Can Dogs Eat Prawns? What Australian Vets Recommend

Yes, dogs can eat prawns and enjoy them when prepared the right way. Prawns can be a safe and delicious treat for dogs, offering lean protein, omega-3s, and minerals that support skin, coat, and joint health when served cooked, peeled, and plain.

But portion control is key. Dogs can eat prawns in moderation, and dogs shouldn't eat more than half a cup of prawns per week. This keeps sodium and cholesterol in check while still letting your dog enjoy the benefits.

So while yes, they can, the real difference, just like with humans, comes down to how prawns are cooked, how much you feed, and your dog’s individual health. 

Quick Answer: Can Dogs Eat Prawns Safely in Australia? ✅ Yes, dogs can eat prawns when they’re cooked, peeled, and served plain. 🦐 Prawns are low-fat and high in protein, but they lack fibre and must be fed in moderation. 🦴 Limit to occasional treats only, no more than half a cup per week, based on dog size. 🚫 Avoid raw prawns, shells, heads, seasonings, and prawn crackers, as they can be harmful.

Are Prawns Nutritionally Suitable for Dogs in Australia?

Yes, prawns are nutritionally suitable for dogs when they’re cooked, de-shelled, and fed in moderation. They offer lean protein and key micronutrients, but they don’t provide everything a dog needs. Their value depends on nutrient content, feeding balance, and your dog’s individual health.

Nutritional Composition of Prawns: Protein, Omega-3s & Vitamins

Prawns supply concentrated protein, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA), selenium, and vitamin B12, nutrients that support muscle maintenance, joint flexibility, immune defence, and cognitive health. Together, they make prawns a functional snack, but not a complete food source.

How Prawns Fit Into a Balanced Dog Diet

Prawns fit best as part of a rotational feeding plan alongside other vet-formulated proteins. Their role is complementary, not foundational. They add marine nutrients to a diet already balanced to AAFCO standards, whether you feed fresh, raw, or dry dog food. While prawns provide digestible protein and trace minerals, they don’t deliver fibre, calcium, or carbohydrates, so they should stay a supplement, not a staple.

When Prawns Make a Good Occasional Protein Source

Prawns are especially useful as a targeted protein in certain situations:

• Post-exercise recovery: Active dogs benefit from lean protein without added fats.
  
• Elimination diets: Prawns may serve as a novel protein to identify food sensitivities.
  
• Encouraging picky eaters: Their aroma and flavour can stimulate appetite.
  
• Training rewards: Small prawn pieces make high-value treats without excess calories.

Is It Safe to Feed Dogs Prawns? What Vets Recommend

Yes, dogs can safely eat prawns when four conditions are met: they’re cooked plain, completely free from their exoskeleton, free from additives, and matched to your dog’s health needs. Problems arise with raw prawns, shells, or heavy seasonings. For some dogs, shellfish sensitivities or high cholesterol in prawns can also cause issues.

Veterinary Insights on Shellfish Sensitivities and Safe Feeding

Although uncommon, some dogs develop shellfish allergies. These reactions vary from mild digestive upset to serious skin irritations. Signs may include vomiting, diarrhoea, itching, breathing difficulties, and recurrent ear problems.

Vets advise offering a tiny test portion first, then monitoring your dog over 24-48 hours. Stop immediately if symptoms appear. If your dog has a history of food sensitivities, it’s safest to get your vet’s approval before introducing prawns.

Vet Recommended Dog Food

Are Sodium, Cholesterol & Mercury Safe for Dogs?

Seafood brings specific concerns, and prawns are no exception. While their nutrient profile can be beneficial, careless feeding may stress your dog’s digestive system.

• Sodium: Prawns naturally contain sodium. When seasoned or served in sauces, excess salt can dehydrate dogs and strain their kidneys.
  
• Cholesterol: Plain prawns are low in fat, but dogs with pancreatitis or obesity may still struggle to process extra cholesterol. In such cases, stick with leaner, alternative proteins.
  
• Mercury: Prawns are low in mercury compared to tuna or mackerel. The risk rises only when dogs eat seafood too often across multiple sources.

What Are the Health Benefits of Prawns for Dogs?

