Can Dogs Eat Mussels? All You Need To Know

Last updated on September 10th, 2023 at 10:34 pm

As a dog owner, you want to provide your furry friend with the best possible diet to keep them healthy and happy. When it comes to seafood, mussels are a popular choice among humans for their taste and nutritional benefits. But can dogs also safely consume mussels? This is a common question that many pet owners have, and the answer isn’t always clear.

In this article, I will explore the question of whether dogs can eat mussels and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about feeding them to your pet. From the nutritional value of mussels to the potential risks and benefits for dogs, we will cover everything you need to know. So, if you’re curious about whether mussels are a safe and healthy addition to your dog’s diet, keep reading to find out.

Can dogs eat mussels?

Yes, dogs can eat mussels but in moderation.

Mussels are a great source of protein, iron and vitamins. Plus, they’re low in fat and cholesterol. But be careful! Mussels are high in salt, so don’t serve them more than once a week. And make sure to wash them thoroughly before cooking them, as they can carry bacteria that could make your dog sick.

How many mussels can a dog eat?

Depending on the size of your dog, how much they weigh, and whether they have any health issues, they may be able to eat anywhere from 1-3 mussels safely. If you need clarification on what’s best for your dog, talk to your vet!

About mussels

Mussels are a type of shellfish that are related to clams and oysters. They’re often served in restaurants with white wine and garlic but can also be found in many other recipes, including soups and stews. Mussels can be purchased fresh or frozen at most grocery stores, but it’s best to buy them live if you plan on eating them immediately.

Mussels must be cooked before consumption because they contain a toxin called “saxitoxin” that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). This toxin is only harmful if you eat raw or undercooked mussels.

You should discard any mussels that don’t open during the cooking time because this means that they’ve been dead for too long and have decayed inside their shell—which will affect their flavor and smell when eaten raw or undercooked.

benefits of mussels for dogs

• Mussels are a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals. They are also low in fat and sodium, making them a healthy option for your dog.
• Mussels are rich in iron and zinc, which helps to build strong bones and muscles. They also contain vitamin B12, which is essential for blood production and brain function. Mussel meat is also high in antioxidants, which help to prevent the onset of diseases like cancer and heart disease.
• The high amount of omega-3 fatty acids found in mussels will help to keep your dog’s skin healthy and soft by reducing inflammation and preventing dryness. The omega-3 fatty acids also help reduce joint pain caused by arthritis or hip dysplasia.
• Mussels contain vitamin A, which is essential for healthy eyesight as well as the growth of cells within the body, including those found in the liver, kidney and heart muscle.

How To Feed Mussels To Dogs

Here’s how you can feed mussels to your dog:

1. Choose fresh mussels: The first step is to make sure that you choose fresh mussels. You can get them from the seafood section of your local grocery store or fish market. Look for tightly closed mussels, as open shells indicate that they are dead and unsafe for consumption.
2. Cook the mussels: Once you have fresh mussels, the next step is to cook them. You can either steam them or boil them. Steaming is a better option as it helps retain the nutrients in the mussels. Boiling can cause some nutrients to leach out into the water.
3. Remove the shells: Once the mussels are cooked, you need to remove the shells. It is essential to remove the shells as they can pose a choking hazard to your dog.
4. Cut the mussels into small pieces: After removing the shells, cut the mussels into small pieces. This makes it easier for your dog to digest and prevents choking.
5. Add the mussels to your dog’s meal: You can add the mussels to your dog’s regular food. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the serving size over time. Too many mussels at once can cause digestive issues.

how to cook mussels for dogs

Here are some steps to follow when cooking mussels for dogs:

1. Buy fresh, live mussels from a reputable seafood vendor or grocery store. Avoid buying mussels that are already opened or have a strong odour, as these may be spoiled.
2. Rinse the mussels thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt, sand, or debris.
3. Steam the mussels in a pot with a little bit of water or broth until they open up. Discard any mussels that remain closed, as these may be dead and unsafe to eat.
4. Remove the mussels from the pot and let them cool. Once they are cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the shells and discard the shells.
5. Chop the mussel meat into small, bite-sized pieces that are appropriate for your dog’s size and breed.
6. Serve the mussels as a treat or mix them with your dog’s regular food. Keep any leftover mussels in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

What To Keep In Mind When Feeding Dog Mussels

Feeding your dog mussels is a great way for them to get the nutrients they need in their diet. However, there are some things you should keep in mind when feeding your dog mussels.

1. You should only feed your dog mussels that have been cleaned and boiled first. Raw mussels can be dangerous for dogs because they contain bacteria that can cause illness in pets and humans alike.
2. You should only feed your pet small amounts of mussel meat daily since it is high in fat and cholesterol. Your dog may develop health issues if they eat too much of this food item at one time.
3. You should always ensure there are no shells left over after the meal before giving any more to your pet so that they do not choke on anything that remains behind from their meal time.

What if my dog ate a raw mussel?

First of all, don’t panic. It’s okay if your dog ate a raw mussel. The chances are slim that your dog will get sick from eating one mussel, but if you want to be safe, you can do a few things.

First, go ahead and give your dog some Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate to help with any stomach upset that might occur from eating the mussel. You can also give them milk of magnesia or Mylanta (but only if they don’t have an allergic reaction to milk).

If these remedies don’t work and your dog starts vomiting or having diarrhea more than once within two hours of eating the mussel, then it might be worth consulting with your vet. They’ll probably just give him some antibiotics in case he has an infection from swallowing the shell. If your dog is pregnant or has any other health issues like diabetes or kidney disease, be sure to let your vet know before giving them any medication!

What seafood should dogs not eat?

Dogs should not eat seafood that is high in mercury, such as fish with a high-fat content like tuna or shark. Other types of seafood that are unsafe for dogs include squid, octopus and shellfish.

Conclusion

Yes, dogs can eat mussels. However, there are always exceptions to the rule and your pup’s case may be one of them. Any seafood you were eating before feeding your dog should also be cooked in similar ways, i.e., steamed, boiled or grilled to sterilize the meat and remove any parasites.

References and resources:

• The Best Food for Your dog : My Recommendations 2023/24. https://petworld23.blogspot.com/2023/03/the-best-food-for-your-dog-my.html
• The Marvelous World of Mussels: A Seafood Delight. https://salmasnook.wordpress.com/2023/04/02/the-marvelous-world-of-mussels-a-seafood-delight/

Other Dog Feeding Articles:

• Can Dogs Eat Hot Cheetos?