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Calamari is what we call the squid that we consume, and it is a mollusc; much like mussels and clams. It is a source of a range of nutrients and packs a real protein punch. When it comes to our canine friends, many forms of calamari are both safe and nutritious for them to eat.
Owners should be aware that certain types of calamari, like chili squid or squid that has been deep fried, is not going to be appropriate for sharing with Fido. This article takes a closer look at all of the ‘do’s and don’ts’ when it comes to the question ‘Can dogs eat calamari?’.
Squid belong to the class Cephalopoda, and are soft-bodied mollusks that live freely in the ocean. They swim quickly using jet propulsion and many scientists classify them as intelligent animals. When we eat squid, we call it calamari.
Depending on where you are in the world, some of the more common ways that calamari is prepared would include breaded and deep fried, shallow fried in fresh or dried chili and oil, boiled and added to a salad, or mixed into rice dishes like paellas.
They’ve got a bland taste and can be quite chewy, but this does not stop them being a firm favourite of many foodies and they typically feature on the menus of some of the top class restaurants and hotels.
Calamari contains high levels of protein as well as omega 3 fatty acids. They’re known to be good for their anti-inflammatory effects, and particularly for the benefits they provide when it comes to both brain and cardiac health.
They contain a range of micronutrients, including both magnesium and B12. Squid is also one of the few foods to contain a nutrient called choline, which is important for both liver and brain health. Indeed, this essential nutrient is often lacking in home made dog food diets.
Generally speaking, yes, dogs can eat calamari. As is true of most meat and fish, this is a great source of protein for these ‘nearly’ carnivores. For most dogs, it is best to keep the calamari plain and to only feed it in moderation.
When the calamari is battered and fried, this is no longer a good option for sharing with our dogs. Greasy food will cause a stomach upset in most, and can even trigger pancreatitis in those who are more susceptible. This is a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas that can make dogs unwell for many weeks.
Within the canine community, an allergy or sensitivity to calamari would be very rare indeed. This is in contrast to humans, where seafood allergies are quite common in adults. For dogs, they’re much more likely to be allergic to ingredients including chicken, beef, grain, peas, soya, and eggs. Still, there is the potential for any ingredient to elicit an allergic reaction.
Contrary to what some believe, calamari is non-toxic to dogs. Indeed, most fish and shellfish are a healthy source of protein for pet dogs.
Plain, cooked calamari is a lovely snack for most dogs. It should be unseasoned and boiled or grilled rather than fried.
While calamari is a lean source of protein, it can be quite rich and should not be fed in large amounts. As a rule of thumb, a small dog could have a few rings a week, while a larger dog could have up to 5 rings a few times a week.
There are certain ingredients that may be cooked into a calamari dish making it toxic for dogs, with the most troublesome being garlic and onion. Any member of the allium family is toxic to dogs and, when fed over a long period of time or in vast quantities, can lead to a type of anaemia called ‘Heinz body haemolytic anaemia’.
Another ingredient of concern would be chili. While not toxic for dogs, most cannot tolerate it, and it will lead to vomiting and diarrhea, alongside painful stomach cramps and gas.
We live in a world of rich culinary cuisine and there are many ways to cook squid! Let’s take a look at some of the best-loved, and check to see whether or not they’re suitable for sharing with our four-legged companions.
As mentioned, fried calamari is best avoided. Often this type of squid will be breaded and this breading will contain a lot of salt and may also contain chili flakes. The large amount of oil used to fry is very rich for dogs, and can both upset their stomach and trigger an episode of pancreatitis.
Both the body (mantle) and the tentacles of the squid are used in making calamari rings. The beak and gladius (skeleton) are chewier parts and are generally not eaten. While the squid ink is potentially edible, and can be added to rice and pasta dishes for people to enjoy, we typically would not feed this to dogs, and it could be too rich for some.
Yes, cooked is preferable to raw as the texture is easier to manage when it comes to chewing and swallowing. Boiled, baked, and grilled are some of the best ways to cook this delicious seafood for dogs.
TOP TIP: Do not over cook the squid, as this will make it excessively chewy. Just 2-3 minutes is all that is needed.
Cooking the squid prevents bacterial and parasitic infections from being passed on to the dog. Salmonella, Vibrio, and E. coli are some of the better known bacteria which can be found in raw squid. This is not only important for your dog but also for the humans in your household. That is because food poisoning is zoonotic, meaning your dog could make you unwell if they become sick.
Most would agree that calamari is classed as a healthy food, and this is true whether it is eaten by us or by our dogs. Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits of calamari for animals:
Squid is composed of around 15g of protein per 100g, which is a decent amount that can be used by a dog to both grow and repair their muscles. Having a protein rich diet is important at all ages, but particularly in those who are growing, as well as in active, working dogs, and in seniors who may be struggling to maintain muscle mass.
Though the protein content is small compared to fish such as salmon, calamari has quite a low fat content, making it a great choice for those who need to lose or maintain their weight.
