Can Dogs Eat Lobster?
We love sharing our food with dogs, so if you’re eating some lobster and want to share it with your dog, go for it. A small piece is totally fine. However, I can’t fathom the thought of someone cooking lobster for dogs every week as a regular thing! If that’s you—then good for you! Your dog is definitely enjoying the royal treatment. In my everyday world, lobster is a special treat only, and that’s how we treat it.
I’m not saying lobster is bad for dogs (and science agrees), but it’s a little bit expensive and unrealistic to buy and cook lobster for dogs.
When it comes to dogs eating fish and seafood, there are definitely some benefits. Fish is one of the healthiest proteins, rich in healthy fats like omega-3s, which are good for a dog’s skin and coat. Dogs can enjoy fish and seafood, and you can include it in their diet. That includes oysters, scallops, tuna, salmon, simple fish like tilapia, and even calamari—just make sure they’re cooked properly and without any seasoning.
However, when it comes to lobster, there are a few things to consider beyond just the price. Lobster is naturally high in sodium, which isn’t ideal for dogs, especially if they have any health issues like heart or kidney problems. Another reason why it’s not recommened to be a part of a regular diet.
What’s good about lobster for dogs?
Lobster can be a healthy dog treat if you give it in moderation! If you can afford it and live in an area where you can get responsibly and ethically sourced lobster—which means it’s caught in a way that’s better for the environment and supports local communities—you’d be happy to know that you can share a bite with your dog.
Minerals
It’s got some good stuff like zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium, which help keep a dog’s immune system strong and their bones healthy. Lobster also has vitamins like B12, which is great for their nervous system, and vitamin E, which helps keep their skin in good shape.
Protein
On top of that, lobster is a solid source of protein, which is key for maintaining muscles and overall growth. Plus, it’s lower in calories than some other meats, so it’s a nice option if you want to give your dog a protein boost without adding too many extra calories.
Dogs usually love lobster
And let’s be honest, lobster is pretty delicious, which makes it a special treat for dogs. The rich flavor can be a real hit, especially for dogs that love trying new things. While it’s not something we’d give them all the time, a little piece now and then can be a treat.
Be careful when sharing some lobster dishes with your dog
When it comes to sharing lobster dishes with your dog, you need to be extra careful. Dishes like lobster bisque, lobster rolls, and lobster mac and cheese might be delicious for us, but they often contain ingredients that aren’t great for dogs. For example, dogs can’t eat lobster bisque as it’s typically made with heavy cream, butter, and sometimes even sherry or wine, all of which can upset a dog’s stomach.
Lobster rolls are another dish that might seem tempting to share, but they usually come loaded with mayo, which is high in fat. Lobster mac and cheese is a double whammy—combining the high-fat content of cheese with pasta, which doesn’t offer much nutritional value for dogs.
If you’re regularly giving your dog these rich, high-calorie dishes, you will make them fat, and they will have some digestive issues. So, it’s best to stick to plain, unseasoned lobster meat if you want to share a little treat with your dog.
When you need to be careful?
While lobster can be a tasty treat for your dog, there are a few things you need to be careful about.
Lobster has a lot of sodium
First off, lobster is naturally high in sodium, which can be a problem for dogs, especially if they already have health issues like heart or kidney problems. Too much salt is never good, especially when you know that dogs can’t handle it very well.
What about raw lobster?
Raw lobster is definitely something you want to avoid giving to your dog.
We wrote about this before when we analyzed whether dogs can eat sushi, but raw seafood or fish is not a good idea. There’s a study about what happens when dogs eat raw seafood straight from the water, right off the shore, and yikes, it’s definitely not something we would ever recommend!
While there are some minimal chances that raw lobster will carry bacteria and parasites, raw meat is still harder to digest and can cause stomach issues.
Love, life, and fur forever!
FAQs
These are the most common questions; if you have any others, please leave a comment below!
Can dogs eat lobster meat?
Sure, dogs can eat lobster meat, but it needs to be cooked, plain, and given in moderation. Lobster is packed with protein and has some good nutrients, but it’s also naturally high in sodium, so you’ll want to keep the portions small.
Can dogs eat lobster tails?
Dogs can eat the meat from lobster tails, but make sure it’s fully cooked and you’ve removed all the shell. The shell is really tough and sharp, which could be a choking hazard or even hurt your dog’s mouth or digestive tract.
Can dogs eat imitation lobster?
It’s better to skip the imitation lobster when it comes to your dog. It’s usually made from processed fish with a bunch of artificial flavors, preservatives, and a lot of sodium, which isn’t the best for your dog, especially if you’re giving it often.