When served correctly, prawns aren’t just a tasty snack; they can also deliver functional health benefits. Their protein, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and vitamin B12 support key areas of canine wellbeing, from joint mobility to coat condition and weight management.

How Prawns May Support Skin, Coat & Joint Function in Dogs

Prawns are naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and the mineral selenium. Together, these nutrients can make a visible difference to your dog’s health.

Omega-3s calm inflammation, which helps stiff or arthritic dogs move more comfortably, while also giving coats a healthy shine. Selenium plays its part by strengthening the skin barrier and speeding up healing from scratches or irritation. 

Studies show that omega-3 supplementation improves mobility in dogs living with osteoarthritis, and prawns, when fed safely, can contribute to that benefit.

Can Prawns Contribute to Lean Muscle and Healthy Weight?

Yes, because prawns are high in protein but low in fat, they can help dogs stay lean while still supporting strong muscles. That balance makes them handy for senior dogs, pets prone to weight gain, or those already on a calorie-controlled diet.

Unlike fatty treats, prawns deliver protein without loading up on excess energy. They may even be suitable for dogs with conditions like pancreatitis, though that should always be confirmed with your vet before adding them to the diet.

Prawns vs Chicken, Salmon & Lamb for Dogs

Protein options vary in fat content, allergy risk, and functional value. Prawns bring unique benefits compared with common proteins, but they aren’t the only choice. Many dogs thrive when their diet rotates between prawns, chicken, salmon, lamb, or even alternative protein sources for dogs that offer variety and reduce allergy risk.

How to Prepare and Serve Prawns Safely for Dogs

Serving prawns safely comes down to two things: cooking them properly and removing the inedible parts. Dogs can’t handle raw prawns, shells, or heavy seasonings the way humans can. A plain, fully cooked prawn without the shell is the only safe option.

Best Way to Cook Prawns for Dogs: Raw vs Boiled

Raw prawns are unsafe for dogs because they may carry harmful bacteria and parasites like Vibrio. Cooking makes prawns safe by killing these pathogens, but only if you keep them plain.

Prawn Shells, Heads & Crackers: Are They Safe for Dogs? The golden rule is simple: only feed your dog the fleshy part of the prawn. Everything else is off-limits.

1. Shells, heads, and tails: These are tough to digest and can cause choking or intestinal blockages, especially in small breeds. Always remove them completely.
2. Prawn crackers and shrimp chips: These human snacks are deep-fried, salty, and packed with additives that upset a dog’s stomach. They should never be fed to pets.

The safest way to prepare prawns for your dog is to start with fresh or defrosted prawns, peel away the shell, remove the head and tail, devein them, then boil or steam until cooked through. Serve plain, cooled, and cut into bite-sized pieces.

How Much Prawn Can a Dog Eat Safely?

Prawns should always stay in the treat category, not the main meal. The safest rule is that prawns, like any snack, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The exact amount depends on size, activity level, and health status.

Prawn Portions for Dogs by Size & Activity

Smaller dogs need only a fraction of what a large breed can handle. Use these portion ranges for cooked, plain, de-shelled prawns:

Active dogs may tolerate slightly more protein as part of their treat allowance, while less active or overweight pets should stay at the lower end of these ranges.

Adjusting Prawn Portions for Age & Health Issues

Age and health make a big difference in whether prawns are suitable at all.

• Puppies: Avoid shellfish unless your vet approves; their digestive systems are still developing.
  
• Senior dogs: Soft, lean prawn meat may be tolerated in very small amounts.
  
• Medical conditions: Dogs with pancreatitis, obesity, gut disorders, or food allergies should only be offered prawns under veterinary guidance.
  
• First introduction: Start with a small test piece and monitor for 24-48 hours.

How Often Can Dogs Eat Prawns?

Prawns are best thought of as an occasional reward. Feeding them too often can upset the balance of your dog’s diet.

• Small dogs: Up to once per week.
  
• Medium to large dogs: Up to twice per week.

Rotating prawns with other safe treats helps prevent overfeeding and keeps your dog’s diet varied.

