiamine intake in dogs and cats. Dogs and cats cannot synthesize thiamine and therefore need it as part of their diet.
What does thiamine do for dogs?
Prolonged deficiency in thiamine can cause serious health issues in dogs, affecting multiple organ systems and potentially being fatal if not treated.
If your dog has eaten raw squid, I don’t think you should panic, but it’s important to avoid feeding it to them in the future as it can interfere with their thiamine levels. This is what we’re doing here: learning stuff so we can make better choices for our dogs.
Love, life, and fur forever!
FAQs
Is calamari toxic for dogs?
No, calamari is not toxic for dogs. It’s a healthy treat that some dogs adore. Feel free to share grilled or cooked calamari. However, avoid giving them fried, battered, or heavily seasoned calamari to prevent any health issues.
Can dogs eat raw seafood?
It’s generally not recommended to feed dogs raw seafood. If you buy it from a trustworthy shop, then you probably don’t need to worry about bacteria and parasites. But it all comes down to how you store it, and is it really worth the risk. Specifically, raw squid has thiaminase, an enzyme that can cause a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, leading to serious health problems. It’s much better to cook seafood before you give it to your dog.