Dried shredded squid is a seasoned, seafood product, made from squid or cuttlefish, commonly found in coastal Asian countries, Russia, and Hawaii. The snack is also referred to as dried shredded cuttlefish.

It is seafood that has been processed and preserved through a dehydration method. To speed up the rehydration process, some people use hot water. While this might work, the nutritional constituents might be adversely affected.

The general procedure for preparing dried squid products consists of splitting and eviscerating the raw squid; removing the ink sac, cartilage, and skin; and drying the mantle, arms, and fins.

The taste of dried squid can change depending on the manufacturer. Some dried squid may taste sweet, while others are salty and spicy. Texture-wise, most dried squid can go from a beef jerky-chewy texture to extra dry and tender.

“Dogs are curious creatures with a penchant for exploring new tastes and textures. As pet owners, we often find ourselves wondering about the safety and suitability of various foods for our furry friends. 

One such question that arises is whether dogs can eat dried squid. Dried squid is a popular snack enjoyed by many humans, but is it safe for our canine companions? 

In this article we will explain more about dogs and dried squid, how to feed them and when not to feed them dried squid, keep reading this article for more juicy information.

Nutritional Value Of Dried Squid 

Dried squid is not only a tasty snack but also offers several nutritional benefits. Let’s take a closer look at its nutritional value:

1. Protein: protein is best known for supplying amino acids to build hair, skin, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage for your dog. It also plays a main role in hormone production.Dried squid is a rich source of protein. A serving has 42 grams of protein, or 84 percent of the daily value for individuals on a 2,000-calorie diet.

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Feeding your pup Omega-3 fatty acids is a beneficial choice for maintaining healthy skin and coat. “Omega-3s have proven to be very beneficial in helping keep skin healthy,” says Dr. Wilson. “They provide oils the skin needs to moisture itself and reduce inflammation that can cause dry, itchy skin.”  Squid is among the top dietary sources of omega-3 fats, according to the U.S Department of Agriculture.

3. Minerals: Dried squid is a good source of essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth, and without potassium, your dog wouldn’t be able to move since it’s necessary for nerve impulses and voluntary and involuntary muscle contraction. This means potassium also helps keep the heart beating in rhythm.

4. Vitamins: Dried squid contains various vitamins, It contains vitamins B12, E.  Adequate Vitamin B12 gives all-over protection against disease, particularly illnesses involving the pancreas and the digestive system. 

Making sure your pooch is protected will keep organs like the pancreas disease-free and vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient that is essential for your pet’s body to develop strong and healthy muscles, and healthy circulatory and immune systems. 

5. Low Fat Content: Dried squid is relatively low in fat compared to other treats. A whole dried squid contains 4 grams of total fat and no trans fat. according to the U.S Department of Agriculture. Squid is among the top dietary sources of omega-3 fats

6. High Sodium Content: One aspect to be aware of when feeding dried squid to dogs is its high sodium content. Sodium is an essential mineral, but excessive intake can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure and dehydration. Therefore, it’s crucial to provide dried squid as an occasional treat and monitor your dog’s overall sodium intake from other sources.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Squid/ Benefits

Dried squid can be a nutritious and beneficial treat for dogs when given in moderation. Here are some of the benefits of dried squid for dogs:

1. Mental stimulation: When dogs are chewing dried squid, it keeps them occupied and engaged, especially when they are bored and prevents them from showing destructive behaviour. Dried squid

2. All-natural treat: Dried squid is a healthy option for your dogs because it is free of artificial additives, you can choose this for your dogs instead of some commercially processed dog treats. The chewy texture of dried squid can help to clean your dog’s teeth and gums, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

3. Digestive health: The digestive tract is a complex system that controls the digestion of food while also influencing brain and immune health. Dried squid provides essential amino acids that support healthy digestion.

4. Joint health: Dried squid contains glucosamine and chondroitin, two compounds that can  help to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and alleviate symptoms of arthritis in dogs

5. Training aid: Training is a vital task of owning a dog. It helps in building confidence, strengthening human-animal bond and offering mental stimulation to the pets. Dried squid can be used as a training treat for your dog because the chewing texture makes it a satisfying reward for them.

