Can Dogs Eat Octopus?

Octopus, or squid, may seem like an unusual treat to feed your dog, though it’s relatively safe and provides a good source of nutrition for your pet. In moderation, small portions of unseasoned, cooked octopus meat are beneficial for your dog and make a tasty treat.

Fish, in general, is a good source of minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, and protein and can make a great addition to your pup’s diet.

The Benefits of Feeding Octopus to Your Dog

When you feed your pup a small amount of cooked octopus, there are a few advantages for your pet’s health:

• There are significant nutrients in octopus meat that support your dog’s health by improving muscular strength, joint function, red blood cells, and heart health.
• It’s high in amino acids and protein, which increase energy levels, heal after an injury, and supports the development of muscles and bones.
• Octopus contains a rich amount of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, phosphorus, copper, potassium, and iron. These nutrients support bone density, blood circulation, muscle and joint development, and energy.
• Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help promote digestion, healthy skin and fur, heart health, and low cholesterol.

In addition to a regular diet of high-protein dog food and a balanced diet, cooked or steamed octopus can provide a natural boost of nutritional value in your dog’s diet and as an occasional treat. While octopus, squid, or calamari is generally safe for dogs, it’s important to learn the potential risks of feeding this tasty seafood treat to your puppy.

The Risks of Feeding Your Dog Octopus

Before you introduce your furry friend to a small amount of octopus, it’s best to consider how this food will impact your dog’s health and the potential side effects. When you prepare a piece of octopus for your pup, it should be cooked instead of raw octopus to reduce the risk of contamination and bacteria. Additional precautions to take include the following:

• Many types of seafood contain high levels of metals, including tuna and certain varieties of sushi. While a small portion shouldn’t affect your dog adversely, high levels of heavy metals can cause indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, or fatigue. Regular consumption can lead to long-term health conditions.
• Octopus has a chewy, almost rubbery texture, which can be tough to chew for smaller dogs. For this reason, it’s a potential choking hazard, which means you should cut the meat into tiny pieces to avoid any difficulties.
• Saltwater fish, including octopus, contain high levels of sodium, and too much salt consumption is dangerous for dogs. In serious cases, sodium poisoning can lead to life-threatening conditions and fatal consequences, which makes it vital to keep portions small and well-cooked before you serve your pet.
• Raw octopus, shrimp, shellfish, and seafood, in general, should always be avoided, as there are harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness and food poisoning.

While there are some significant risks to offering a raw slice of octopus, or undercooked shellfish, a thoroughly steamed or cooked piece of calamari in small portions, is generally safe for your pup.

Taking Precautions When Feeding Your Dog Octopus

If you plan on feeding your dog octopus, there are important precautions to take to ensure your dog doesn’t experience any adverse effects due to allergies or a sensitive stomach:

• Observe your pup after you feed them a slice of octopus, especially if it’s their first time.
• Make sure the squid is well-cooked, small, and easy to chew so that you can reduce the risk of choking.
• Canned octopus or dried octopus should be avoided, as it contains preservatives and ingredients that are harmful to your pet.
• Check to ensure there are no added spices, seasoning, or salt in the octopus before you feed your pup, as they can contribute to digestive problems in your dog.
• Ask your veterinarian if your dog has allergies or sensitivities to certain foods, including shellfish or specific types of seafood. For some dogs, octopuses should be completely avoided to prevent serious health issues.
• Don’t feed too much octopus to your pet, even if they appear to handle it well, and enjoy the taste. It’s best offered as an occasional treat and in small quantities.

Final Thoughts

Octopus is a wonderful, nutrient-rich food that makes a great treat on rare occasions for your dog, whether you’re treating your pup as a reward or when you’re preparing seafood for a family meal. When you take the necessary steps to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and safe to eat for your dog, it’s a fun and rewarding treat in between regular meals and with health benefits.