Can Dogs Eat Prawn Crackers?
Prawn crackers are comfort snacks for most of us that fancy Southeast Asian cuisine. Their texture and taste are very satisfying, and you may have them with different sauces or scoops.
As a dog owner, it will hit you that you aren’t the only one in your household that enjoys a bag of prawn crackers. Your furball cannot resist the relish of this snack and will want a share. It is easy to yield to the cute pleas for a snack from our furry friends.
Are prawn crackers safe for dogs? It is a common question for dog owners as they try to figure out whether they are on the right or wrong by sharing prawn crackers with their four-legged companions. Read on to get the answers you need.
What Are Prawn Crackers?
Prawn crackers are deep-fried snacks made by mixing tapioca flour, prawns, and water. The resulting dough gets steamed and then sliced before deep-frying. Sun-drying the dough is applicable at times for crispiness.
Monosodium glutamate and prawn flavorings are popular additives to enhance the taste and aroma of prawn crackers.
Are Prawn Crackers Safe For Dogs?
Yes, your dog can eat prawn crackers, though in moderation. You should check the ingredients of this snack to ensure it has no toxic additives, like salt and artificial flavors.
The Nutritional Value Of Prawn Crackers
Tapioca flour and prawns, prawn crackers’ primary ingredients, have various nutrients, like carbs, proteins, and minerals. However, the crackers appear to lack the high nutritional value of their ingredients. Therefore, your dog does not gain much from this snack.
Side Effects Of Dogs Eating Prawn Crackers
The following are the risks dogs face from eating prawn crackers.
Allergies
Prawns are the main culprit behind allergies. Tapioca is present in most dog foods and does not have many adverse effects.
Allergies to prawns may bring symptoms like skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and excessive drooling. Consult your vet if the reactions persist for more than 24 hours.
Toxic Additives
Different prawn crackers call for different ingredients. Some additives, like salt, MSG, garlic, and artificial flavors, can harm your doggo. You should avoid snacks with these ingredients if you share treats with your canine.
Risk of Obesity
This snack contains a lot of carbs; overeating may result in obesity and other conditions. Obesity in dogs is challenging to handle; thus, it is best to prevent it.
How Many Prawn Crackers Should Dogs Eat?
A handful of prawn crackers offered once in a while is good for your dog. Nevertheless, considering this snack’s low nutritional value, it is better to pass it. Overeating prawn crackers may make your dog sick, with signs like stomach upsets, mood change, and diarrhea.
Final Thought
Have you been sharing prawn crackers with your dog? Great! This snack is safe for your pup in moderate servings. It is not the most nutritious snack, but sharing it with your dog makes for a wonderful bonding moment.
Ensure your dog is not allergic to any ingredient in this deep-fried treat before giving it a piece. A wise move is to opt for healthy alternatives like carrots, apples, and bananas.
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