Crab cakes are popular since they’re crispy and tasty. However, as a dog lover, you may wonder if they’re safe for your pet to consume.
So, can dogs have crab cakes? And if not, so why not?
Let’s scroll down to find the detailed answer! I’ll explain everything about the dish in my article right now!
Can Dogs Have Crab Cakes?
No, you can not give crab cakes to your dog since they contain unhealthy ingredients causing stomach upset for your pet.
However, if you still want to serve your canine this type of meat, you can try plain crab meat that is well-cooked.
They contain helpful nutrients and are safe for your dog to consume.
What Ingredients In Crab Cakes Are Unhealthy For Dogs?
The main reason dogs can’t eat crab cakes is the food’s unhealthy spices and ingredients. They include mayonnaise, oil, and mustard.
Mayonnaise and oil are both fatty and can cause obesity, while mustard can lead to dog poisoning.
Thus, similar deep-fried treats like crab rangoon are also unsafe for your pet. It’s not to mention rangoons contain garlic and onion, which are toxic for a canine.
So, again, can dogs eat crab cakes? The answer is no.
However, you can feed your pet any plain form of crab meat, such as bake or boil. The dish is easy to cook and does not require spices or something harmful to your dog’s stomach.
And remember to stay away from imitation crabs or canned crab meat.
The first is not even real crab meat but is made of white fish (surimi), while the second contains lots of preservatives, possibly leading to animal cancer.
What Might Happen If You Give Crab Cakes To Your Dog?
Stomach Upset Risk
Raw crab meat has a lot of intestinal bacteria and parasites which are the number one reason for stomach upset.
Can dogs eat cooked crab? Yes, your pets can consume it, as the cooking process kills parasites and bacteria.
However, the meat should be well-cooked and added with no harmful ingredients such as onion or garlic. Otherwise, your canines may face stomach upset risk.
Infections
Dogs are vulnerable to a wide range of bacterial infections. And dangerous diseases also can happen due to bacteria if the food is not cooked well.
Thus, when you feed your canines seafood dishes, be mindful of unwanted situations.
Choking Hazard
Can dogs have crab legs? Any seafood dish in which shells and legs are not removed can result in a choking hazard.
Legs with sharp edges can be stuck in the pet’s throat.
If your canine swallows them, the situation may be even worse.
Their sharpness and tough exterior can pierce the internal organs, leading to interior damage such as internal hemorrhage.
In addition, crab leg shells can cause hard times for the pet’s digestive tract to break down and digest, thus creating a high risk of stomach blockage and impaction.
So, for the above reasons, I want to emphasize here again: Can dogs eat crab legs? The answer is a big “No.”
Obesity
Oil and mayonnaise in the recipe are not good for dogs as they can cause obesity.
Overindulgence makes your puppies gain weight and leads to other health concerns, such as bloating and high blood pressure.
Therefore, I advise you to keep the dish away from your dogs.
Allergic
Just like other seafood, crabs have a high potential to cause allergies. The allergic symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itching
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Watery eyes
- Facial swelling
- Loss of energy
- Intense swelling in the throat
If you observe any of these signs, especially the last one, you should call the vet immediately for medical attention.
Since allergies can lead to serious consequences, you’d better feed your pet in small portions first to ensure he reacts normally to the food.
Decreased Immunity
Bacteria and parasites in undone seafood are the reason for dangerous infections. As a result, the immune system of your canine will likely weaken.
Seek help from your vet to raise your pet’s immunity and eliminate the death risk.
Hypernatremia
Crab is known to have high cholesterol and sodium levels, causing digestive troubles for canines if they consume a lot.
An imbalance of electrolytes or hypernatremia can affect the dog’s health.
Due to hypernatremia, blood circulation is disrupted, leading to high blood pressure. It’s considered a sign of developing heart disease in dogs.
Iodine Sensitivity
Can dogs eat crab? If your furry friend is sensitive to iodine, then you should not let them consume the food.
It’s because the meat contains high levels of iodine, possibly causing lethargy, digestive upset, and diarrhea in dogs.
So, if you know your dog has symptoms of iodine allergy, don’t offer it at all.
If it’s the first time your pet has tried the dish, you need to be more cautious: Only feed small amounts first to observe the reaction to fresh crab meat.
Safe Tips To Feed Your Dog Crabs
Can a dog eat crab? Generally, yes, as long as you follow safety tips to feed your dogs. Here are some of my serving suggestions:
- Cook The Meat Well
Raw seafood is 100% unsafe for your dogs to eat.
The poisonous intestinal parasites and bacteria in uncooked crabs can negatively affect the gastrointestinal tract and lead to a severely upset stomach.
Thus, I highly advise you to cook the meat carefully before serving. The baking or boiling process will eliminate parasites or pathogens, making it consumable.
- Only Plain, No Harmful Ingredients Are Added
Remember to avoid adding fat or harmful seasoning to the dish, as it can cause food poisoning or digestive issues.
It also contains unnecessary calories, potentially leading to obesity in dogs. Therefore, just keep the dish simple.
- Remove All Shells, Legs, And Hard Pieces
You must shell the crabs well so your dog can safely consume them. Only give the white meat inside to avoid choking hazards.
- Feed In A Small Amount
Due to the high cholesterol and sodium content, this seafood meat can be a health risk for your pet.
For example, if your canine has health issues such as high blood pressure, the meat can be a reason for bloating or obesity.
Thus, you should moderate it as an occasional treat in your dog’s healthy diet. Or you can go for other dog-friendly treats such as pig ears.
- Observe the reactions
Anytime you serve your pet crabs, especially the first time, you should give small pieces and pay attention to his reaction.
The food easily causes side effects and allergic reactions in dogs, such as lethargy, gastrointestinal upset, or watery eyes.
FAQs
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Crab Meat?
Yes, you can give this dish to your dogs when it’s cooled, but with the proper amount.
Plus, you should ensure no added toxic ingredients, such as garlic and onion, in the dish as they can cause stomach upset for your pet.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Crab Meat?
Yes, the dish is safe for your pet if you feed it in moderation and there’s no garlic, onion, or other similar ingredients in the recipe.
However, you should not give the dish as a main meal as it does not provide enough nutrients for your canines.
Can Dogs Eat Crab Leg Meat?
The dish is usually cooked with butter and other sauces and served cold. And yes, you can give it to your pet if you ensure no shells are mixed with the meat.
Otherwise, it can cause a choking hazard. Plus, you should not give raw crab legs because they contain bacteria causing poisoning in animals.
The Bottom Lines
Can dogs have crab cakes? If you are a dog lover, you don’t want to give this dish to your pet since it can cause allergies, intestinal health, and other serious health issues.
The best way to serve this food for dogs is with well-cooked plain meat and feed in moderation with your observation of your pet’s reaction.