6. Mental stimulation: Chewing on dried squid can help to relieve stress and anxiety in dogs. When dogs are chewing dried squid, it helps redirect their focus and energy and also provides a calming effect.

7. Variety in diet: Adding dried squid to your dog’s treat rotation can provide variety in their diet. It can prevent boredom from eating the same treats all the time and make treat time more exciting for your furry friend.

8. Convenient and long-lasting: Dried squid doesn’t require refrigeration, and is easy to store, making it very convenient for use.

In conclusion, if you are unsure about introducing dried squid to your dog, then you would do well to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice. It is also important to take your dog’s size and age into consideration before feeding it anything.

Risk Of Dried Squid For Dogs

Here are some potential risks of dried squid for dogs:

1. Choking Hazard: Dried squid can be quite tough, posing a choking risk for dogs. Some dogs, especially the small ones, tend to gulp their food, so be sure to monitor your dogs closely to ensure they are chewing it thoroughly before swallowing it.

2. High Sodium Content:  A whole dried squid has 608 milligrams of sodium, especially if it is seasoned with salt. Sodium raises your blood pressure and can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

3. Allergic Reactions: Some dogs may be allergic to seafood, including squid.  Some symptoms of seafood allergies in dogs include gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea or itchy skin. If you are giving your dog squid for the first time, it is advised that you do it slowly, if they exhibit any allergic reaction, you may want to discontinue.

4. Digestive Upset: The high protein content in dried squid can be challenging for some dogs to digest, especially if they have a sensitive stomach or underlying gastrointestinal issues. Feeding too much-dried squid or introducing it too quickly into their diet can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort.

Read Also: Most Beneficial Raw Dog Food Diet Supplements In 2023

5. Mercury Contamination: This element is known to bioaccumulate in humans, so bioaccumulation in seafood carries over into human populations, where it can result in mercury poisoning. Though the risk of mercury poisoning from dried squid is generally low, it’s important to consider the overall mercury exposure in your dog’s diet, especially if they consume other types of seafood regularly.

6. Intestinal Blockage: Dried squid can also pose a risk for intestinal blockages, especially if your dog eats large pieces or swallows them whole. This can cause a serious problem for your dog so always supervise them while they eat.

7. Interference with Medications: some medications can have a interaction with seafood or high protein foods so its advisable you contact your veterinarian before introducing dried squid to their diet.

8. Bacterial Contamination: Dried squid, like any other raw or dehydrated meat product, can harbour bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli so as a dog owner, you need to store your liquid squid properly to minimize the risk of all these bacteria.

9. Dental Issues: it is true that chewing on dried squid can help your dog’s teeth but you have to note that the tough texture can pose a risk on their dental health. This can lead to tooth fracture for dogs with already existing dental health.

10. Nutritional Imbalance: While dried squid can be a source of protein and certain minerals like iron and calcium, it should not be the sole source of nutrition for your dog. It’s essential to provide a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources, fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates to ensure your dog receives all the necessary nutrients.

Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet and monitor their response closely.

Alternative Healthy Dog Treat 

1. Best Of Breed Dog Biscuits

Prep:15 mins

Bwke 45 mins to 1 hr

Total 5imr: hr

Yield about 42 larger (about 3 1/2″) biscuits, 60 smaller (round) biscuits

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (227g) King Arthur White Whole Wheat Flour
• 1 cup (89g) rolled oats, old-fashioned or quick-cooking
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup (56g) King Arthur Baker’s Special Dry Milk or nonfat dry milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (270g) peanut butter, crunchy or plain
• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon (128g) cold water, enough to make a cohesive dough

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Lightly grease a couple of baking sheets, or line them with parchment.
2. Mix together the flour, oats, parsley, dried milk, and salt.
3. Add the eggs and peanut butter, stirring to combine; the mixture will be crumbly.
4. Add enough water to bring the dough together; depending on the season, you may need to add a bit more (winter), or a bit less (summer).
5. To make biscuits using a dog-bone cutter, roll the dough about 1/4″ thick, and cut with a 3 1/2″ cutter (or the size of your choice). Gather and re-roll the scraps, and continue to cut biscuits until you’ve used all the dough.
6. To make dog “cookies,” drop the dough in walnut-sized balls onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten them to about 1/4″.
7. Bake the biscuits for about 40 to 60 minutes, baking the smaller cookies for a shorter amount of time. When finished, the biscuits will be dark golden brown, and will be dry and crisp all the way through.
8. Remove the biscuits from the oven, and cool right on the pans.

