Can Dogs Eat Shrimp Paste?

As dog owners, we always want to make sure we are feeding our furry friends things that are safe and healthy for them. Many people enjoy shrimp paste as an ingredient in dishes but is it okay for dogs to eat? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at shrimp paste and determine if it should be on the menu for your pup.

What is Shrimp Paste?

Shrimp paste also sometimes called shrimp sauce or bagoong is a common ingredient used in Southeast Asian and Filipino cuisine. It is made from fermented ground shrimp that is usually mixed with salt.

The shrimp are fermented either with or without the shells on. The fermentation process allows natural enzymes to break down the proteins in the shrimp into amino acids. This gives shrimp paste its signature funky, pungent taste and smell.

There are a few different varieties of shrimp paste

• Bagoong alamang – Made from tiny shrimp called alamang and popular in the Philippines.

• Belacan – Malay shrimp paste made from larger shrimp.

• Kapi – The Thai version made from krill or very small shrimp.

• Mam ruoc – A Vietnamese shrimp paste made from both shrimp and fish.

• Ngapi – A pungent Burmese shrimp paste.

• Terasi – An Indonesian paste made from very small shrimp.

The different pastes vary in color from pinkish to brown or gray. They also vary in texture from a thick paste to a finer, granular consistency.

Is Shrimp Paste Safe for Dogs?

The first thing to consider with any new food is safety. Can dogs eat shrimp paste without getting sick?

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• High Sodium Content – Most shrimp paste contains very high levels of sodium, which can be problematic for dogs. Eating too much sodium can cause excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, and even sodium ion poisoning in dogs.

• Allergies – Some dogs may be allergic to shellfish including shrimp. An allergic reaction could cause symptoms like itchy skin, hives, vomiting, and swelling.

• Choking Hazard – The thick, sticky texture of shrimp paste could present a choking risk for some dogs, especially small breeds.

• Foodborne Illness – Uncooked fermented shrimp products may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria. Cooking the shrimp paste thoroughly destroys these germs.

So while shrimp itself can be safe for dogs, the very high salt content found in most shrimp pastes makes them quite problematic. Small amounts may be okay for some dogs, but they should be avoided in dogs with allergies, sodium sensitivity, or small breeds prone to choking.

Nutritional Value of Shrimp Paste for Dogs

Setting safety concerns aside for the moment, what nutrients and potential benefits does shrimp paste offer dogs?

Here’s an overview of the nutrition found in a typical shrimp paste:

• Protein – Shrimp are a good source of protein, which provides amino acids. Dogs need protein in their diet for growth, repair, and maintenance.

• Choline – Shrimp contain some choline, an essential nutrient for dogs that supports nerve health, metabolism, and brain development.

• Vitamin B12 – Shrimp are naturally high in vitamin B12 which aids metabolism and red blood cell formation in dogs.

• Minerals – Shrimp provide minerals like zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and selenium. These help support bone health, immunity, metabolism, and antioxidant status.

• Omega-3s – Shrimp contain some anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA.

So shrimp paste does offer a concentrated source of several beneficial nutrients found in shrimp. However, the sodium and allergy risks likely outweigh any potential benefits for most dogs.

Can Puppies Eat Shrimp Paste?

In general, shrimp paste should be avoided for puppies under 1 year old. Here’s why:

• Puppies have lower sodium tolerance levels than adult dogs. The high salt content can result in potentially dangerous sodium poisoning.

• Young immune systems are more prone to developing new food allergies and sensitivities.

• Small puppy throats and airways are more easily blocked by sticky, dense foods.

• Growing puppies have different nutritional needs centered around balanced calories, carbs, protein, fat, and vitamins/minerals. Shrimp paste does not provide complete balanced nutrition.

For these reasons, it’s safest to avoid offering shrimp paste to puppies. Stick with high quality commercial puppy foods or vet-approved homemade diets to meet all your pup’s nutritional needs.

How Much Shrimp Paste Can Dogs Eat?

We know shrimp paste is very high in sodium, so amounts must be restricted carefully to prevent excess sodium intake. Here are some general feeding guidelines:

• For small dogs under 25 lbs, limit to 1/4 tsp or less on occasion.

• Medium dogs 25-50 lbs could have 1/2 tsp at most.

• For larger dogs over 50 lbs, 1 tsp would be the max safe portion.

To put this in perspective, a tablespoon of shrimp paste may contain around 800-1000 mg sodium. The maximum daily intake for dogs is generally 100-200 mg of sodium per kg of body weight.

It’s also smart to start with much smaller amounts like a 1/4 tsp or less to see how your individual dog tolerates it. Stop feeding it if you see any signs of intestinal upset, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Is Shrimp Paste Good For Dogs?

Based on its high sodium content and allergy risks, shrimp paste should be considered an occasional treat at best for most dogs. It does contain some beneficial nutrients, but there are better ways to provide those without the downsides.

The fermented fishy taste of shrimp paste is also unpalatable and offensive to some dogs. You know your dog best – if they seem to enjoy the flavor and tolerate it well in small infrequent portions, it can be fed as an occasional snack.

But in general, shrimp paste cannot be considered a necessary or healthy part of a dog’s regular diet. It’s best reserved for use as an ingredient to add flavor to certain Asian-inspired dog friendly recipes.

Homemade Shrimp Paste for Dogs

Some owners wish to make a homemade shrimp paste for their dogs to avoid some of the risks of store-bought pastes. This allows you to control the recipe to reduce sodium and eliminate preservatives or other additives.

Here is one example recipe for dog-safe DIY shrimp paste:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb peeled, deveined cooked shrimp
• 1 tbsp coconut aminos (to replace salty soy/fish sauce)
• 1″ knob of fresh turmeric root, minced (anti-inflammatory)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1″ knob of ginger, minced (digestive aid)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, blend all ingredients together until a thick, smooth paste forms.

2. Transfer to a glass jar and allow to ferment loosely covered at room temp for 1-2 days.

3. Refrigerate and use within 2 weeks.

When making any homemade recipe, proper handling,prep, and storage are important to avoid bacterial contamination. Introduce new foods slowly and watch for any GI upset.

This shrimp paste contains healthful ingredients and regulates sodium content. But it still carries a potential choking risk and may trigger allergies in some dogs.

While shrimp paste does provide some beneficial nutrition from shrimp, the risks outweigh the potential benefits for most dogs. Very high sodium levels make it easy for dogs to consume dangerous excess amounts. Allergy risks, choking hazards, and unbalanced nutrition are other issues to consider.

In general, shrimp paste cannot be recommended as a routine part of a dog’s diet. Small amounts on occasion may be safe for some dogs, but should be avoided by dogs with sodium sensitivity, allergies, small/brachycephalic breeds, or puppies. Homemade recipes can lower sodium content to safer levels.

When in doubt, it’s best to check with your veterinarian about the appropriateness of shrimp paste or any new food for your dog. They can help you make the safest choice for your pet’s unique nutritional needs.