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I received a freezer dump that included wild goose and squid. My dogs love wild goose (nutrient profile on Patreon), but I've never fed squid. So my first step in introducing new food to my dogs' diet is to check out the nutrient profile.
In a quick search on the benefits of squid, I could only find sites that discouraged feeding squid raw – but these are also sites that don't support raw feeding, so…the research continued.
This is what I learned…
Benefits of Squid for Dogs
Moderate Protein – Squid (or calamari) is a moderate protein – so I wouldn't feed squid as a primary protein like beef, turkey, venison, and pork.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids – Squid is an okay source of Omega 3 fatty acids; the best source of Omega 3s are oily fishes like salmon, sardines, and mackerel.
Mercury Levels – If you're concerned about mercury levels, calamari seems to be the least affected; sardine, trout, and herring have also tested low in mercury levels.
Choline – Squid is a great source of choline (which supports liver and cognitive health); eggs are the best source. When I created my first nutrient spreadsheet, choline (pronounced co-lean) was the first nutrient I realized was partially absent from my dog's diet.
Selenium – Squid is an excellent source of selenium, a mineral that helps support and strengthen the immune system.
Copper – This is my biggest concern – copper. Squid is high in copper – this isn't a bad thing. Copper is an important mineral that supports bone health, the nervous system, the heart, iron metabolism, and the creation of red blood cells. But too much copper can negatively impact liver health in dogs. I would like to see this protein in the ADF because it'll help me understand how much I can add to a meal prep without reaching excessive copper levels.
Cholesterol – Calamari is high in cholesterol; however, this means something different in dogs than in humans. It's hard to find information about how high-cholesterol foods impact our dogs. Some sites seem to be very against fresh food or only want us to feed fresh food in moderation (as a treat). From this, I would speak to my vet about these foods if a dog repeatedly scores high in their area when we do blood work.
Squid Nutritional Facts
I requested the addition of squid (calamari) to the Animal Diet Formulator team to gain more information on dogs. I've learned this via Google, and the ADF confirms these numbers…
- Calories 92 kcal
- Carbohydrate 3.08 g
- Fat 1.38 g
- Saturated Fat 0.36 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.11 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.52 g
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids 0.50 g
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids 0.01 g
- Protein 15.58 g
Which Vitamins are in Squid?
- Riboflavin (B2) 0.41 mg
- Cobalamin (B12) 1.30 mcg
- Choline 65.0 mg
- Niacin (B3) 2.18 mg
- Vitamin C 4.70 mg
- Vitamin E 1.20 mg
- Pantothenic Acid (B5) 0.50 mg
- Pyridoxine (B6) 0.06 mg
- Thiamin (B1) 0.02 mg
- Folate 5.0 mcg
- Vitamin A 10 mcg RAE
Which Minerals are in Squid?
- Copper 1.89 mg
- Selenium 44.8 mcg
- Phosphorus 221.0 mg
- Zinc 1.53 mg
- Magnesium 33.0 mg
- Potassium 246.0 mg
- Iron 0.68 mg
- Calcium 32.0 mg
- Sodium 44.0 mg
- Manganese 0.04 mg
More nutrient information from the USDA
Why I'm Adding Squid to My Dogs' Raw Diet
Squid is a nutritious food that is high in protein and minerals while low in carbs and calories. Since I don't plan to fry it up for my dogs, it'll be a healthy addition to their diet.
I was excited to read that squid is an excellent source of Vitamins B12 and B6, selenium, and Vitamin E.. Although some sites warn us about the cholesterol, dogs don't respond the same as humans (if you're concerned, see your vet). I read that shellfish tend to lower, not raise, blood cholesterol levels.
Is Squid Ink Safe for Dogs?
One of the main concerns was the squid ink. Did I need to clean the squid before adding it to my meal prep?
Nope.
It turns out that squid ink is an ingredient in Mediterranean and Japanese dishes. Healthline states squid ink comprises “melanin, enzymes, polysaccharides, catecholamines (hormones), metals like cadmium, lead, copper, and amino acids, such as glutamate, taurine, alanine, leucine, and aspartic acid.”
Benefits of Squid Ink
- what is squid ink and should you eat it?, Healthline.com
- squid ink contains antimicrobial properties, killing bacteria that cause plaque and bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses.
- squid ink is rich in antioxidants and protects the system from free radicals.
- squid ink has cancer fighting properties and may slow the growth of tumors and the spread of cancer cells.
- squid ink boosts the immune system.
Of course, whenever I see a list of excellent benefits, I have to ask HOW MUCH squid I have to add to my dogs' diet to get these benefits. That, I don't know.
The Risk of Feeding Squid to Dogs
Depending on where it's sourced, squid may be high in thiaminase, which deactivates thiamin (Vitamin B1), which supports metabolism. Heat destroys thiaminase, so cooking squid and other seafood high in thiaminase will remove the risk of a B1 deficiency.
Therefore, I clean and cook the squid before feeding it to my dogs. I can mix it into their raw grinds, feed it as a side dish, or make dehydrated treats.
I couldn't confirm if Pacific squid is a risk, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.
Homemade Squid Dog Treats
The following recipe was shared by a raw feeder, @therawstorm, who I follow on YouTube…
- Cut meat into thin slices/chunks (the thinner the cuts, the faster they dehydrate). Pro Tip: Cut when the meat is slightly defrosted to make it easier to handle!
- Lay pieces on the dehydrator rack.
- Place in the dehydrator for 12-24 hours (time will vary depending on size). Find a location with plenty of circulation, such as outside or in the garage.
- Check for consistency often. The treats & chews must be completely dehydrated before being ready. They should be able to snap in half easily.
- Place in an air-tight container and feed! Freeze if you are not planning to feed right away.
I've also dehydrated whole squid for +12 hours outside. It took two weeks to clean the smell from my dehydrator, and I now have a dedicated dehydrator for seafood, which I purchased used.
I was told when I had a dog with high cholesterol (he was a beagle that was overweight) that this is not something to worry about in dogs. My vet reassured me that they do not have to worry about it in dogs like people have to. Squid sounds fun to use in a raw diet. And like Michelle, I too use Dr Dobias’s oil as this is the only oil my dogs will touch so I can add the omega 3s.
I use Dr. Dobias’s squid oil which is his omega oil alternative to fish oils. I have been using it for several years and have been happy with it.