Healthy Dog Treat Alternatives to Prawns in Australia

Prawns aren’t the right choice for every dog, especially those with sensitive stomachs or shellfish allergies. The good news is there are plenty of high-protein, low-fat alternatives that work just as well as treats, while keeping your dog’s diet safe and balanced.

Shellfish-free, high-protein options include:

• Kangaroo: Extremely lean, low in fat, and naturally high in iron. A top choice for dogs needing weight control or low-calorie snacks.
  
• Turkey: Easy to digest, low in fat, and less likely to trigger allergies compared to common proteins.
  
• Venison: A novel protein that is nutrient-dense, hypoallergenic, and ideal for dogs that need variety or are managing food sensitivities.

For pet parents looking for convenient, clean alternatives, Petzyo offers shellfish-free premium raw and dry dog food recipes made with proteins such as salmon, ocean fish, kangaroo, and turkey. All meals are designed to be gentle on sensitive stomachs, hypoallergenic, and tailored to Aussie dogs.

Shellfish Alternative Kibble	Low-Fat, High-Protein Alternative Kibbles

Why Petzyo is Trusted by Australian Dog Owners

For Aussie dog parents, “good enough” doesn’t cut it. They want meals that are complete, ethically made, and easy to manage in a busy routine. That’s why Petzyo has become more than just dog food; it’s part of the family setup.

Petzyo is trusted because it delivers on what matters most:

• Recipes Formulated by Veterinary Board-Certified Nutritionists: Tailored for sensitive stomachs and allergies and designed with the highest level of expertise. We have vet-backed recipes with hypoallergenic, limited-ingredient options that are free from wheat, corn, soy, and artificial nasties.
  
• Locally Sourced and Sustainable: Made with 100% natural, human-grade ingredients from trusted Aussie farmers: grass-fed meats, clean proteins, and real veggies, delivered in fully recyclable shippers.
  
• Flexible Subscriptions: Control your deliveries to suit your schedule. Pause, skip, or adjust anytime. Switch flavours to keep mealtimes interesting, follow tailored feeding guides by breed and age, and earn Paw Rewards with every order.
  

FAQs About Dogs Eating Prawns

Can puppies eat prawns safely?

No, it is not recommended to feed prawns to puppies. Puppies' digestive systems are sensitive, and their immune systems are still developing, so they cannot handle the variety of foods that adult dogs can eat.

Can dogs eat prawns every day?

No, dogs should not eat prawns every day. Prawns are a high-value treat, and dogs can eat prawns only in moderation, generally once or twice weekly, to avoid digestive issues or excess cholesterol.

Are cooked prawns better than raw for dogs?

Yes, cooked prawns are much safer than raw for dogs. Cooking prawns destroys bacteria and parasites, while raw prawns increase infection risks. Dogs can eat prawns safely only when boiled or steamed plain, without seasoning or oil.

What seafood is safer than prawns for dogs?

Seafood safer than prawns for dogs includes salmon, sardines, and ocean fish. These finfish are lower allergy risks, richer in omega-3s, and often easier to digest than shellfish like prawns.

Can prawns cause digestive issues or skin allergies?

Yes, prawns can cause digestive issues or skin allergies. Prawns are a common allergen and may trigger vomiting, diarrhoea, itching, or ear infections in sensitive dogs. Always start with small portions and monitor closely for signs.

Are prawn crackers or flavoured snacks safe for dogs?

No, prawn crackers or flavoured snacks are not safe for dogs. These foods are fried and high in salt, fat, and preservatives, which can be toxic to canine health. Dogs should eat plain, cooked prawns instead.

Healthy Dogs Go Beyond Prawns: Try Petzyo’s Balanced Meals

Prawns are fine as an occasional treat, but everyday health comes from meals designed to cover all of your dog’s needs. Petzyo makes it easy for Aussie owners to feed with confidence.

With Petzyo, you’re not just buying food; you’re setting up a routine that:

• Saves time with ready-to-serve meals delivered to your door
  
• Keeps dogs thriving with consistent, balanced nutrition every day
  
• Provides peace of mind knowing experts designed every recipe

If you’d like to see how Petzyo can fit into your dog’s routine, explore our meal plans today. It’s a simple step toward consistent, healthy feeding, with room left for the occasional prawn treat.