2. Tuna Dog Treats

Author Moorlands Eater

Ingredients

• 1 150-160 g tin tuna in oil
• 1 large egg
• 100 g wholemeal or white wheat flour or rice flour see Recipe Note #1 for grain-free alternatives
• 100 ml water

Instructions

1. Put the entire contents of the tin of tuna, including the oil, in a blender along with the egg, flour, and water.
   Blend until you have a thick, smooth batter.
2. Tip the batter into a microwave safe container approximately 13 x 8 cm and smooth the top. Other sizes can be used, although you may need to adjust the cooking time.
   Microwave on high power for 1 minute.
   Remove, prick all over with a skewer (this helps to remove air pockets) then return to the microwave and cook for a further 3 minutes.
   Tip out onto a board, then slide back into the container so that the bottom is now on top.
   Microwave for another 4 minutes.
   Transfer to a board to cool: a layer of kitchen towel underneath will absorb excess steam.
3. When completely cold, cut into bite-sized pieces.
   Tip: for slightly crunchy treats microwave the pieces for another 4-5 min.
   Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
   Can also be frozen and defrosted as needed.

3. Turkey, Sage & Cranberry Dog Biscuits

Ingredients

• 250 g raw turkey mince substitute cooked turkey, chopped
• 50 g dried cranberries finely choppped
• 2 tsp dried sage
• 200 g chickpea/gram or other flour plus extra for rolling out
• 2-3 tbsp yogurt, milk, stock or water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4
2. Heat a non-stick frying pan, tip in the turkey and cook until brown, stirring regularly. Break up any large pieces with a fork. Stir in the sage then leave to cool.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the cranberries and flour. Stir in the cooled turkey.
4. Add enough yogurt or other liquid to bring the mixture together into a dough. Knead lightly on a floured surface.
5. Roll out the dough to approx 1cm thickness, keeping the worksurface and rolling pin well-floured, then cut out biscuit shapes.
6. Put onto a baking sheet and cook until browned and cooked through (20-25 min).
7. Cool on a wire wrack before storing biscuits in a tin or other airtight container. Should keep for 2-3 weeks or can be frozen.

4. Frozen Watermelon Peanut Buter Dog Treat

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt divided
• 1 cup chopped watermelon
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Directions

1. Using a food processor, puree together ⅓ of the yogurt with the chopped watermelon. Blend for about 10-20 seconds until smooth.
2. Spoon watermelon into each mold, filling it up halfway. This will take about 2 small spoonfuls.
3. Wash the food processor. Then blend together the remaining yogurt and peanut butter until smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water if the mixture needs to loosen. It should slowly fall off your spoon.
4. All peanut butter mixture over the watermelon mixture inside the molds, filling it up to the brim.
5. Carefully place inside the freezer and chill for 5 hours or overnight.
6. When done, you can easily pop the treats out of the mold and serve to your favorite four-legged bestie.

5. Veggies Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup old fashioned oats
• 3 cups whole wheat flour, or more, as needed
• 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
• 1 zucchini, shredded
• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually add old fashioned oats and 2 ½ cups flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated. Add an additional ¼ cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky. Add carrot, zucchini, and spinach, beating just until incorporated.
4. Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes, and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Place into oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.*
6. Let cool completely.

