Fish contains essential vitamins and minerals necessary to keep your dogs healthy. But is it the same for octopuses? Should you include octopus in your dogs’ diets?
This might come as a surprise for some pet owners, but yes, your dogs can eat octopus. In fact, octopus offers tons of health benefits to your furry friends, namely:
Omega-3
Octopus is packed with omega-3 that supports the brain development in puppies, reduces inflammation in dogs with arthritis, and improves your dogs’ abilities to fight off cancer. Omega-3 can also boost your dogs’ immune systems and keep their hearts and kidneys healthy.
Protein
Protein is necessary to your dogs’ diet as it contributes to healthy skin and hair and proper muscle development. Your dogs also need protein to ensure that their cartilage, tendons, and ligaments function properly even as they age.
Vitamin B12
Octopus has vitamin B12 that can improve the protective tissues found in your dogs’ brains, allowing them to have superior control over their physiological functions. Vitamin B12 also improves the spinal health of your four-legged friends and ensures that their bodies burn fats and calories fast.
Phosphorus
The phosphorus found in octopuses plays many vital roles in your dogs’ bodies. For one, phosphorus maintains the integrity of your dogs’ bones and teeth. Phosphorus also supports healthy kidney functions and aids in muscle contractions in dogs.
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral necessary for your dogs to perform important functions, such as carrying oxygen in the red blood cells of their bodies. Your dogs also need iron to produce energy and thyroid hormone.
Dogs with iron deficiency often experience lethargy, sudden weight loss, and increased heart rate. They’re also more prone to illnesses and diseases.
Are There Any Risks In Feeding Octopus To Your Dogs?
When feeding octopus to dogs, you need to regulate the amount. Giving octopus too much too often to your furry friends can have several health risks, such as:
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Just like other seafood, octopus also contains heavy metals, such as mercury and lead. When consumed in excessive amounts, these metals can cause problems in your dogs’ neurological development and trigger enzyme blocking and blindness.
Pathogenic Bacteria In Raw Octopus
Raw octopus contains pathogenic microorganisms or bacteria that can cause digestive problems and poisoning in dogs. Short-term, your dogs might experience nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Long-term, these microorganisms can spread in your dogs’ bodies, leading to several infections.
Sodium Poisoning
Eating octopuses in large quantities can lead to sodium poisoning in dogs, especially if the meat isn’t cooked properly and thoroughly. Sodium poisoning is common in dogs and causes many symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, depression, fatigue, and seizures. When left untreated, sodium poisoning can be fatal.
Can Puppies Eat Octopus?
Yes, your puppies can eat octopus as long as you feed it to them gradually and in small amounts. When giving them octopus for the first time, assess if they’re exhibiting symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting. If they do, it’s best to stop feeding them octopus and contact a vet immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Octopus?
No, your dogs should never eat raw octopus. Raw octopus is often packed with germs and polluted leads that can be toxic for your dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Octopus?
Yes, cooked octopus is the safest option for your furry friends. When cooked, octopuses can provide several health benefits to your dogs without the side effects. Just make sure that you’re cooking the octopus without any seasoning or additives.
How About Dried Octopus?
No, your dogs should never be given dried octopus. This variety of octopus contains excessive amounts of cholesterol (about 182 mg in every 100 grams) and sodium (1313 mg in every 100 grams. Dried octopus also contains different taste enhancers and artificial additives that can have detrimental effects on your dogs’ health.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Octopus?
No, you shouldn’t give any canned octopus to your dogs. The canning process strips off the nutritional value of the meat, and high levels of salt and other spices are often added to it. All of these ingredients can negatively impact your dogs’ health.
Can Dogs Eat Octopus Sashimi?
All of the ingredients used in octopus sashimi are generally safe for dogs. However, it’s best if you don’t feed them any because octopus sashimi can cause stomach issues in dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Octopus Head?
Yes, your dogs can eat octopus heads as long as it’s cooked properly. But remember that not all dogs will like the taste of octopus heads, so pay attention to their reactions after you feed the meat to them.
Can Dogs Eat Takoyaki?
Unfortunately, no. Takoyaki contains octopus, but it’s cooking process requires too much oil. This can be dangerous to your dogs and might cause dogs’ pancreas to inflame.
How Much Octopus Should Your Dogs Have?
Moderation is key when feeding octopus to your dogs. Octopus is healthy, but feeding your dogs too much can lead to several health risks, as mentioned in the previous sections.
Giving one or two bite-sized octopuses a day is enough for your dogs. If you have smaller dogs, make sure to slice the meat into smaller pieces to prevent them from choking and ensure that they won’t have any problems chewing it.
How Often Should You Feed Octopus To Your Dogs?
Ideally, you should only feed your dogs with octopus no more than twice a week. The octopus shouldn’t be given in consecutive days to give their bodies time to fully digest the food.
When Should You Visit The Vet?
Dogs have different levels of sensitivities when it comes to food. While some don’t exhibit any symptoms after eating octopus, others can start acting up.
If you notice any symptoms below after feeding your dogs with octopus, take them to the vet immediately.
- Belching or burping
- Constant licking
- Diarrhea
- Inflamed skin
- Itchy, runny eyes
- Loose stools
- Severe itching or scratching
- Sneezing
- Swelling of the face, lips, ears, and eyelids
- Vomiting
Consult A Vet
Before adding octopus into your dogs’ diet, talk to a vet first. They can recommend the right serving proportions and frequencies based on your dogs’ age, breed, and health condition. In this way, you can share octopus with your furry friends without worrying about their health and safety!