Clams are a nutritious addition to a dog’s diet and contain Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. However, purchasing clams from sources that test their products for contamination and preparing them properly is important to avoid potential health risks such as paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) and parasites and bacteria.
Clams offer a nutrient-rich addition to a dog’s diet. They are low in fat and high in proteins and Omega-3 fatty acids, which helps support a dog’s cell growth and heart health. Clams also contain B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and other essential minerals needed for proper organ functioning.
Clams filter feed on microalgae and can absorb toxins such as dinoflagellates, which can be harmful for dogs if consumed. Parasites and bacteria may be present in raw clams, and the shells are a potential choking hazard.
Scrub the clams with a brush under running water to remove the sand and impurities. Soak the clams in a bowl of cold water for 20 minutes. Cook the clams by boiling them for a few minutes. Remove and discard the shells, then give one to two cooked clams to your dog as a treat occasionally.
Clams are a nutrient-rich food often found in commercial pet food, and they have other common names such as longneck clams, steamer clams, ocean quahogs, and soft-shell clams. Native to the coasts of North America and Europe, clams are an affordable and easy-to-access meal for your canine companion. As well as being low in fat and containing valuable proteins, they offer a wide variety of minerals including Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc which can all benefit your dog’s overall health and development. However, they could be contaminated with parasitical and bacterial pathogens which could be harmful, and it is important to buy clams from tested sources and prepare them correctly to remove potential toxins. Boiling the clams and giving your dog one to two cooked clams as a treat is a recommended way of serving them.
If clams aren’t an option, or if you want to supplement other fish into your dog’s diet, mackerel and salmon are both great alternatives that contain Omega-3s. Does freezing clams make them easier to consume for dogs? Freezing the clams will not make them easier to consume and is not recommended as it will not kill the harmful bacteria or pathogens that can potentially make your dog sick.
Does your pup love the taste of clams or have a preferred fishy meal? Share your experiences with us! Let us know if your pup has any special recipes that they just can’t get enough of!
We hope this short overview has been useful in aiding your pet’s diet decisions. Here’s to your pup’s health and good eats!
