Can cats eat shrimp? The answer is yes if you give it one or two. Your beautiful pet certainly deserves the best treatment – shrimp included, and there is no doubt that it will be satisfied with it.
Shrimps are delicious and you will love being able to share them with your pet.It will definitely love the shrimp as much as you like them. Let’s find out how often and in what quantities you should give your cat shrimp, along with some useful tips on feeding cats.
Can cats eat shrimp? How many can they eat?
Cats are carnivores and we can say that they are crazy about all kinds of meat. However, “prize treats” should not replace an adequate and balanced diet, and shrimp snacks should be occasional.
Shrimp is a great treat to use as a treat, particularly for domestic cats, who don’t have the ability to practice their predatory instincts.
You shouldn’t feed your pet too much shrimp – your cat may end up loving it too much and becoming picky and wanting to choose its own dishes. As much as you may love to spoil your cat with succulent treats, too many snacks could make it lose the urge to eat its usual food, which is packed with everything it needs for proper development. So one or two shrimp once or twice a week is more than enough.
Also, be sure to gradually introduce them into your pet’s diet – you don’t want to damage its digestion with sudden dietary changes. This goes for every treat you have in mind.
Some cats may be allergic to fish and seafood, so pay attention to how your pet reacts to the new treat, and see if it has any digestive problems or other unusual reactions.
Shrimp – is it good for my cat?
We’ve established that your cat will love shrimp treats. But is it okay for your cat? Yes, it’s a healthy treat. Let’s find out why.
Shrimp are an excellent source of powerful natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. It’s rich in selenium, phosphorus, zinc, iodine, omega 3, and vitamins B12, B3, B6, and E. It’s pretty nutritious, isn’t it?
Plus, shrimp incorporates a good source of protein requirements, making it absolutely suitable for your cat. However, it does not contain many calories, so it will not increase the risk of obesity.
If you want to spoil your cat with shrimp morsels you shouldn’t worry, of course, if you moderate the portions. Shrimp will satisfy its hunger in an instant, as well as its craving for meat. And your cat sure loves meat, right?
When you buy fresh shrimp, it is best to consume them in two or three days at the most. Keep in mind that smell is the main indicator of freshness when it comes to shrimp. Usually, fresh shrimp have a faint smell of saltwater.
However, freezing shrimp is a more affordable option: you can keep them in the freezer for a couple of weeks. Your cat will still love them. If the outside temperature is high, you could give it the still frozen shrimp – your cat will love to chew it on a hot summer day.
Finally, we can say that shrimp is healthy food for your pet but only as an occasional snack.
Benefits of shrimp for animals
Shrimp contain the astaxanthin carotenoid, which is anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. In animal studies, astaxanthin has been shown to help both the muscular and skeletal, and nervous systems.
Additionally, other studies have shown that it decreases the risk of colon cancer that is associated with astaxanthin intake, as well as reduces the risk of certain diabetes-related problems.
Shrimps: Better raw or cooked?
Shrimp shouldn’t be cooked for your cat. The smell of raw shrimp is what makes it so succulent for your pet. A raw, moist, and fragrant shrimp will be as delicious to it as they are fried to us. Well, cats and humans are different, what did you expect?
Make sure you clean the shrimp properly. Remove the shrimp’s digestive tract before giving it to your cat. Who knows what might be hiding in there? Fortunately, it’s pretty simple, so don’t worry.
You want your cat to be okay, right? As much as it gets to the legs or tail, your cat will love them, so there’s no need to remove them. Wash the shrimp and remove the digestive tract and that’s it – your cat can start devouring it. Neither cooking nor anything else is required.
This article is purely informative, at Shelterapet we do not have the right to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We encourage you to take your pet to the vet in case of any kind of discomfort.