Can Dogs Eat Fried Calamari?
Fried calamari is a yummy appetizer that is best reserved as a special treat due to its cooking method. Even if you are not a huge seafood fan, you will like fried calamari! Your dog will likely enjoy fried calamari, too. You may wonder, though, whether fried calamari is a safe dish to be shared with your four-legged friend. Take a look below for more details on whether or not fried calamari is a good choice for your pet!
Can dogs eat fried calamari?
Yes, dogs can technically eat calamari, but it is best that you do not share this particular dish. Squid does have some health benefits, and it is cooked, so it may seem like a safe choice for your pet. However, the preparation method of deep frying the squid is the big issue here. It can cause issues in your dog’s digestive system, especially if your dog is being fed calamari regularly, or if your pet consumes a large amount of fried calamari in one sitting.
What Is Fried Calamari?
Fried calamari is a seafood dish, and its name comes from the Italian word for squid: calamari. The squid is battered and deep-fried and can be spiced or served with fried yellow peppers. There are lots of varieties in recipes and therefore, in the dish, depending on the part of the world or even the particular restaurant! In North America, fried calamari is usually served as an appetizer, but squid and calamari dishes are popular in Asia and the Mediterranean, too!
In terms of flavor, fried calamari is mild and slightly sweet– the flavor is almost nutty. Often, it is served with a garlic aioli sauce or marinara sauce to dip in. Fried calamari is firm and chewy, but should not be rubbery. Due to its mild flavor, many people enjoy fried calamari, even if they do not like most other seafood.
Can Dogs Eat Fried Calamari?
So, is fried calamari a good treat to share with your dog?
Squid does have some health benefits, and it is cooked so that it may seem like a safe choice for your pet. However, while your dog technically can eat calamari, it is best that you do not share this particular dish. The preparation method of deep frying the squid is the big issue here.
It can cause issues in your dog’s digestive system, especially if your dog is being fed calamari regularly, or if your pet consumes a large amount of fried calamari in one sitting. Other fried foods fall into this category as well, things like yucca fries and falafel. Take a look below for further details on fried calamari and your dog.
Health Benefits of Calamari
On its own, squid does have some great health benefits. It is high in protein, as about 30% of the meat source is pure protein. This benefits not only humans but our dogs, too! It can help to build and maintain muscle mass, which can be even more beneficial for larger breeds who need more protein in their daily diet.
Another great perk of calamari is that the squid is low in calories when it is not being fried up for fried calamari. Frying the squid significantly increases its calorie level. The fat level in squid is only around 9%. This, plus the high protein levels, can make squid a great choice for dogs watching their weight!
Like fish, squid is also a source of omega-3 fatty acids. These are very important in our diets, and are important in our pets’ diets, too! Omega-3 acids are so important because they can help with shiny skin and coat, heart health, and healthy joints, as well as improving health overall.
In addition, squid is packed full of antioxidants. These help to fight free radicals in the body, which damage blood cells. Antioxidants can aid in cancer prevention, too, and they increase the number of white blood cells in the body, which in turn strengthens the immune system.
Risks of Calamari
As can be seen above, there are some fantastic health benefits to squid, not only for us humans but for our dogs, too! However, once we start frying up the squid to make fried calamari, we turn this protein into something that could actually end up being harmful to our furry friends.
For example, fried calamari has very high salt levels, and salt is something that can have an adverse effect on your dog, especially in higher doses. It can cause stomach issues and dehydration, as well as long-term issues such as high blood pressure and even salt toxicity. Salt toxicity is a serious medical issue that can lead to organ failure and even death.
Another issue that can arise with fried calamari is due to the number of fats in the dish once you fry the squid. Frying strips much of the nutrition from the squid and adds in lots of saturated fats. High-fat diets or foods can lead to severe issues like pancreatitis and can also lead to weight gain or obesity. Your dog may also experience symptoms like fevers, nausea, and vomiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat calamari fried?
Technically, yes, dogs can eat fried calamari. It is not poisonous or toxic to them. However, fried foods are not good for your dog and can cause issues in the digestive system. Depending on the strength of your dog’s stomach, your pet may be able to stomach it better. However, large amounts of calamari will certainly be an issue.
Is fried calamari healthy to eat?
Calamari is a tasty treat, but it is not the most healthy option on the menu. This is because frying your food adds a significant amount of salt, fat, and calories. Squid can have its own health benefits, but it is much healthier if prepared another way, rather than frying it. It is not particularly healthy for dogs or for humans.
Is fried calamari really squid?
Yes, fried calamari is actually a squid. Calamari does come from the Italian word for squid, and typically refers to the deep-fried dish itself, not just the main ingredient. However, many people use the term interchangeably with squid as well.
What is fried calamari made of?
Fried calamari is a dish that basically consists of squid that is coated in batter and then fried. There are many ways to prepare it to make it unique– some variations include using different seasonings in the batter. In contrast, others may use Panko as a coating or breading instead of the typical batter.