Dogs need a good amount of omega 3 fatty acids in their diet for a wide variety of reasons. They contribute to a healthy skin and glossy coat, support brain development and even support heart health. Though some owners are now turning to supplements to get their dog’s daily omega 3 quota, sourcing it from natural foods is more natural and means your dog will benefit from the added nutrients in calamari, and the great taste too.
Squid contains about 100 calories per 100g when boiled and unseasoned. This is an ideal snack for dogs who are overweight or trying to maintain a healthy weight. Over half of pet dogs are above their ideal body condition score, and providing low calorie treats is a great way to support your pet during training sessions
Squid contains many other micronutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc. A real powerhouse, they provide the building blocks for many bodily functions and support all of the body’s cells.
Broadly speaking, calamari is a nice, safe food and comes with minimal risks, as long as it is prepared correctly. Owners should feel confident feeding their pets, as this is a great addition to any dog’s diet.
Most dogs tolerate calamari well, but there is the potential for a gastrointestinal upset, particularly in those who have never had it before or who have a sensitive stomach. Any signs that occur would tend to be mild and self-limiting, and can be managed from home with a bland diet and plenty of water.
If your pooch has never had any calamari before, only offer them a very small amount initially to ensure it is tolerated. If this small amount causes an upset stomach, it is best not to feed them calamari.
Squid has a lower mercury content than other seafood such as tuna and swordfish, but does still contain a significant amount. The exact amount of mercury in calamari varies greatly, but as long as you only offer it in a moderate amount, your dog would not be at any risk.
Signs of mercury toxicity can be vague and may include wobbly walking, a reduced appetite, tremors, and excessive thirst. It is not really something that is seen after seafood consumption in dogs, but can be seen after e.g. eating a battery.
If the squid is cooked in oils or butter, or if it is deep-fried, the high fat content will be too rich for most dogs to tolerate. If a dog has had an episode of pancreatitis (an inflamed pancreas) in the past, fatty foods must always be avoided, even in small amounts.
Certain breeds such as the Schnauzer and Poodle are genetically more predisposed to pancreatitis, and these dogs should also not be given any fried foods.
Immediate type (Ige) allergic reactions to foods are relatively rare in dogs, but can happen. Symptoms can include hives and itchiness, facial swelling, vomiting, weakness, and collapse. These signs would come on very quickly after eating the calamari, and this is usually after the first or second exposure.
Should a true allergic reaction occur, this is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary treatment. This may include the use of oxygen, steroids, and adrenaline. Of course, calamari must then be strictly avoided going forward.
Most dogs are good at chewing and swallowing their food and choking episodes would be rare. However, calamari can be a particularly chewy food. To minimise any risks, it is sensible to chop up the squid rings into a few, bite-sized pieces. This is especially important for smaller breeds and younger dogs.
If your dog has managed to snaffle some calamari off the floor or from your plate, you may panic that they are going to become unwell. The truth is, most dogs will tolerate this just fine. Even if the piece of squid was spicy, salty or deep fried, a small amount is usually going to be well tolerated.
Keep a close eye on your dog over the next day or two, to ensure they are eating well and that they do not develop a stomach upset. If you do notice any signs such as diarrhoea or vomiting, it is a good idea to starve them for a few hours before giving them 24 hours of bland meals such as chicken and rice.
Keep a close eye on your dog over the next day or two, to ensure they are eating well and that they do not develop a stomach upset. If you do notice any signs such as diarrhoea or vomiting, it is a good idea to starve them for a few hours before giving them 24 hours of bland meals such as chicken and rice.
As calamari is not a toxic food, there would be no need to call your vet or to try and induce vomiting. However, if your dog does become acutely unwell or starts to develop the signs of pancreatitis, you should call your vet right away. Warning signs would include persistent vomiting, food refusal, lethargy, and abdominal bloating.
While some owners opt for a raw diet, when it comes to seafood, the general consensus among vets is that it is safer and better for the dog if the food is cooked.
You’ll want to choose a cooking method that does not use oil and that doesn’t leave the squid too chewy or tricky to eat. Boiling and grilling are two great options. It is a good idea to clean the squid before cooking it but other than that, it really does not need much in the way of preparation.
Squid does not need a great deal of cooking, and will be ready after just a few minutes of being boiled. Be sure to cool it down before offering it to your hungry pooch, to avoid any oral burns.
Really, it is best to keep things plain and simple. Adding flavours like salt, pepper, oil and chili is a nice idea for humans, but is both unnecessary and potentially dangerous for dogs. These added ingredients are going to lead to a stomach upset, in even the most robust dog.
So, that sums it up. The verdict is in and calamari is a safe and yummy treat that you can prepare for your beloved pet and feed to them in moderation. Avoid adding extra oils or spices, and we recommend against breading the calamari or deep frying it. While cooking it in this manner can be tasty for people, it’s going to lead to a GI upset for your pets. It is best to serve it boiled, plain, and cut up. Your dog will thank you for it!
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