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I recently started adding oysters to my dogs' raw meals because I learned that I wasn't adding enough zinc to their diet. When it comes to raw feeding, we're always learning and I'm thankful that after four years of feeding raw (and three years of mostly DIY raw), I figured out that oysters are a great source of zinc and manganese.
But what about other seafood?
Can Dogs Eat Clams?
When I did a Google search, I didn't find much about feeding clams to dogs. I did find that there isn't a reason why we can't add clams to our dogs' diet. So, yes, dogs can eat clams – I recommend avoiding smoked clams, or clams cooked in butter. Instead, go for the canned in water with no salt added.
Benefits of Clams for Dogs
So why would we want to add clams to our dogs' diet?
In my research, I found that clams are a low fat, high protein food that contains Omega-3 fatty acids and the following minerals:
- magnesium
- iron
- zinc
- selenium
- B vitamins
- calcium
- phosphorous
Another reason why clams are a good addition to our dogs' diet if you want to add seafood is that they don't have the heavy metal contamination that we see in the bigger fish.
Where to Buy Clams
I'm not comfortable feeding my dogs raw clams unless I know the source. If I were to buy clams, I would look for frozen clams cooked in their own juice (no butter, no garlic) and toss the shell before feeding them. Or I would look for cooked clams canned in water with low sodium, then rinse them well before adding them to my dogs' meal.
So far, I have only see smoked clams (not good for dogs) or canned clams that have 10% or more sodium. And the frozen clams at our local stores are all cooked with garlic and butter; my dogs don't need the excess calories.
Hi Carla
I don’t have a set amount to give dogs based on size. I balance over time so I split one can between four dogs or I add one can to every 8 quart bowl when mixing batches of raw. If I had two dogs that were 60 and 10 pounds, I’d probably give the bigger dog 3-4 oysters and the smaller dog 1.
Best.
Hello Kimberly I’m fairly new to your channel and blogs How much clams and oysters should a 60lb and 10lb.dogs get. Love what you do..Carla
I don’t feel comfortable feeding clams, oysters, or mussels raw, however, I know plenty of people who do. I prefer them to be boiled or baked first.
i have found raw frozen clams in my local grocery store just the meat no shells water etc… do i need to cook them before giving them or are they ok raw?