Can Dogs Eat Calamari? Health Risks of Squid for Dogs

“Calamari” is the Italian word for “squid,” but contemporary references are usually to the fried food—a common appetizer or snack. Sautéed or fried calamari rings are especially popular grilling recipes. To make calamari, chefs cut the body of the squid into rings and then season, batter, and fry the seafood.

Dogs can typically consume small amounts of calamari without suffering major health problems. Calamari can provide your pet with additional protein; however, such a fatty treat comes with the risks of rapid weight gain and other potentially negative health issues. You would do best to feed your dog calamari sparingly and only after weighing the possible health consequences—good and bad—carefully

Learn how infrequent, small portions of calamari (or fried squid) could benefit your dog’s health:

1. 1. Boosted immune system: Calamari contains riboflavin, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, and several antioxidants, which might fight free radicals in your pet’s body and reduce their risk of cell damage and infection from viruses and pathogens. Other benefits of consuming squid include high levels of essential minerals, like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.
2. 2. Increased muscle mass: The high protein content in calamari can boost your pet’s ability to recover after exercise and increase their lean muscle mass. Although calamari is a good source of protein, dog owners should not choose high-fat foods to supplement their pet’s diet. If it’s important that your dog consumes a high-protein diet, look for dog food or low-calorie dog treats that contain protein and significantly less fat.
3. 3. Reduced inflammation: Calamari contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for your pet’s joint health and brain function, as well as for reducing overall inflammation. Fatty acids can also reduce bad cholesterol in your dog’s body and, therefore, might reduce their chance of developing heart disease.

Although calamari is a protein-rich snack, you should consider these potential health risks before feeding the food to your furry friend:

1. 1. Gastrointestinal upset: Fried foods or cooked calamari with butter and other common seasonings can cause digestive problems for animals with sensitive stomachs. Additionally, while calamari is high in fiber (which can help your pet’s digestive system in small doses), large amounts can be challenging to digest and could lead to constipation. Never feed your dog raw calamari, which could cause severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal responses which might resemble common allergic reactions.
2. 2. Mercury toxicity: Calamari contains copper, a mineral that can improve your pet’s production of red blood cells; however, fried squid and other shellfish can also contain high levels of mercury, selenium, and other toxic metals. Common symptoms of mercury poisoning include abdominal pain, elevated blood pressure, and emotional instability.
3. 3. Pancreatitis: The fat content in calamari can lead to rapid weight gain and obesity in your dog if they consume too much too frequently. Canine obesity can cause severe stress on your dog’s joints, but it can also cause inflammation of the pancreas.

Certain human foods can cause adverse canine reactions, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.