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No, it’s not advisable to feed your dog calamari. Of course, calamari is filled with nutrients such as copper and zinc. However, if your dog overeats this food, it could cause mineral toxicity1, obesity, and other potential health issues.

Calamari
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Caution: This food is generally considered risky by the veterinary community. Dogs should not eat this food and should be monitored for adverse effects.

Food Safety Exercise caution, avoid large amounts
Nutritional Issues High-fat content, traces of mercury, possible allergens
Potential Risks Pancreatitis, mercury toxicity, gastroenteritis
Poisoning Symptoms Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach issues, allergic reaction
Every dog is different. For specific feeding guidelines, including quantities and beneficial foods that are best for your dog, please consult your vet.

How Much Calamari Is Bad for Dogs?

Only 10 percent or less of a dog’s diet should consist of treats. The maximum amount of calamari a dog should eat is dramatically lowered by one guideline alone. You’ll rapidly use up that 10% just from the added fat content if you let your dog try some fried calamari. However, it’s not advisable. Your dog can occasionally receive treats made from calamari prepared in different ways, such as grilling.

What Makes Calamari Unsafe for Dogs?

Calamari contains lots of saturated fats, sodium, and sometimes mercury. Of course, small amounts won’t harm your dog. However, overfeeding calamari to your dog can cause various health issues, such as mercury toxicity, pancreatitis, and salt toxicity. Salt toxicity can also lead to various health problems such as organ damage, coma, or death in worse cases.

Signs Your Dog Ate Too Much Calamari?

If your dog overeats calamari, it might show different signs, such as allergic reactions, vomiting, redness, itching, and diarrhea. So, consider visiting the vet if your dog experiences these signs of calamari poisoning.

Symptoms of Poisoning from Calamari

Although it’s uncommon, it can happen. Give your dog a little calamari if you’re feeding it for the first time, and see how it reacts over the next several days. Dogs with seafood allergies2 may exhibit symptoms such as red skin, sneezing, constant scratching, and swollen face.

What to Do If Your Dog Is Sick from Calamari?

We urge you to take your dog to the nearest veterinarian for treatment if it has previously taken calamari and is experiencing one or more negative effects, such as allergies or mercury poisoning.

Is Some Calamari Better Than Others?

It’s not advised to feed your dog calamari at all. However, other types of calamari are off the menu as well. For example, fried calamari with condiments should be avoided due to potential toxins, including xylitol and garlic, and the possibility that the oil content could cause pancreatitis.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Like older dogs, it’s not advisable to feed your puppies calamari, whether fried, baked, or grilled. At the same time, it has various bacteria, mercury, and other harmful substances that can harm your puppies.

  • No, avoid feeding your dog friend calamari at all costs. Calamari is already high in fat. However, frying it can increase its fat content tenfold. This can lead to obesity in dogs.

  • Calamari rings are typically deep-fried. This makes it rich in saturated fats. Furthermore, frying calamari also removes any nutritional value it has. So, it’s best to avoid feeding it to your dog.

About the Writer
Dan Greco , Dog Dad

Having been a dog dad for 5 years, I know how hard it is to make sure your dog gets the right nutrients and stays away from hazardous foods. With the help of a veterinarian who specializes in nutrition, I created this blog to help dog owners quickly access food information they need.

photo of vet holding a pup
About the Contributor
Dr. Hillary Wolfe , Veterinarian & Certified Food Therapist

Dr. Wolfe holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University and holds nutrition certifications from the NAVC and CIVT. Her business, Tula Veterinary Nutrition, hosts online courses that teach owners how to cook for their pet for optimal health and longevity. Follow her on Instagram at @doctorwolfe.dvm for dog nutrition tips, recipes and insights.