Seafood, including scallops, are rich in proteins and omega fatty acids. These nutrients are important for our dogs. But can Frenchies eat scallops? Read on to learn about scallop risks and benefits.
Are Scallops Safe for Frenchies?
Yes. Cooked scallops are safe for Frenchies. They are rich in proteins, potassium, and magnesium, supporting muscle health, proper nutrient absorption, nerve function, and overall well-being.
Scallop Fun Facts
Scallops have bright-colored shells. Here are some interesting facts about scallops.
- Scallops are found in oceans.
- There are over 400 species of sea mollusks.
- All scallops eventually develop a ridge of small teeth close to the notch where the byssus emerges in other bivalves. This is known as ctenolium. It is significant since it is unique to scallops and can be observed in fossilized scallops.
- The two main types of scallops are sea and bay scallops.
- One bay scallop can produce up to one million eggs.
- Scallops are low in saturated fat and sodium but rich in proteins.
- Scallops are the only free-swimming bivalve mollusks. This is due to their lightweight and thin shells.
- Scallops have a well-developed nervous system but lack an actual brain.
- Scallops have eyes around the borders of their mantle. Although their eyes cannot distinguish forms, they can detect shifting light and motion patterns.
The Benefits of Scallops for Frenchies
Scallops are nutritious and healthy seafood for Frenchies. Here are the benefits of scallops for your dog:
High protein content
An ounce of scallops has 7 grams of protein for lean body mass. Proteins also provide calories for energy and boost the immune system.
Phosphorus
Bone, muscle, and tooth wellness is key in Frenchies, and scallops have phosphorus which supports muscle, bone, and tooth functions.
Magnesium
This mineral promotes the absorption of other nutrients while boosting nerve and cardiac functions.
Potassium
This mineral is critical as it supports the nervous system and ensures proper signal transfer in your dog’s body.
Risks of Feeding Scallops to French Bulldogs
There are both positive and negative sides of scallops. Here are the key risks of feeding scallops to Frenchies:
Stomach problems
Improperly cooked scallops cause stomach issues. Fried scallops are bad as they contain lots of oil which irritates your dog’s tummy causing vomiting and diarrhea.
Shellfish poisoning, parasites, and bacteria
Raw scallops have bacteria and parasites. Such pathogens include salmonella, tapeworms, roundworms, and listeria. They cause gastroenteritis characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and dehydration. Shellfish also spoil fast, causing shellfish poisoning.
Which Types of Seafood Can Dogs Eat?
Seafood with low mercury and sodium content is safe for dogs. Here are seafood safe for your Frenchie:
Salmon
This is a common ingredient in commercial dog food. Salmon contains proteins and omega fatty acids that promote muscle, coat, and skin function.
Tilapia
Skinless, deboned, and cooked tilapia is safe for Frenchies. It is a powerhouse of nutrients, including proteins, minerals, and vitamins, supporting your dog’s overall health.
Sardines
They have a few microscopic bones, but eating them whole is usually safe for dogs. Sardines’ omega-3 fatty acids support flexible joints, smooth coats, and normal cognitive function. Just be careful to search for brands without salt or oil additions.
Types of Seafood That Aren’t Safe for Dogs
Some seafood is not healthy for your dog. Below are some of them:
Tuna
Even though tuna has a lot of protein, the comparatively high mercury levels in many packaged kinds make it an unhealthy choice for dogs to consume daily. A few mayo-free pieces won’t kill your dog, but if it consumes tuna frequently, it will likely experience mercury poisoning symptoms like tremors, difficulty urinating, and abdominal swelling.
Sushi
It contains raw ingredients. Your dog might accidentally consume harmful avocados or high-sodium soy sauce when they eat sushi. It can also transmit parasites.
Which Scallop Recipes and Parts Can Be Eaten Safely by Frenchies?
Raw Scallops
Raw seafood, including scallops, has parasites like salmonella. They are also loaded with bacteria. Bacterial infections and stomach problems are common in pets and in people who consume raw scallops.
So, can Frenchies eat raw scallops? No. Raw scallops have bacteria and parasites that cause diseases in dogs. Cooking destroys these harmful pathogens.
Grilled Scallops
Grilling is another healthy way to serve scallops to your dog. Grilled scallops are safe for dogs as they are devoid of parasites and bacteria.
So, can Frenchies eat grilled scallops? Yes. Grilled scallops support muscle and overall wellness thanks to their high amounts of proteins and minerals. Do not add spices or seasonings.
