If you have just brought home a new breed of dog, then it is obvious that you will be quite perplexed as to what you should feed him and what you should not feed him.
As a caregiver, it is your responsibility to keep a close eye on what you are feeding your dog because the slightest mistake could lead to serious health problems.
Additionally, when you introduce your pet to a new food, it is possible that you may not be aware of the allergens that may be present in that food item that may adversely affect the health of your dog.
Now coming to the query: Is it okay for dogs to eat lobster?
It is not an easy question to answer, so we’ll explore the pros and cons of feeding lobster to dogs.
What is a lobster? How do we eat it?
A lobster is a sea creature that has a long, muscular body and tails. This is a type of shellfish. Crabs are similar to lobsters, but lobsters are much more expensive and considered a rare treat.
When it comes to serving lobster, they are either boiled or steamed and then served in their shells. To eat lobster meat, it is separated from the shell using lobster crackers or lobster picks, and then it is consumed. Melted butter is often served with the meat, along with lemon juice. Lobsters are also used in making dishes such as lobster Newberg and lobster Thermidor, as well as soups, bisques, lobster rolls, lobster omelettes, etc.
Lobsters can be killed in many ways. A lobster is most commonly killed by placing it in boiling water after it has been frozen for a certain time.
You can sever the lobster’s body or split it horizontally. The lobster may also be killed or immobilized instantly before boiling by stabs into the brain (pithing).
Can dogs eat lobster? Does this pose any health risks?
Lobster meat contains a good percentage of protein, selenium, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, copper, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and vitamins A, E, and B12. Mental health is benefited by selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.
All foods (including lobster) that contain copper help prevent anaemia.
It decreases the risk of heart disease. It helps control diabetes. It helps reduce obesity.
However, the real question is, can this be eaten by your dog? With great advantages, there are some downsides to lobster meat as well.
According to experts, lobster is not a good choice of food for dogs.
Raw lobster contains internal parasites and bacteria, so your dog should only consume cooked lobster.
Consumption of lobster might also lead to dogs developing food allergies, such as allergies related to the consumption of shellfish. This is common in humans as well.
If your dog has never had lobster before, you should start by giving him a small portion and watching him closely for a few hours to see if he experiences any adverse reactions.
Does this pose any health risks?
The consumption of lobster meat has some health benefits, but it also contains fats and cholesterol. A high-fat diet can cause your dog to develop pancreatitis, which may lead to death if left untreated.
Although lobster does have many nutrients and vitamins, it also contains a lot of sodium. Intake of excess sodium (salt) will first make your dog feel thirsty in short intervals of time, which will result in higher consumption of water, which will lead to bloating. This will end up with your dog not eating the required quantity of food that its body needs to function properly.
Excessive salt intake for long periods might eventually lead to sodium poisoning as well as kidney failure.
Feeding your dog lobsters can result in several fatal risks. Dogs may exhibit symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Fever
- Signs of Anxiety
- Seizures
- Presence of blood in vomit
- Diarrhea with the presence of blood
- Numbness in hands and feet
- Tremors and convulsions
- Kidney damage
- Pain in the stomach
- Blindness
- Coma
- Ataxia (loss of muscle control)
Therefore, it’s better and safer to avoid feeding your dog lobster.
What happens when my dog eats lobster shells?
Dogs are always curious about their surroundings and also love to eat. In this way, they will try to eat anything, including things you don’t want them to eat. So, what is a dog owner supposed to do when the dog digs through the garbage and eats the lobster shell that they find?
A dog of a larger breed tends to break the shells more safely and effectively than that of a smaller one.
Generally, dogs with sharp teeth are more likely to be able to break the shell easily, and while trying to eat it, they might end up choking on it.
It is also possible for a sharp edge to cause internal damage to the stomach or affect the digestive system.
In addition, pieces can cause blockages in the gastrointestinal system, which can lead to serious health issues.
The consumption of lobster shells may cause dogs to vomit or be lethargic. In such scenarios, veterinary professionals suggest stopping the food for 12 hours and then feeding the dog a plain rice and chicken meal or even plain boneless chicken.
In any case, if vomiting persists, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Although some dogs can eat lobster shells without issue, this doesn’t mean your pet should eat them.
Conclusion
The benefits and disadvantages of feeding lobster to your dog are evident now. There is no doubt that lobsters contain a variety of nutrients to supplement not only your body but also your dog’s. But feeding your dog lobster can also result in some fatal health issues, as stated above.
If you are still planning to feed your dog lobster, then keep in mind that, firstly, it should be cooked properly. You should never feed your dog raw lobster.
Secondly, if you are feeding your dog lobster, then feed him the same in moderate quantity.
Feeding lobster to your dog should, however, be done with extreme caution since it might result in serious health-related complications that might prove fatal if not treated urgently.
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