Posted by You may be surprised to find that the dogs are able to eat scallops in small quantities as long as they are fully cooked. Scallops contain protein, as well as crucial vitamins and minerals, and are very healthy for dogs. But there are some rules you have to follow when giving your dog scallops. This article will tell you everything you need to know about cooking and feeding scallops for your dog.
Cooking and Feeding Scallops to Your Dog – Here’s Way
Below is a way to cook and feed scallops to your dog:
- Feed your dog plain scallops.
You must feed your dog only plain scallops. Yeah, seasonings, garlic, and onion make for a delicious scallop, but you have to remember that it is only for humans. These seasonings, garlic, and onion will upset your dog’s digestive system. Thus, you have to serve your dog scallops which are cooked but plain. - Cook without extra fats.
When you cook scallops for your dog, you have to cook it without extra fats. Remember that fatty foods are able to lead to pancreatitis for your dog. So, keep the scallops to prioritize your dog’s overall health. - Thoroughly bake or grill the scallops.
You have to bake or grill scallops to prepare them for your dog. Need to note that Raw seafood will carry harmful bacteria and also lead to shellfish poisoning. For your information, raw scallops contain roundworms, Salmonella, tapeworms, and other dangerous bacteria and viruses. The dogs have a sensitive metabolism, therefore processing these harmful bacteria will be challenging, leading to stomach discomfort. Also, avoid frying the scallop, fried foods are high in oil and butter. - Remove the shells.
When you want to feed your dog the scallops, first you have to remove the shells. Remember that the scallop shell is not edible. And it will cause choking. So, you have to ensure to dispose of this part of the food properly before feeding your dog. - Cut into small pieces.
Scallops are able to be large. Thus, you have to dice them up and serve them in smaller bits to prevent a choking hazard. You will be able to sprinkle the cooked scallops over the dog food or serve them on their own as a treat. - Serve the scallops after they have cooled.
Your dog may be excited to attempt this food. However, you have to let the scallops cool first to prevent your dog from burning their mouth.
Benefits of Feeding Scallops for dogs
Scallops are good and safe for dogs to eat in moderation and if the Scallops are fully cooked. Again, you have to remember to only allow your lovely dog to eat the orange and white part only and not the black stomach sac, the shell or frilly membrane because these are toxic to dogs. Scallops are packed full of all the goodness which your dogs need.
Below is the nutritional profile of boiled or steamed Scallops:
Nutritional profile of cooked Scallops (28 grams)
- Calories: 38.8 cal
- Sodium: 187 mg
- Carbohydrate: 1.8 g
- Total Fat: 0.278 g
- Protein: 6.8 g
- Potassium: 104 mg
- Calcium: 3.4 mg
- Iron: 0.193 mg
- Magnesium: 12.5 mg
- Phosphorus: 141 mg
- Zinc: 0.513 mg
- Copper: 0.011 mg
- Selenium: 7.23 µg
- Thiamin: 0.004 mg
- Riboflavin: 0.008 mg
- Niacin: 0.357 mg
- Vitamin B-6: 0.037 mg
- Folate: 6.8 µg
- Choline: 36.6 mg
- Vitamin B-12: 0.717 µg
- Vitamin A: 0.567 µg
From the nutritional profile above, you are able to see that with 1 ounce of cooked Scallop, there are nearly 39 calories and 187 mg of sodium. Thus, it is important that dogs eat cooked Scallops in moderation. Eating too many Scallops or eating Scallops regularly will put your dog at risk for weight gain and salt poisoning. Now, let us discuss some benefits of Scallops for dogs.
Here are some benefits of Scallops for your dogs:
- Protein
In 1 ounce of cooked scallops, there are 7 grams of protein. All dogs will need protein to have strong and healthy organs, muscles, and skin. Without a sufficient amount of protein intake, it will assist to keep your four-legged friends lean and energetic. - Magnesium
The dogs also need an essential mineral called magnesium. For your information, in 1oz of cooked Scallop, there is 12.5mg of magnesium. This nutrient will help dogs have proper heart functions, facilitate nervous system signaling and also aid in muscle growth. The dogs that have magnesium deficiency or hypomagnesemia will be able to experience heart issues, malnutrition, kidney damage, and cardiac issues. - Potassium
In fact, Potassium is as important to dogs as magnesium. The dogs will need potassium because this mineral helps aid in the transfer of electric signals between the organs, nerves, and muscles. Also, it will help in the transfer of nerve impulses throughout your dog’s body. - Phosphorus
You have to know that Scallops contain the mineral phosphorus. It is very crucial for strengthening dog teeth and bones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, most dogs are able to eat scallops in moderation and in small portions without any adverse effects. Ensure you cook the scallops properly before offering them to your dog. In cooking scallops for your dog, you do not use any oil or butter. And you do not add other ingredients such as herbs or seasoning. The scallops must be completely plain so that they are healthy for your dog.
Scallops are able to be offered as a special treat as long as you remove the scallop shell before you give them to your dog. Please never give your dog raw scallops or scallops which have been fried. Fried foods are able to cause health problems and obesity in dogs and must be avoided.
It is always a good idea to introduce new foods to your dog in small portions because this will help you avoid potential problems such as upset stomachs and allergic reactions. If your dog accidentally eats many scallops that were not meant for them or if you feed your dog scallops for the first time, you have to keep an eye on your pet to make sure they are not suffering from any adverse reaction. Also, you have to consult a veterinarian if you are worried about your dog.
