There is no doubt that dogs love to try out new things but can dogs eat tempura? Although tempura is known to contain plenty of essential nutrients and vitamins but there is a lot more you should know when it comes to feeding some to your dog.
Tempuras are mostly cooked or deeply fried when consumed by humans. If that is the case, deep-fried food items should not be offered to dogs as they might have a hard time digesting the food item. Meanwhile, tempuras offered in moderation won’t do much harm but the way they are cooked might put some limitations.
Therefore, before you dive straight into adding tempuras to your dog’s daily diet, you should be aware of the do’s and don’ts of tempuras. Let’s discuss.
What are the nutrients found in tempuras?
Tempuras are a nutrition-dense food item that is packed with a variety of proteins and minerals. Considering the number of essential nutrients they come with, tempuras can be made a regular part of your dog’s diet but if only offered in moderation. Tempuras tend to be low in carbohydrates and fats, which makes them a perfect alternative to commercial dog treats. And with somewhere around 7-8 calories per tempura, dogs working on their diet can also go around having a bite or two.
This means that tempuras tend to be a great source of low-calorie protein. However, that also depends on the requirements of the dog. Smaller dogs have comparatively less nutritional needs than mature dogs. Therefore, you will need to be careful about the quantity being offered.
When discussed in detail, tempuras tend to contain vitamin B12, Niacin, and Phosphorus that contribute to improving the dog’s overall health. To begin with, vitamin B12 plays an important role in the dog’s gastrointestinal health as well as metabolic functions. Additionally, it also helps keep the blood cells healthy which helps with everyday functions. In the case of vitamin B12 levels being low, it could lead to loss of appetite, fatigue, and weight loss.
Next comes Niacin, which is another type of vitamin also commonly known as vitamin B3. It is an important antioxidant that helps repair cells and converts energy into glucose, which is needed by the dog to function. Plus, it also helps maintain hormone levels. And in the case of Niacin levels being low, the dog is most likely to suffer from mental dullness and fatigue.
And finally, phosphorus is quite similar to its cousin calcium which helps maintain strong and healthy teeth and bones. At the same time, it also helps with the functioning and absorption of previously mentioned vitamins.
What are the possible side effects of tempuras?
Tempuras could cause vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive flatulence. If you notice any of the symptoms, you should immediately stop offering tempuras to your dog. Plus, if it is your dog’s first time-consuming tempuras, you will need to closely monitor it for any symptoms. This will help you keep any possible side effects to a minimum.
Furthermore, some dogs might also experience skin hot spots, scratching, and ear infections. Then again, if you notice any of these signs, you should be clear that shrimps are not healthy for your dog. And in the worst-case scenarios, your dog can also experience anaphylactic shock, which can be deadly. If you observe any signs such as red-hot skin, excessive drooling, or swollen face, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.
Which tempuras to avoid and why?
Tempuras are mostly imported. In some cases, the package will also mention the country of origin but others will not. This is done to sell the product at a fairly competitive rate. However, regardless of the origin and price, tempuras are mostly packed and countries use a lot of antibiotics and pesticides to keep them fresh. Since these pesticides and antibiotics are absorbed by the body, they can create trouble for dogs later down the road. Therefore, if possible, you should avoid the pre-packaged tempuras and opt for freshly caught ones.
What alternatives to tempuras can I opt for?
There are some great alternatives to tempuras out there such as sardines, green-lipped mussels, herrings, etc. that carry relatively fewer health risks. For instance, sardines can be a great alternative to satisfy your dog’s craving for seafood. It is easy to digest and provides the dog with plenty of essential vitamins and minerals.
Whereas, Green Lipped Mussels come in the form of powder and are packed with amino acids and vitamins that help cure various joint diseases and help boost your dog’s immune system. And finally, herrings offer more or less the same benefits as tempuras but are a lot easier to prepare and serve. Therefore, if tempuras are something you cannot offer, herrings will just do the trick.
Can dogs eat chicken tempura?
Dogs can eat almost any kind of tempura as it mostly depends on the way it is cooked. Plus, if the tempura happens to be excessively fatty, you should avoid offering it to your dog.
Can dogs eat raw sushi?
Even though dogs are omnivores, which means they can eat both vegetables and meat but raw fish is risky for them, especially the ones found in sushi. You should never feed Eel, Salmon, Tuna, etc. in their raw form to your dog. They are known to be very dangerous.
What is the healthiest meat for dogs?
Dogs can safely eat turkey, chicken, chuck roast or steak, etc. since they carry animal-based proteins. However, you should not serve either undercooked or raw. And make sure what you serve is free of toxic seasonings and toppings
Conclusion
So, tempuras are going to be safe for your dog to eat depending on the way they are cooked. Make sure that the sharp head, shell, and tails are removed. In addition to that, you will need to cook the tempuras thoroughly and avoid adding any potentially toxic seasonings and toppings. And if it’s the first time, be on the lookout for any symptoms that might raise alarms.
