Do you order Southeast Asian cuisine-based prawn crackers and want to feed them to your dog? Do your dog stand by you every time you eat prawn crackers, and you might know that you can give this crunchy treat to your dog, too. A big Yes! To this question. Dogs may consume some human foods, among which are prawn crackers. But, if it is safe for your dogs, Yes, if in moderation. Learn everything from this article before feeding prawn crackers to your dog.
Can dogs eat prawn crackers?
Yes! Dogs can eat prawn crackers because they never contain any ingredients that dogs get allergic to, like garlic, onion, and spices.
Usually, the issues with prawn crackers are they contain a high amount of salt and are fried in deep oil, which can be harmful to dogs’ tummies, but we suggest giving prawn crackers in moderation or as a treat will never cause any stomach issues in dogs.
If prawn crackers are new to your dog or he has already consumed his daily carbs needs, give him one piece only and see whether he shows a reaction like less appetite or stomach issue or not.
Are prawn crackers bad for dogs?
No, prawn crackers are not toxic to dogs if not given regularly or in less quantity. Prawn crackers are safe options for dogs because they contain less fat and carbohydrate than other crackers obtainable in the market. But, if you wonder how it can be given to dogs after deep frying in oil, I have a solution to make prawn crackers healthy for your furry friend. Microwave prawn crackers for 45 seconds if the oven has 1200w power or for 1 minute if it has 800w without oil.
How many prawn crackers can my dog eat?
As prawn crackers in high amounts can create stomach issues in dogs, feeding 1-2 pieces at a time or not more than 10% of the daily fat intake is recommended; otherwise, high salt content in crackers can cause sodium ion poisoning in them. The overall quantity of feeding prawn crackers includes:
Dog size | Prawn crackers serving |
Small (under 9kg) | 1-2 pieces, break in pieces. |
Medium (9-23kgs) | 2-3 pieces. |
Large (23-45kgs) | 3-4 pieces. |
Giant (over 45kgs) | 4-5 pieces. |
However, the number of feeding depend on various factors, too, like:
- Size of a dog: Smaller dogs are more sensitive to larger.
- Breed of a dog: Larger breeds tolerate more calories than smaller ones.
- Overall health: Dogs with allergies and pancreatitis should avoid prawn crackers.
- Companies vs homemade: Feed less if you buy made crackers because they contain more fat, salt, and carbs.
- Daily routine: If your dog already consumes a balanced diet with good-quality food, a single prawn cracker as an occasional treat might be okay.
What are prawn crackers, and how are they made?
Prawn crackers are crisps loved in South Asian countries or Chinese cuisine as a side dish or for garnish and more texture in other dishes. They are also known as Shrimp Chips and are famous all around the world. It contains carbohydrates and fats, with some protein from prawns and comes in various sizes, shapes, flavours, and colours. How are they made? Prawns are dried and ground with tapioca flour, water, and salt, then steamed and sliced into thin rounds. Afterwards, they are sun-dried or deep-fried at high heat, causing them to puff up.
Did you know that krupuk (prawn cracker) symbolises good luck and prosperity in Indonesia?
Do prawn crackers contain essential nutrients for dogs?
As we said, prawn crackers are an excellent way to give your dog a treat, but they lack the essential nutrients that a dog needs. It has fewer micro-nutrients like vitamins that include vitamins A, C, D, & B. While they might contain trace amounts of calcium, Potassium, and iron, the values are usually minimal and don’t compare favourably to nutrient-rich foods. Prawn crackers are traditionally deep-fried, which means unhealthy fat, more carbohydrates of tapioca flour, and high sodium levels contribute to bad health in dogs. Some brands might use artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives, which are best avoided for overall health risks and can be avoided when made at home without spices and sun-dried rather than deep frying. Although prawn crackers have inadequate nutrients, giving them as a treat may not be harmful to your much-loved doggo.
What are the risks of prawn crackers for dogs?
Prawn crackers are a crunchy and savoury snack good for dogs, but what are their effects when they overeat?
Always moderate feeding prawn crackers to your pooch; otherwise, the following risks hurt him.
- High salt content leads to sodium ion poisoning that shows symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, extensive thirst, and seizures.
- When small breed dogs gulp food without chewing it properly, it creates choking hazards.
- Processed ingredients in packed food create gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
- Some dogs may get allergic to dogs due to prawns such as seafood in crackers that show symptoms like lips, face, tummy, and throat swelling.
- Feeding dogs foods high in fat, such as prawn crackers, can increase the risk of pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
- Giving high in fat foods makes your dog gain too much weight.
- If your dog is under kidney and heart disease, giving him prawn crackers may worsen the situation.
Are prawn crackers made from prawns?
Yes! Prawn crackers are made from prawns. But this depends on the company and brand, too. The main item in prawn crackers is tapioca flour with ground or dried prawns, salt, and spices. Some might contain a substantial amount of prawn for a more robust flavour, while others might use a small amount for a subtle taste and aroma. But, nowadays, commercial-level prawn crackers do not have actual prawns in them as they use only artificial flavour and spices to mimic the taste.
Always check the ingredient list to see if prawn is listed or not.
What are the healthy alternatives to prawn crackers?
Although prawn crackers are safe for dogs, limit the quantity. Here are the healthy alternatives to prawn crackers.
Healthy Snacks
- Carrot sticks are low in calories and rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene.
- Apple slices: A good source of fibre and antioxidants.
- Blueberries: They are packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Green beans: Steamed or raw beans provide Vitamin K & C and low calories.
- Air-popped popcorn: Plain and unsalted popcorn are rich in fibre and low in fat and can be presented as a treat alternative to prawn crackers.
- Banana slices: They are high in Potassium and fibre.
Healthy food options
- Lean protein: Give your puppy lean protein in the shape of a turkey, boiled chicken, or beef to support muscle health.
- Whole grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and oats are nutritious whole grains that can provide energy and fibre for dogs.
- Frozen yogurt: Choose plain yogurt with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners on a hot day. It is an excellent and refreshing treat.
- Raw dog food: check for 12 DIY homemade raw dog food recipes [vet-approved].
Top questions:
Can Puppies eat prawn crackers?
No! Puppies should avoid prawn crackers due to their high salt and processed ingredients, which may upset their delicate digestive systems. Always consult with your vet before introducing doubt human foods to dogs.
What should I do if my dog accidentally consumes prawn crackers?
If your dog ingests prawn crackers, monitor them closely for signs of distress or illness. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice vomiting, diarrhoea, or difficulty breathing. Giving Pepcid in case of gastroenteritis is safe as an over-the-counter medicine for dogs.
Are there any specific dog breeds that should avoid prawn crackers?
All dogs, regardless of breed, should avoid too much prawn crackers consumption due to the potential health risks. But, treatment can be given to every breed.
My dog loves prawn crackers. Can I give them some regularly?
It’s best to avoid giving your dog prawn crackers regularly. Opt for healthier alternatives that provide necessary nutrients without the risks.
Why do dogs love too much prawn crackers?
Due to the solid smell and crunchiness of prawn crackers, dogs are attracted too much to this crunchy snack. Moreover, the dogs have over 300 million olfactory receptors that induce them to taste strong-smelled foods. But, look that too much should be avoided.
Summarize it
As a general summary, my expert knowledge of dogs says yes, you can feed prawn crackers to dogs, but after a week or two to three days gap because although it does not have any toxic ingredients for dogs. Still, its high quantity might create problems in the dog’s stomach.