6. Homemade Vegetable Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups brown rice flour
• ¾ cup oat flour
• 1 cup fresh, baby spinach (finely chopped)
• 1 cup raw carrot (unpeeled and coarse grated)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• ½ cup applesauce (unsweetened)
• ¼ cup plain yogurt (low fat or fat-free)
• 1 tsp baking powder (gluten-free variety)
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder

Optional Yogurt Glaze:

• ½ tsp plain yogurt
• 2 tsp water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325F. Line baking tray with parchment or silicone baking mat.
2. Put brown rice flour and oat flour (sieved) into a medium-sized bowl. Add baking powder and stir to combine.
3. Finely chop spinach and parsley and coarsely grate carrots (washed but unpeeled).
4. Put spinach, parsley, carrots, and applesauce into a large bowl and stir with a wooden spoon to mix well. Add yogurt and stir into fruit/vegetable mixture. Sprinkle turmeric over mixture and stir in. 
5. Add flour mix to the vegetable mixture one cup at a time. Stir well between each addition. Once all flour is mixed in, use your hands to form the dough. Knead well, adding more flour if the dough is too sticky.
6. Turn dough out onto floured wax paper and top with a second sheet. Roll dough out to 1/4″ thickness and use cookie cutters to cut treats into the desired shape.
7. Mix yogurt and water to form a glaze and brush it over treats before baking. (optional)
8. Bake at 325F for 35 minutes.
9. Remove treats from oven and allow to cool completely. Store treats in refrigerator for 7 – 10 days.

7. Dehydrated Sweet Potato Dog Treats Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1/2 pound green beans
• 2 red bell peppers

Directions

1. Fill a stockpot about three-quarters full of water and set to boil. If the water boils before you’re done prepping, just turn it down to medium-low until you need it. It will perk back up quickly.
2. Rinse all your veggies well.
3. Snap or snip the ends off your green beans and set aside.
4. Peel sweet potatoes and slice into 1/4″ pieces, rounds, or strips. If you have a mandoline slicer, this step goes quickly.
5. Put green beans and sweet potatoes in boiling water to blanch for 4 minutes.
6. Add ice and cold water to a large bowl to drain blanched veggies when they’re ready.
7. Prepare sweet bell peppers by removing seeds and white pith. Slice into 1/4″ strips.
8. Remove beans and potatoes when done by dipping a long-handled strainer into the boiling water, draining a second, and then pouring veggies into ice-bath.
9. When all veggies are removed from the boiling water, add the bell pepper strips and blanch for 1 minute. Remove them from the stockpot and add to the ice bath.
10. When all veggies are cooled, proceed to the drying stage.
11. On a large cookie sheet or sheet pan, place a clean dry tea towel or two layers of paper towel.
12. Place cooled veggies onto the dry towel, adding another towel on top and another layer of veggies on top of that until are the veggies are nestled in. Pat or squeeze gently.
13. Layer dried veggies onto dehydrator trays, taking care to make sure nothing is touching.
14. Dehydrate between 110-140 degrees for at least 8 hours.
15. If you want your sweet potatoes chewier, you can pull them out and continue drying your other veggies to the crisp stage.
16. When fully dehydrated, allow veggies to cool to room temperature. Then, pack loosely in an airtight container or bag.

8. Grain-Free Carrot and Spinach Dog Treats

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup nut butter no add salt,
• sugar, or additives
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups almond four
• 1-2 Carrots peeled and shredded
• 1 cup baby spinach chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In an electric mixer, beat together pumpkin puree, nut butter, and eggs until well combined.
3. Add in flour gradually, approximately a half cup at a time. Mix until incorporated.
4. Add in spinach and carrots. Mix until incorporated.
5. Knead dough into a ball. Either roll the dough out and use cookie cutters to create shapes, or use your hands to shape into small heart or flat, circular dog biscuits. (If rolling dough out to use cookie cutters, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour to make the dough stiffer/easier to roll out & cut. Dip cookie cutter in almond flour to prevent sticking. You can also use a knife to cut rolled dough into squares).
6. Place treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25 minutes or until treats turn golden brown on the edges

9. Spinach, Carrots And Zucchini Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup old fashioned oats
• 3 cups whole wheat flour, or more, as needed
• 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
• 1 zucchini, shredded
• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually add old fashioned oats and 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated. Add an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky. Add carrot, zucchini and spinach, beating just until incorporated.
4. Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Place into oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.*
6. Let cool completely.

Conclusion 

In summary, So, Can dogs eat dried squid? Dried squid is a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients that can help keep your dog healthy and happy.

Therefore, you can feed dogs dried squid, but in moderation. Also remember to monitor them closely and look out for any allergic reactions.

We hope you enjoyed this article.

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