Can Dogs Have Scallops? Are They Toxic?

You’ve just wolfed down a tasty dinner of pasta and lemon-butter scallops but couldn’t clear those last few bites. You then wonder, is it okay to share the leftovers with your canine friend (who has been staring hungrily at you and drooling as you eat)? Before you take the bait, find out if it’s a good idea to feed your dog scallops.

Dogs are curious creatures, and they love to try out new foods other than their regular kibble. Scallops are non-toxic to dogs. But the oils, seasonings, and sauces we love to add to them for that extra kick can mess up your furry friend’s tummy and health.

Did you know? Interesting Facts about Scallops

• Scallops are marine bivalve (with two shells) mollusks like oysters and clams.
• The scallops’ shells are connected by the abductor muscles- the edible part.
• Scallops grow on the ocean floor, but they can also attach to seaweed and rocks.
• Scallops are popular collectibles along most beaches because of their uniquely pleasing shapes and bright colors.
• Sea scallops are saucer-shaped with fluted edges, with the upper shell brown or reddish pink. The lower shell is white or cream.
• 5 to 10% of sea scallops are considered Albinos, with both upper and lower shells white in color.

Can Dogs Eat Scallops?

The short answer is yes. Scallops are safe, nutritious, and a tasty treat for your canine.

But there are three precautions you need to consider. First, only feed your dog adequately cooked scallops and never raw, sautéed or fried in oil. Second, if you want to give Fido scallops, ensure you add no oils or seasonings. Third, remember to feed them in moderation.

What in Scallops is Suitable for Dogs?

Scallops can provide Fido with some health benefits when properly cooked and fed in moderation. Keep in mind that only the orange and white parts are edible. The black stomach sac, frilly membrane, and shell are toxic.

When steamed or boiled, scallops are rich in protein, potassium, and magnesium sources. They are an excellent source of lean protein than most red meats. Protein in dogs is essential for building healthy muscles. It helps to keep your pooch energetic and lean.

Potassium is a crucial electrolyte that promotes proper nerve function in our furry friends. The mineral also helps prevent osteoporosis and kidney stones.

Magnesium is essential for absorbing other minerals and vitamins and supports a healthy immune system. Canines with magnesium deficiency may experience kidney damage, cardiac issues, and malnutrition. Scallops are also high in phosphorus, strengthening your dog’s bones and teeth.

Are Scallops Bad for Dogs?

When our canine friends are curious about “human foods,” we should consider a few basic questions before we think of sharing:

• Could this food be a choking hazard?
• Does the food contain added oils, salt, sugar, or seasonings?
• Could this food be toxic to pups? (Chocolate, garlic, onions, grapes, etc.)

A bite or two of cooked scallops won’t hurt your dog, but giving them a plate will undoubtedly cause problems. And we haven’t mentioned how the hard shell can cause havoc. It is a choking hazard to dogs, and biting or swallowing it can create sharp pieces that harm their digestive system.

Also, only feed Chewy properly cooked scallops. Avoid giving your pup raw and fried scallops since they are harmful to their health.

Chronic health conditions your canine can get from eating raw, fried, or excessive amounts of scallops include the following:

I. Digestive upset: Your fur baby’s stomach isn’t built to handle the ton of oils, butter, salt, batters, and seasonings used to prepare fried scallops. The extra oils can irritate your dog’s stomach lining and cause vomiting and diarrhea. In the long run, Chewy may come down with pancreatitis.

II. Shellfish poisoning: Scallops, like any other raw seafood, carry harmful parasites and bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, tapeworms, and roundworms, among others. Bivalve mollusks are highly likely to cause food poisoning.

When your dog feeds on scallops sourced from dirty or polluted waters or incorrectly cooked, they risk experiencing shellfish poisoning (PSP).

III. Salt poisoning: 1 ounce of cooked scallops, which is 39 calories contains 187mg of sodium. The recommended sodium intake for dogs is 100mg in 100 calories of food. And if your pup has kidney or heart disease, they require a low-sodium diet. So, regularly feeding your Fido too many scallops can put them at risk of salt poisoning.

Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, increased urination, excessive thirst, lethargy, decreased appetite, seizures, loss of coordination, and coma.

IV. Shellfish Allergy: Feed your dog a small portion and monitor their behavior. Your furry friend might be allergic to scallops since shellfish allergy is common among dogs. It can cause abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation.

How to Prepare Scallops for Your Dog?

If you intend to feed your dog scallops, it’s best to stick to an occasional piece or two. They should be thoroughly cooked with no seasonings. You want to kill all the bad bacteria and parasites without adding harmful ingredients like garlic, oils, and onions.

It would be best to never feed your four-legged friend any scallops preserved in cans because they are not healthy and can be toxic to your dog.

To get started:

1. Rinse a few scallops and scoop out the side muscle.
2. Add water to a pan, then steam the scallops for 6 to 7 minutes.
3. When the clear meat turns opaque, they are fully cooked.
4. Let them cool, then dice and serve.

You can also bake or grill scallops for Fido.

How Many Scallops Should a Dog Eat?

Only feed Chewy 1-2 small scallops each month as an occasional treat. Scallops should not replace your dog’s regular kibble since they don’t provide the primary nutrients in your pup’s diet.

Watch your fur baby closely for the next 24 hours after feeding to ensure they don’t suffer from any stomach upset or allergic reaction.

My Dog Ate Scallops. Will it be Okay?

A mouthful or two of scallops won’t kill your dog. Some dogs won’t even show any signs of a compromised digestive system. But puppies can experience adverse reactions since their stomachs are more sensitive to new foods.

Give Fido plenty of clean water to drink if they wolfed a sizeable chunk of your scallop dinner. Make them comfortable and keep them company since they are likely to experience stomach upset and need frequent emergency bathroom visits. Also, call your vet right away for further guidance.

Final Words

So, should you feed your dog scallops? Let’s have a recap. When carefully sourced, properly cooked, and fed in moderation, scallops are an occasional healthy treat for dogs. Raw scallops can cause Fido to have shellfish poisoning, while the extra seasonings and oils can upset their tummy.

Back to our question- yes, you can feed scallops to your dog. But the bottom line is they should be well cooked, and you should treat your dog only a tiny piece or two occasionally.

Further Reading:

• Can Dogs Eat Octopus?
• Can Dogs Eat Calamari?
• Can Dogs Eat Crab?
• Can Dogs Eat Squid?
• Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?
• Can Dogs Eat Fish?