Fried Scallops
Frying involves using lots of oil. Fried scallops are no exception. An oily diet is a recipe for health problems, including obesity, pancreatitis, and cardiac problems.
So, can Frenchies eat fried scallops? No. Frenchies cannot eat fried scallops due to the high amounts of oil that expose them to health problems like pancreatitis. Common signs to watch out for include abdominal pain, an increased heartbeat, and a fever. Seasonings in fried scallops are also unhealthy for Frenchies.
Scallop Meat
Scallop meat is nutritious and healthy. It has minerals like magnesium and potassium. It is rich in protein. Raw scallop meat is, however, unhealthy as it has parasites and bacteria that cause tummy issues and infections.
So, can Frenchies eat scallop meat? Yes. Frenchies can safely eat scallop meat, provided it is properly cooked with no added seasonings. Serving cooked scallops sparingly ensures your dog’s muscles stay strong.
Baked Scallop
Baking is also an excellent way to serve scallops to your dog. Baking ensures the scallops are properly cooked, destroying bacteria and parasites.
So, can Frenchies eat baked scallops? Yes. Baked scallops are safe, healthy, and nutritious for your French Bulldog. Consuming baked scallops ensures your dog gets the right nutrients for overall growth and development. Baked scallops should, however, be plain with no additional ingredients.
Best Ways To Prepare Scallops For Your Frenchie
Cooked scallops are the best for dogs. Grilled scallops are healthy as they include high-quality nutrients. Here’s a recipe to try at home:
Grilled scallops
Ingredients
- Frozen medium sea scallops
- Olive oil
Procedure
- Preheat the grill to 375-450 degrees
- Thaw the scallops for 15 minutes
- Pat dry and mix with olive oil
- Grill for 5 minutes or until browned on both sides
- Cool and serve
Which Dog Food Brands Use Scallops in Their Food?
Are there some brands that use scallops in their formulas? Scallops are highly nutritious, and adding them to your dog’s diet ensures you get value for your money as you reap maximum benefits. Though it is a rare seafood, some pet food manufacturers include it in their recipes:
- Inaba: Their recipe, Inaba Churu Chicken with Salmon Grain-Free Rolls, starts with chicken and scallops for highly nutritious dog treats. Its churu filling makes it a tasty treat to tempt picky Frenchies.
- Another high-quality recipe from Inaba is Inaba Churu Chicken and Tuna Grain-Free Chewy Bites, which includes scallops and contributes 22 % protein. These bites keep your dog’s muscles thick.
How Many Scallops Should Frenchie Eat?
Most dogs can take 1-2 scallops as a modest treat once a month. Despite being healthy, it should not be a frequent snack. Additionally, dog food, not scallops, should be a regular part of a dog’s diet.
How to Feed Scallops to Your Dog
Here are some tips on how to serve scallops to your dog:
- Cook scallops.
- Feed plain scallops.
- Remove the shells.
- Cut into small pieces.
- Add to your Frenchies kibble or canned recipes.
- Serve as a treat.
Can Frenchies eat shrimp or scallops?
Yes. Frenchies can eat shrimp or scallops. These seafood are rich in protein, which provides amino acids for the musculature. They should be cooked and devoid of seasonings.
Can Frenchies eat sushi scallops?
Yes. Frenchies can eat plain sushi scallops. Be cautious, as most sushi scallops include other ingredients, including spices and seasonings, that cause digestive issues in dogs.
Is cooked scallops good for dogs?
Ys. Cooked scallops are good for dogs. Cooking destroys bacteria and parasites, making scallops safe for Frenchies.
Is it okay if a Frenchie eats sushi?
Plain sushi is okay for dogs. However, most sushi recipes have other unhealthy additives like avocado and cream cheese, which are unhealthy for dogs.
Can you eat raw scallops sushi?
No. You cannot eat raw scallop sushi. Raw scallops have bacteria and parasites that expose pets and humans to infections.
Can my dog eat sushi-grade fish?
No. Dogs cannot eat sushi-grade fish. Even sushi-grade raw fish can harm a dog’s health in several ways. Two common bacterial infections associated with eating raw seafood are salmonella and listeria.
Final Thoughts
There you have it.
Scallops are excellent sources of proteins, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients are healthy for your Frenchie.
Caution is key, as raw scallops have bacteria and parasites that expose dogs to infections and digestive issues. Cooking is the safest way to serve scallops to Frenchies.
Always consult the vet before giving scallops to your Frenchie.