Dogs can eat lobster, but there are a few caveats. Before feeding lobster to your dog, it needs to be cooked and cleaned thoroughly. Feed only the meat of the lobster, no shell. Any shellfish that you feed your dog must be fresh. Older shellfish can go bad fast. Play it safe, avoid feeding your dog leftovers.
Can My Dog Enjoy A Lobster Snack?
Did your dog recently eat some lobster and you want to know if it’s safe? Do you enjoy eating lobster and want to share your favorite food with your dog?
Lobster may come with a high price tag, but don’t let that stop you. Can dogs eat lobster? Yes, in moderation, but only if you’re willing to foot the bill.
What Happens If A Dog Eats Lobster?
If your dog recently snacked on a piece of your lobster, it’s normal to worry about their health. Especially if it’s the first time that your dog has eaten lobster.
The good news is that plain, cooked lobster is safe for most dogs to eat in moderation.
Take note of any other ingredients used in the preparation of the lobster your dog ate. Spices, sauces, and other foods cooked with lobster could be toxic for your dog.
Supervise your dog for any signs of allergies or digestive upset.
If you notice any signs of concern, contact your veterinarian. Explain what your dog ate, including the amount and other ingredients. They will be able to direct you on the next best steps.
Effects of Eating Lobster on A Dog’s Health
Benefits of Eating Lobster
Protein:
Lobster is high in protein while still being low in fact, making it a healthy snack choice.
Dogs with a high-protein diet experience better lean muscle growth. Combine this with the fact it’s low-calorie, and it’s a great choice for weight loss.
The added protein will also boost your dog’s immune system and improve their skin and coat health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Many dog owners include omega-3 supplements in their dog’s diet. Luckily, for lobster lovers, this is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Benefits of omega-3 in your dog’s diet include:
- Stronger immune system
- Improved brain development in puppies
- Better heart and kidney health
- Reduced inflammation
- Lower levels of anxiety, depression, and hyperactivity
Vitamin E and Vitamin B12:
Lobster contains high natural levels of both of these vitamins.
Vitamin E helps to improve your dog’s heart health and provides a boost to their immune system. It also promotes the growth of healthy, strong muscles.
Vitamin B12 is an important vitamin for the healthy function of your dog’s nervous system. This includes their brain health.
High in Several Important Minerals:
Your dog’s body cannot produce many essential minerals. For this reason, these minerals must be part of your dog’s daily diet.
Lobster contains high levels of phosphorus, copper, selenium, and zinc. These work together to build strong and healthy bones. They also improve thyroid and immune health and strengthen collagen and connective tissues.
Copper helps the body to absorb iron effectively.
Risks of Eating Lobster
Sodium:
Lobster contains a lot of salt, as much as 5% of the lobster is pure sodium.
While your dog needs some sodium in their diet, too much can cause serious health problems. In extreme cases, sodium poisoning can be fatal.
Signs of sodium poisoning include:
- Excessive thirst or urination
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Loss of coordination
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Coma
If you notice any combination of the above signs, call your veterinarian immediately.
Cholesterol and Saturated Fats:
Lobster contains high levels of cholesterol and saturated fats. These can trigger a condition called hyperlipidemia (high fat levels in their blood). The condition is often connected with gall bladder or kidney problems.
High cholesterol can also increase your dog’s risk of obesity and pancreatitis.
Intestinal Parasites:
If lobster isn’t cooked well enough, it may carry intestinal parasites.
A common parasitic worm found in raw seafood is the kidney worm. When they reach the kidney, they cause inflammation and an increased risk of blockage.
Left untreated, they can spread to both kidneys and cause kidney failure.
Heavy Metals:
Lobsters, like other kinds of seafood, can also contain heavy metals like mercury. A small lobster treat isn’t going to cause significant risk. But, feeding large amounts of lobster can cause the mercury to build up in your dog’s body.
This can cause mercury poisoning, a life-threatening condition.
High levels of mercury can result in kidney damage, blindness, coma, and convulsions.
If you suspect any type of heavy metal poisoning in your dog, call a veterinarian immediately.
How Often Can You Give Your Dog Lobster?
While lobster does offer some great health benefits, don’t overdo it. Stick to giving lobster as an occasional treat.
This will help to keep the sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat levels in check.
Limiting the amount of lobster will also help to limit the risk of heavy metal poisoning.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Lobster?
Feeding your dog raw lobster increases the risks of intestinal parasites. These parasitic worms, such as kidney worms, are killed in the cooking process.
Lobster is not recommended for dogs unless it is fully cooked.
If your dog has eaten raw lobster, watch for signs of parasites. Contact your veterinarian to discuss your concerns.
Can Dogs Eat Lobster Shells?
Lobster shells are inedible for humans due to how hard they are and how difficult they would be to chew or swallow. The same is true for our dogs.
If your dog does manage to break off a piece of the shell, it poses a serious choking risk.
For those that do swallow a piece of the shell, their digestive system is unable to break it down. It can become lodged in the digestive tract creating a potentially life-threatening blockage.
If you suspect your dog may have eaten a piece of lobster shell, contact your veterinarian. The sooner they receive medical care, the better if there is an obstruction.
Can Dogs Have An Allergic Reaction to Lobster?
Like people, your dog can experience food allergies. The most common allergies are animal proteins, especially chicken and beef. But, shellfish is also a potential allergen.
There is no test that can identify food allergies. Instead, you have to try feeding new foods to your dog and watch for a reaction.
Common signs of a food allergy include:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive itching or licking
- Energy loss
- Aggression or sensitivity
Food allergies can range from minor discomfort to life-threatening.
If your dog starts to show signs of a food allergy, stop feeding the food immediately. Contact your veterinarian and share your concerns.
How to Feed Lobster to Your Dog Safely
Always consult with your veterinarian before feeding your dog new foods. They know your dog’s health and history. This allows them to give targeted advice for your dog as an individual.
If you are planning on feeding your dog lobster, the biggest concern is the way that it has been prepared.
Lobster for your dog should be fully cooked and free from any spices, sauces, or butter. While you may wish to spice your food, you should cook a plain serving if you want to share it with your dog.
Before handing it over, remove all shells or bones. Dispose of them in a safe, sealed container to remove the temptation to get into them later.
For first-time lobster eaters, only give your dog a very small amount. Watch for any signs of allergies or digestive upset. If this goes well, you can consider offering a little more.
It can also be safely enjoyed as an ingredient in canned dog food, dry dog food, or dog treats.
Keep in mind that there is too much of a good thing. Only give your dog lobster in moderation.
The Bottom Line: Can Your Dog Eat Lobster?
Going back to the original question: Can dogs eat lobster meat? Yes and no!
Lobster offers some great benefits for your dog, but there are also some risks to consider. If it is prepared plain, with no spices or sauces, and fully cooked, it is safe in moderation.
For those that love lobster, you can share a little lobster with your dog on occasion.
