Is there anything tastier than some fried mussels? I’d be hard pressed to find something. Plus, all of the nutrients they contain make Mussels a great human food. But can dogs eat mussels? Actually, yes! Mussels are safe for dogs to eat, but there are a few things you should know before adding them to your dog’s diet.
Can dogs eat mussels?
Yes! Mussels are completely safe for dogs to eat.
In fact, mussels contain a ton of vitamins and minerals that are quite healthy for dogs and humans alike. But some ways of preparing the mussels are better than others.
What types of mussels are good for dogs?
Nearly all types of mussels are good for dogs. But how they are prepared makes a big difference.
You can likely feed raw mussels to your dog without any harm, but steaming them is a much better option. Cooking the mussels kills any harmful bacteria that the mussels may have.
Also, it’s best to avoid cooking mussels in butter or cooking oil before serving to your pup. This adds unnecessary fats that make it more unhealthy for your dog to eat.
Freeze dried mussels are also a good option for your dog. They contain all the health benefits of fresh mussels and cooked mussels in a nice, convenient container.
Green-lipped mussel powder can also be supplemented in a dog’s diet. This can help to improve a dog’s joints and reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
Regardless of which method you decide on, just be sure to remove the shell before feeding mussels to your dog.
Health benefits of mussels
Mussels are one of the most nutrient dense foods out there. Here are some of the main health benefits of eating mussels.
High protein content
A high protein diet is important to keep your dogs strong and healthy, and mussels have lots of it. Protein helps your dog recover from exercise and rebuild the dog’s strength. You could say that eating mussels helps their muscles!
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega fatty acids, which can be found in fish oil, help several aspects of a dog’s health. It is good for their heart, promotes healthy skin, and can reduce inflammation.
Omega 3’s have also been known to improve liver function, boost their immune system, strengthen bones an even fight cancer!
Lots of vitamins and minerals
Mussels are full of many vitamins and minerals that keep your dog strong. These include:
Zinc
Iron
Magnesium
Selenium
Calcium
Phosphorus
Potassium
Vitamin A
Vitamin B3, B6 and B12
Low in calories
Despite being one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, mussels are surprisingly low in calories. 3 ounces of mussels contains only 146 calories (compared to lean ground beef which has 196 calories).
Mussels have a lower calorie count due to its low fat content (3.8g per 3 ounces). Adding mussels to your dog’s diet can be a great way to cut the pounds.
Risks of feeding mussels to your dog
Mussels are not toxic to dogs, but they do have some risks to eating them. Here are some of those risks.
Shellfish allergy
Although it is rare, some dogs have a shellfish allergy that can spark an allergic reaction when eaten.
An allergic reaction to shellfish usually shows up as a swollen face and upset stomach. If you notice that your dog is puffing up after feeding them mussels, take them to the vet right away.
Food poisoning
Mussels spoil much quicker than other meats. To avoid food poisoning, you need to use fresh mussels.
Symptoms of food poisoning are:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
Food poisoning usually goes away on its own after a day or two. But it doesn’t hurt to give the vet a call if you are concerned over your pup’s wellbeing.
How to feed mussels to your dog
Mussels can be a healthy part of a dog’s diet if they are prepared correctly. Here are the best ways to feed mussels to your dog.
Raw
Steamed
Powder
Freeze-dried
Conclusion: it is safe to eat mussels in moderation
No need to worry, mussels are completely safe for dogs to eat. They contain many vitamins and other fatty acids that are great for a dog’s health. Raw mussels are likely a safe option, but the best route is to feed them cooked mussels, freeze dried mussels or green lipped mussel powder.
The post Can Dogs Eat Mussels? What to Do if They Do appeared first on Elegant Furball.
