Yellow: with caution
Yes, but only cooked and completely peeled. According to the American Kennel Club, a few prawns now and then are fine if they are thoroughly cooked and the shell, tail, head and legs have been removed.
Why prawns are marked yellow
Prawns provide vitamin B12, niacin and phosphorus and are low in fat and calories. However, according to the AKC, raw shellfish can contain pathogens; cooking removes this risk. The shells are a choking hazard and can obstruct the intestines, especially in small dogs. Prawns are also high in cholesterol. The rule is therefore: only cooked, only peeled and only occasionally.
How to serve prawns safely
- Steam or boil: The AKC says steamed prawns are best. Fried and breaded versions add unnecessary fat.
- Remove everything: Fully remove the shell, tail, head and legs.
- Keep them plain: Prawns in garlic butter or hot sauce are off the menu. Garlic is toxic to dogs.
- Small portions: A piece of one prawn is enough for a small dog to try.
- Introducing a new food: If you want to feed prawns more often, the AKC recommends discussing it with your vet first.
What if your dog has eaten shells or raw prawns?
Watch your dog over the next few hours and days. If your dog gags, vomits repeatedly, has abdominal pain or cannot pass stools, call your vet. Do not wait if your dog develops diarrhoea after raw prawns or starts to feel worse, either.
If you suspect poisoning, take your dog to a vet or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Snacks count towards the daily food allowance. Our free food calculator works out how much your dog needs, and you can find a complete feeding plan with guidelines for treats in our book “Hundeernährung und Futterplan” (book in German). New to life with a puppy? Our free Puppy Starter Pack can help. And if you would love to see your dog on your living room wall, explore our dog portraits from your own photo, available as a framed portrait or digital file.
Further reading
- Calculating your dog’s food allowance
- Is my dog overweight? How to check body shape and ideal weight
- Christmas with your dog: what to arrange beforehand
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: American Kennel Club, Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?; American Kennel Club, Human Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat; ASPCA Animal Poison Control, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (Onion, Garlic, Chives).
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