No. I’d certainly not recommend prawn crackers for your dog
I know it can be hard to resist sharing your snacks with your pup, but prawn crackers aren’t the best choice or dare I say the healthiest choice for them. These snacks are packed with salt, fat, and other additives that can mess with your dog’s digestion. I know you may say “How about a small piece?”. Sure, it won’t hurt them, but where’s the joy in feeding your dog a snack that offers no nutritional value?
What Are The Risks of Giving My Dog Prawn Crackers?
Too much salt: This snack is quite high in salt content and dogs don’t need too much salt in their diet. Their bodies are simply not designed to take on that much salt, so it can make them dehydrated or even lead to salt poisoning in extreme cases.
High in fat: You know these crackers are fried in oil and any food that goes through this method is always high in fat. These can cause stomach upset for your pup or even lead to more serious issues like pancreatitis.
Additives and Flavorings: Most times, prawn crackers contain preservatives for extra shelf life and flavorings too. These artificial ingredients aren’t good for dogs and they can cause health issues down the road.
What exactly are prawn crackers?
If you’re just hearing about it for the first time, then stumbling on this post may be your lucky day. Prawn crackers are made from starch(usually tapioca or potato), ground prawns, water, sugar, and seasonings. They are fried until they puff up into crispy snacks.
As of today, there’s not much nutritional value for prawn crackers other than a little bit of protein and Omega-3. The risks of eating this snack outweigh every nutritional value it should offer.
Note: Apart from the risks I mentioned above, prawn crackers can also cause choking issues, because they are brittle and can break into sharp pieces. That’s not all, some dogs can be allergic to shellfish like prawns which may cause itching or other digestive issues.
What can I give my dog instead of prawn crackers?
There are so many healthier options for treats that you can give your dog instead of prawn crackers. Let’s take a look at them:
Carrot sticks: They are low in calories and great for keeping their teeth clean.
Apple slices (no seeds): This is a crunchy, sweet treat for your pup. It has fiber in it, with vitamins as well.
Dog biscuits: When shopping next at the pet store, go for natural biscuits without any additives.
Homemade treats: You can whip up simple snacks at home with ingredients like unsalted peanut butter, oats, and pumpkin puree. Your pup will thank you for it.
How about Human Foods?
If you’re considering human foods, then I’ll make a list you can give your pup. Trust me it’s not every food that we eat that is suitable for them. With that being said, go for safe options like:
- Plain-cooked chicken: This is a lean, healthy protein for your pup.
- Cooked sweet potatoes: This meal is packed with fiber and nutrients.
- Plain yogurt: This is good for digestion, but make sure you avoid the sugary or flavored kinds.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, ensure the next time you want to give your dog treats, you go for snacks that are both safe and nutritious.
Trust me, you will start the important step of keeping them happy and healthy, and they will thank you for it.
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