Can Dogs Have Oysters To eat?

 

Dogs can eat oysters, but only if they are fully cooked. Raw oysters come with harmful bacteria that will hurt your dog. Raw oysters also might contain parasites that can be transferred to dogs through feces in the ocean water.

Some dogs may even be allergic to raw oysters but there are signs to look for. Below we will discuss if oysters and other kinds of shellfish are safe to feed your pet.

Can You Give Dogs Raw Oysters?

No, dogs should not be given raw oysters. Raw oysters contain harmful bacteria that can cause illness and injury, even death. Sickness is usually caused by norovirus, a viral infection transmitted through food or water contaminated with human feces. And while people often recover within days, animals aren't as lucky—norovirus in dogs is fatal 80% of the time.

Norovirus isn't the only food-borne illness that dogs can contract from raw oysters. Shellfish, like clams, scallops, and mussels, are filter feeders and may accidentally absorb harmful bacteria. Ingesting infected shellfish can cause things like food poisoning and biotoxin disease. A bout of food poisoning from contaminated oysters can result in vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and even death.

It's important to keep your dog away from raw oysters. This isn't always easy, especially when the dog is part of a crowd and there are no designated potty areas. If your dog is determined to eat something out of the ordinary, it's best to bring it home and keep an eye on things.
You can also give dogs cooked oysters and clams—just make sure to cook them thoroughly.

Are Dogs Allergic To Oysters?

There is a possibility that your dog could be allergic to oysters. Some of the proteins in oysters can cause allergic reactions in dogs. Symptoms of an allergy are similar to those of a food allergy, with scratching and itchiness as well as sneezing, coughing, and vomiting usually being one of the more common symptoms. Exposure to raw oysters, then, could cause an allergic reaction.

If your dog is having a reaction to oysters, stop the consumption right away and try to determine what caused it. Switching food brands could very well be the culprit so make sure that you do some research before you purchase any more of your dogs food.

What Other Types Of Shellfish Are OK For Dogs Eat?

The wellnessdogfoodblog.com says shellfish like scallops are ok for dogs to eat because they provide a number of essential vitamins such as B1, B2 and C and are low in fat. Scallops also contain vitamins and minerals that are good for your dogs’ bone development, reproduction, and eye health.

Clams are also safe for dogs to eat because they typically contain approximately 76% water, which is important because dogs have a high body water content. Dogs that are dehydrated are more susceptible to dehydration and will lose heat faster, leading to hypothermia.

Clams also contain a lot of protein which makes them great for building muscles and helping your dog maintain a healthy weight. They also contain a lot of vitamins and tons of B-complex vitamins.

Conclusion:

The short and sweet conclusion is that oysters are safe for dogs to eat if they're cooked. Feeding your dog oysters raw might cause health problems so it's best to be safe than sorry and use some caution.

As always, if you have any questions regarding how to cook your dog food, or what ingredients are healthy, you can always reach out to a holistic veterinarian instead of a conventional vet.