Can Dogs Eat Crawfish? 3 Health Benefits of Crawfish for Dogs

Yes, dogs can eat cooked crawfish in moderation if you remove the shell. Crawfish (also known as crayfish, crawdads, or mudbugs) are freshwater crustaceans. The shellfish is popular in crawfish boils, a signature dish throughout the southern United States, particularly in Louisiana. You can add crawfish to dog food to provide nutrients like calcium and omega-3 fatty acids, but never feed your dog raw crawfish as it can contain dangerous bacteria. Smaller dogs or pets with sensitive stomachs can get sick from too much seafood, and some may have a shellfish allergy.

Boiled crawfish can add essential nutrients to your dog’s diet. Crawfish provides:

1. 1. Beneficial fatty acids: The omega-3 fatty acids in crawfish can help keep your dog’s heart healthy. They can also support your dog’s brain development and reduce inflammation.
2. 2. Healthy protein: You can feed crawfish to your dog as a low-calorie source of protein.
3. 3. Plenty of vitamins and minerals: Crawfish has plenty of beneficial vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that help keep your dog healthy. Adding crawfish to your dog’s diet in small quantities can help provide magnesium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin, and calcium.

While crawfish can be a nutritious dog treat in moderation, there are factors to consider before offering it to your pet. Crawfish can be dangerous because:

1. 1. Cooked crawfish can contain dangerous seasonings. Some crawfish dishes call for seasonings that endanger dogs. For example, Cajun seasoning contains garlic and onion powder, and too much salt can upset your dog’s digestive system.
2. 2. Raw crawfish contains dangerous bacteria. Never feed your dog uncooked crawfish, and be sure to cook crawfish meat thoroughly before serving it to your pet. All types of raw shellfish, including lobsters and crayfish, can carry harmful pathogens and bacteria, which can lead to shellfish toxicity and symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
3. 3. Shells can be a choking hazard. Crawfish shells can become lodged in your dog’s throat or lead to an intestinal blockage if your dog eats them. Crawfish heads and crawfish tails are also risks. If you believe your pet has a blockage in their digestive tract, monitor them for constipation or symptoms of an upset stomach. A veterinarian may have to use hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting in severe cases.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, 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.