Is Shrimp Paste Good For Dogs? The Benefits and Risks Explained

Shrimp paste also known as bagoong kapi, or terasi, is a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines. This salty, funky condiment is made by fermenting small shrimp or krill with salt. The process breaks down the shrimp into a thick, brownish-gray paste with an intense umami flavor.

Some dog owners wonder if shrimp paste is safe for dogs to eat Like many human foods, shrimp paste does come with some risks for canines However, small amounts may also provide health benefits. Below, we’ll explore the pros and cons of feeding dogs shrimp paste.

An Overview of Shrimp Paste

Before diving into the effects on dogs, let’s first understand what exactly shrimp paste is.

Shrimp paste originates from Southeast Asia, where it is integral to the cuisines of countries like the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is made through a process of fermentation that preserves and concentrates the flavor of small shrimp or krill.

The process begins with catching and cleaning fresh shrimp or krill. The shrimp are then tossed with salt and packed into containers to ferment for several months. This allows enzymes like proteases to break down the proteins into amino acids and peptides, resulting in the characteristic savory umami taste.

As the shrimp ferment, the salt draws moisture out and acts as a preservative. The solids and liquids separate, leaving a thick, protein-rich paste on top. High-quality shrimp paste has a chocolate brown color and an intense scent reminiscent of cheese.

This flavorful paste is then sold on its own as a condiment, or used as an ingredient in sauces, curries, and marinades. It provides a salty, briny kick of umami that enhances other ingredients.

Now that we understand what shrimp paste is let’s look at whether it may be healthy or harmful for dogs.

Potential Benefits of Shrimp Paste for Dogs

When fed in moderation, shrimp paste may provide some nutritional value for dogs:

• Protein: Shrimp paste is a concentrated source of protein from the shrimp used to make it. Protein is vital for building and maintaining muscle mass.

• Vitamin B12: Shrimp naturally contain vitamin B12. Fermentation may help preserve some of this essential vitamin. B12 supports nerve tissue health and red blood cell formation.

• Minerals: Shrimp are a good source of minerals like selenium, phosphorus, and zinc. Small amounts may be retained in the paste. These minerals support immune health, metabolism, DNA synthesis, and more.

• Digestibility: The fermentation process breaks proteins down into peptides and amino acids. This may make shrimp paste more digestible and bioavailable for dogs compared to whole shrimp.

So in theory, a little bit of shrimp paste could provide highly digestible protein, B12, and minerals. However, there are also some potential downsides to consider.

Risks of Feeding Dogs Shrimp Paste

While the nutritional content looks decent on paper, there are some reasons shrimp paste may cause problems for dogs:

• High Sodium Content: Shrimp paste is very high in sodium, with 100g containing up to 1000mg or more. Eating too much can be dangerous for dogs prone to heart disease or sodium-sensitive conditions.

• Allergies: As with shrimp, krill, or other shellfish, dogs may develop allergic reactions to shrimp paste. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation may occur.

• Pathogens: The fermentation process reduces but does not eliminate all pathogens. Shrimp paste may contain harmful bacteria like salmonella. Proper cooking is required to kill these.

• Choking Hazard: Though smooth in texture, a large mouthful of paste could still pose a choking risk for dogs. This is especially true for breeds with flat faces or narrow throats.

• Pancreatitis: The high fat content may trigger pancreatitis in dogs with susceptible pancreases. This is a serious and painful condition.

• Weight Gain: Shrimp paste is very calorie-dense. Overfeeding can lead to excessive weight gain in dogs. Obesity stresses joints and organs and shortens lifespans.

So shrimp paste does require some precautions when feeding it to dogs. Overall the risks seem to outweigh the potential benefits.

Is Shrimp Paste Good For Dogs?

Given the downsides above, shrimp paste should be considered an occasional treat at most for dogs. The American Kennel Club recommends avoiding shellfish for dogs altogether.

The high sodium content is particularly concerning. Excessive sodium intake is linked to kidney disease, heart failure, and stroke in dogs. Shrimp paste seems too risky as a regular part of a dog’s diet.

However, tiny taste here and there of shrimp paste is unlikely to harm an otherwise healthy dog. As always, you know your individual dog best. Monitor them closely for any allergy symptoms or gastric upset.

If your dog has shown interest in Southeast Asian food, you may wish to try these tips for safely sharing shrimp paste:

• Start with a pea-sized amount on your finger for the dog to lick. Wait a day to monitor for reactions before increasing the amount.

• To reduce sodium, rinse the paste briefly before feeding. Or mix a small amount into a larger quantity of plain cooked rice or bland food.

• Never feed dogs raw shrimp paste. Always cook recipes containing shrimp paste thoroughly to kill pathogens.

• Devein and remove shells/tails from whole shrimp before making homemade shrimp paste. These indigestible parts can injure dogs internally.

• For dogs prone to pancreatitis or obesity, calculate paste calories into their daily intake to avoid weight gain.

• Do not feed shrimp paste often. Reserve for occasional treats or tiny flavor enhancements to limit sodium exposure. Monitor for increased thirst and urination.

• Never leave unattended shrimp paste where a dog may access and eat a large amount.

• Contact your vet immediately if symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or swelling occur after ingestion.

While shrimp paste does not appear to be inherently toxic to dogs, its high sodium means it should be fed sparingly. Overall, there seem to be safer, healthier treat options for dogs. But for the occasional shrimp paste-loving canine, small infrequent servings may be acceptable. As always, monitor your individual dog and consult your vet with any concerns.

Alternatives to Shrimp Paste for Dogs

If you want to add an umami flavor boost to your dog’s food, there are safer options than shrimp paste. Here are some healthy, low-sodium ways to add a savory kick:

• Carrots: Lightly roast carrots to bring out their natural sweetness. Puree with a little broth for an umami dip or sauce.

• Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms until deeply browned for rich umami flavor. Chop finely and mix into plain cooked rice or meat.

• Sweet Potatoes: Roast sweet potato wedges until caramelized then mash with broth into a paste for topping kibble.

• Green Beans: Slightly charring green beans via grilling or roasting adds satisfying smoky flavors.

• Canned Pumpkin: Add a spoonful of canned pure pumpkin to bring out subtle savory notes.

• Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth and use small amounts for cooking or mixing into foods.

• Nutritional Yeast: This deactivated yeast has cheesy, nutty umami flavor. Sprinkle on lightly like a condiment.

• Diced Tomatoes: The acidic tomatoes develop more complex flavors when browned lightly in oil.

Experiment with cooked veggies, broths, herbs, and other wholesome foods to find flavors your dog loves. These provide healthier and safer umami richness compared to shrimp paste.

While the umami flavor of shrimp paste is tempting to share with dogs, it does carry some risks. The high sodium content in particular makes regular intake inadvisable for dogs. Occasional tiny tastes may be alright but should not become a regular habit. There are safer ways to add savory umami richness to a dog’s diet through roasted, grilled, or sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, pumpkin, broths and more. When shared sparingly, shrimp paste can provide interest. But overall it is best reserved as an occasional treat in tiny amounts rather than a dietary staple for dogs.