Why
Shrimp is low in fat and calories and gives antioxidants and vitamin B12.
How to serve shrimp
- Steam or boil plain, then peel completely.
- Offer one or two as an occasional treat.
Watch out for
- Never feed raw shrimp.
- Shells and tails can choke or block the gut.
- No butter, garlic or seasoning.
How much shrimp can a dog eat?
Treats of every kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories, says the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Here is that daily treat budget by size, and how much shrimp it buys if shrimp is the only treat that day. Shrimp has about 99 kcal per 100 g; 3 oz (85 g) is about 84 kcal.
| Dog size | Daily treat budget | Max shrimp a day |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10 lb) | 26 kcal | 26 g (a third of 3 oz) |
| Medium (30 lb) | 59 kcal | 60 g (two thirds of 3 oz) |
| Large (60 lb) | 100 kcal | 101 g (about one and a half 3 oz) |
| Giant (90 lb) | 136 kcal | 137 g (about one and a half 3 oz) |
Less is better for small, overweight or diabetic dogs. Work out your own dog's numbers with the dog food calculator. Calories: USDA FoodData Central, Crustaceans, shrimp, cooked.
Other meat, fish and eggs: quick answers
| Food | Verdict | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken bones | Avoid | No. Cooked chicken bones splinter and can choke a dog or tear the gut. |
| Ham | Small amounts | A small piece is fine now and then, but ham is salty and fatty. |
| Pork | Small amounts | Yes, plain, fully cooked pork with the fat trimmed. |
| Tuna | Small amounts | Small amounts only. Tuna contains mercury. |
| Chicken | Safe | Yes. Plain cooked chicken is a good protein source. Never cooked bones. |
| Eggs | Safe | Yes, fully cooked. Cooked eggs are a good protein source; raw eggs are not. |
| Fish | Safe | Yes, fully cooked and deboned, up to twice a week. |
| Salmon | Safe | Yes, fully cooked and boneless. Never raw. |
Rules for any new food
- Plain is the rule: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic, sugar or sweeteners. Most of the danger in human food comes from what is added to it.
- Keep all treats under 10% of your dog's daily calories (WSAVA). The rest should come from a complete dog food.
- Check labels for xylitol, raisins, chocolate and macadamia nuts, which turn up in baked goods, snacks and spreads.
- If your dog has a health condition, such as diabetes, pancreatitis or kidney disease, ask your vet before adding any new food.
Frequently asked questions
Is shrimp safe for dogs?
Yes, a few fully cooked shrimp with the shell, tail and legs removed.
How much shrimp can a dog eat?
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories (WSAVA). For a 30 lb dog that is about 59 kcal a day, or roughly 60 g of shrimp if it is the only treat that day.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, "Human Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat" (updated Aug 17, 2026)
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, "Feeding treats to your dog"
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy (April 2018 release)
Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.