Can Dogs Have Squid? Benefits and Risks of Squid for Dogs

Yes, dogs can have cooked squid as an occasional treat. Squid can provide beneficial nutrients for your dog’s health, but overeating squid can cause issues for your pet’s digestive system. Never feed a dog raw squid, as raw meat can contain dangerous bacteria that can make your dog sick.

Dog owners can offer squid in moderation as a source of nutrients to support their pet’s immune system. Squid is:

1. 1. A great source of protein: Squid adds protein to your dog’s diet and helps promote healthy muscle growth as they exercise. You can add a small amount of squid to homemade dog food to give your pet a low-fat, high-protein meal.
2. 2. Rich in beneficial fatty acids: The omega-3 fatty acids in squid can help prevent inflammation and alleviate joint pain in arthritic dogs. These fatty acids can also improve brain function and lower bad cholesterol that could lead to heart disease.
3. 3. Packed with nutrients: You can feed your dog squid to provide them with an excellent source of beneficial vitamins and minerals. Squid contains riboflavin, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, and several antioxidants, which might fight free radicals in your dog’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.

Feeding squid to dogs can pose health risks for your pet, including:

1. 1. Allergic reactions: Some dogs may be allergic to squid. Whenever you offer a new food to your dog, monitor them for an allergic reaction or signs of an upset stomach.
2. 2. Mercury poisoning: Squid contains copper, a mineral that can improve your pet’s production of red blood cells; however, squid and 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. Illness: Like other raw meat, raw squid can contain dangerous bacteria that may lead to serious health issues. Only feed your dog cooked squid; steam, boil, or bake the squid without seasonings.

The best way to serve squid to your dog is to cook it thoroughly. Steaming squid will preserve the most nutrients, but you can also boil, bake, or roast it. Never add seasonings like garlic or onion to squid, as they are toxic to your dog. You should also avoid serving your dog fried squid, such as fried calamari, as fried foods are full of fat and can lead to obesity.

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.