Can Dogs Eat Cuttlefish?

The purpose of this research is to explain the “Can Dogs Eat Cuttlefish?“.

If you live near the sea you have probably seen cuttlefish washing up on the shore.

Your dog too and he probably wants to see what they taste like since the smell is kind of intriguing.

Is it possible for dogs to eat cuttlefish?

Yes it should not be any problems.

Contrary to popular belief cuttlefish make for a healthy and nutritious snack. 

We will explore the health benefits of feeding your dog cuttlefish meat and bones but also discuss the risks he may experience if he consumes too much of this type of snack.

Additionally we’ll examine which cuttlefish are toxic. 

What is cuttlefish?

An octopus or squid-like creature cuttlefish are mollusks.

Cephalopods all belong to the class Cephalopoda but cuttlefish are distinguished by their internal structure.

Besides the external shell cuttlefish also have an internal structure known as a cuttlebone.

Cuttlebones are made of the same substance as mollusk shells so the term bone is incorrect.

There is a consistency of pumice to it but its not too hard for dogs to chew. This internal structure allows the cuttlefish to remain buoyant or afloat. 

The cuttlefish has eight arms and two long tentacles and varies in size between 4 and 20 inches.

You can find cuttlefish in all oceans of the Earth just like calamari or squids.

East Asian and Mediterranean countries consider cuttlefish a delicacy and eat them as much as Westerners eat popcorn or peanuts.

Can dogs eat cuttlefish bone?

In the event that your dog snatches up a cuttlefish bone while you are walking along the beach do not panic.

The cuttlefish bone probably would not make him sick but it is best to boil it for at least 15 minutes and to let it dry before eating it.

In order to prevent bacteria from developing on rotten seafood that washes up on the beach this is necessary.

There is almost no risk of bacteria contamination if there is no meat left on the bone. 

An oblong chalky bone cuttlefish bones are lightweight and have an oblong shape. 

An almost entirely calcium carbonate mineral called aragonite makes up cuttlefish bone.

Therefore these bones are typically fed to pet birds and tortoises which require a lot of calcium.

The calcium content of cuttlefish bone is 85%. 

It is also high in vitamins B2 and B12 as well as selenium phosphorus copper and iron. 

The snack is 100% organic and has no calories making it a great choice for overweight pets. 

Can a dog choke on a cuttlefish bone?

He has almost no chance of choking on it since its not considered a bone.

It isnot impossible though if your dog gulps down his food rather than chews it.

Cuttlefish bones are brittle and crunchy but they tend to crumble rather than splinter so its not like they’ll get stuck in the dogs throat.

When you go to the beach and fill a bag with cuttlefish you can boil them and store them in the pantry.

Cuttlefish bones need to be dried first and then stored in an airtight container.

Mold and bacteria grow in the air that is exposed to the air. Discard any bones that appear to be moldy.

Can a dog eat cuttlefish meat?

You can eat all parts of a cuttlefish just as you can eat all parts of a squid or calamari. You can compare its flavor to that of squid or octopus. The meat of cuttlefish is said to be tastier than squid despite not being so popular in Western countries.

If the cuttlefish is freshly caught it can be eaten raw. The meat of cuttlefish must be carefully prepared if you want to cook it. Depending on how fast or how slow you cook it it is highly recommended. Anywhere in the middle will give the meat a rubbery texture and make it difficult to chew. This is true for humans as well. If your dog likes chewy treats give them to him.

It might be a good idea to remove the ink sack first. It can be used to give a black color to risotto but if the sack bursts unexpectedly you might have a messy kitchen. 

100 grams of cuttlefish meat contains 79 calories and 16 grams of protein which is important for muscle growth. 

What are the benefits of feeding cuttlefish bone to the dog?

You can give your dog a cuttlefish snack once in a while if he has a calcium deficiency. If you live by the beach its a natural alternative to calcium supplements for dogs. 

Dental hygiene is also improved by chewing on cuttlefish bones. Using a cuttlefish bone will prevent you from having to brush your dogs bones again. It is an abrasive material that cleans a dogs bones thoroughly. As a result of its abrasive properties cuttlefish bone powder has been added to toothpaste for years. 

What are the risks of feeding cuttlefish bone to the dog?

In dogs with kidney problems cuttlefish bones are not recommended. These bones contain a lot of calcium which can lead to kidney failure.

You may also be unaware that your dog is allergic to seafood. A dog that suffers from a mild reaction to cuttlefish will most likely break out in hives. The situation will be unpleasant for him but fortunately it will fade away.

You must however monitor your dog closely whenever you introduce a new type of food to ensure he does not suffer anaphylactic shock. The most serious type of allergic reaction swelling in the mouth and throat will prevent the animal from breathing. This is quite rare but it should be taken into account. 

Mild allergic reactions can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl or Claritin but if he has trouble breathing take him to the veterinarian right away. 

Chalky stools are another side effect of eating cuttlefish bones. If your dog is prone to constipation this might pose a problem. 

What types of cuttlefish are poisonous?

There is only one type of cuttlefish known to be toxic: the so-called Flamboyant cuttlefish. It is known for its ability to change colors quickly. There is a deadly toxin in the flesh of this cuttlefish which is very small and 2.4 – 3 inches long. Flamboyant cuttlefish can only be found in tropical waters and is mostly found in the waters surrounding Indonesia Papua New Guinea and Australia. 

Can dogs eat octopus?

Dogs love octopus because it is healthy and quite tasty. Octopus is totally okay for your dog but it should be cooked well either boiled or steamed.

It is important to keep in mind however that 100 grams of octopus meat contain 163 calories. Octopuses also provide 29.6 grams of protein per serving so they are an excellent type of meat for dogs. Additionally they are high in calcium potassium and iron. The Omega-3 fatty acids in octopus aid the dogs immune system and help him maintain a full and shiny coat. 

Healthy and nutritious octopuses are a wonderful treat for puppies but they must be handled carefully. The stomachs of small dogs tend to be sensitive so give him a little bit of octopus and watch him closely to see if he has an upset stomach or an allergic reaction.

Can dogs eat squid?

Squid can be eaten by dogs but only in moderation. It provides 92 calories per 100 grams. Moreover it contains 155 grams of protein and 3 grams of carbohydrates. There is a problem with squid because it contains 233 mg of cholesterol per 100 grams. If your dog has already high cholesterol this could be a problem. 

In addition to calcium and magnesium the same serving contains phosphorus potassium and vitamins.

Squid treats in pet stores or online should be avoided since they contain a lot of salt which can be very dangerous for your dog. 

If it is fresh your dog can eat raw squid. You should only serve cooked squid to your dog if it is a dog-friendly recipe without added salt or flavoring.

Conclusion

Cuttlefish is a healthy treat for dogs even though it is not a common food. You can give your pet the meat as well as the bones. You can find cuttlefish bones on beaches which are very rich in calcium and other minerals. Cuttlefish bones can be boiled and stored in an airtight container so you will always have a tasty treat on hand.

Dogs can eat many types of seafood such as octopus and squid but if you give your pet such a treat keep an eye out for allergic reactions. 

If you want to read more about dog food tips read here: Dog Food Tips and Tricks.

Can Dogs Eat Cuttlefish? (Watch Video)