Nuala began writing while she was studying English at Queen’s University Belfast. She later got a Master’s in Public Relations and Communications.
Laura went to the University of Nottingham and got a BSc (Hons) in Animal Science with an endorsement in Nutrition. She then worked for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.
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What might be a tasty human snack, could be a deadly food for dogs. Many dog owners know that dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate, alcohol, or caffeine. But there are some less well-known human foods that dogs shouldn’t eat and that could even be fatal if they do.
When you have a dog, it can be hard to keep track of what they sneak into their mouth, and those eyes can be hard to avoid. But if you know what foods are bad for dogs, you can be extra careful to keep them away from them.
Oyster sauce is a popular condiment used in many Asian dishes like stir-fries, noodles, and meat. If you enjoy cooking these foods at home, you may wonder if it’s okay to share a little oyster sauce with your canine companion. This article will dive into the safety and risks of dogs consuming oyster sauce.
What is Oyster Sauce?
Oyster sauce is a thick, brown sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It is made by slowly simmering oysters in water until the natural juices caramelize into a rich, sweet and salty flavor
The main ingredients in oyster sauce are oyster extracts, sugar, salt and corn starch. It has an umami taste that enhances the flavor of meats and vegetables.
Potential Dangers of Oyster Sauce for Dogs
While a small taste of oyster sauce may seem harmless. there are a few reasons it may be dangerous for dogs
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High sodium content – Oyster sauce is very high in sodium, with about 500-1000 mg per tablespoon. This can cause sodium ion poisoning in dogs if consumed in excess.
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Sugar content – Oyster sauce also contains added sugar, around 1-2 grams per tablespoon. Too much sugar can wreak havoc on a dog’s digestive system.
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Garlic and onions – Some oyster sauce brands contain powdered garlic or onions as flavoring. These ingredients are toxic for dogs and damage their red blood cells.
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Shellfish allergies – Dogs with shellfish allergies may react negatively to the oyster extracts.
So while a tiny amount of oyster sauce may not cause immediate issues, it’s best to avoid feeding it to dogs. The sodium and sugar levels make it easy to overdo it.
Symptoms of Oyster Sauce Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog accidentally ingests a significant amount of oyster sauce, watch for these symptoms:
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of energy, lethargy
- Tremors, seizures
- Chest pain, abnormal heart rhythms
If you notice any of these, call your vet right away as high sodium levels can be fatal without prompt treatment.
Safer Human Foods to Share
While oyster sauce may be risky, there are many human foods that are safe for dogs in moderation. Here are some you can feel good about sharing:
- Plain cooked eggs
- Lean cooked meats (chicken, beef, turkey)
- Cooked vegetables like carrots, green beans, pumpkin
- Rice
- Plain popcorn
- Peanut butter
- Cheese sticks
- Apple slices
- Plain yogurt
Just be sure to avoid salt, sugar, onions, garlic or other harmful ingredients in these foods when preparing them for your pup. It’s also best to limit human food to no more than 10% of their daily calories.
Healthy Homemade Recipe Alternatives
If you want to mix up your dog’s diet with some homemade recipes, there are much safer sauce alternatives than oyster sauce. Consider these recipes:
Peanut Butter Sauce – Blend together peanut butter, coconut milk, turmeric, and honey for a protein-packed sauce.
Yogurt Sauce – Mix non-fat plain yogurt with pureed pumpkin, minced apple, and cinnamon.
Creamy Carrot Sauce – Purée cooked carrots with coconut milk and a dash of ginger.
Cheesy Sauce – Melt goat cheese with warm chicken or vegetable broth for an easy cheesy sauce.
Get creative with ingredients like low-sodium broths, pureed fruits/veggies, Greek yogurt, nut butters and lean protein sources. Avoid onions, garlic, salt and heavy seasonings.
The Verdict on Oyster Sauce for Dogs
In conclusion, it’s best to avoid feeding any oyster sauce to dogs. The high sodium content poses a real risk for hypernatremia and other serious conditions. If choosing to share human food, stick to plain cooked meats, non-citrus fruits, veggies, and other unseasoned options. Or better yet, whip up a tasty homemade “sauce” your dog will love!
What Foods Are Bad For Dogs
Certain human foods aren’t necessarily toxic but are choking hazards, can cause splintering, or contain too much fat. Here are a list of foods to be cautious of with your dog:
It can be bad for your dog to feed it table scraps that are high in fat, like the fatty part of bacon or other meat cuts. This type of fat doesn’t provide the benefits that healthier fats do. If your dog eats a lot of fatty trimmings, they might get sick, and it could lead to obesity or pancreatitis.
Fruit pits or seeds can release chemicals that turn into poisons when they are digested, and they can also get stuck in the digestive system. If you give your dog an apple or peach, make sure to take out the core, or don’t give them any fruit at all if you’re not sure.
When cooked, bones become brittle and easily shattered. These pieces can cause serious damage to the dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines.
Raw, uncooked yeast ferments the carbohydrates in the dough, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide. This process can continue in the stomach, leading your dog to become bloated and disorientated. Some breads can also do this. Sourdough, for example, can grow in your dog’s stomach and make it swell, hurt, and throw up.
Foods Containing Toxic Ingredients
Don’t forget to avoid foods with toxic ingredients. For example, mince pies, fruit cakes, chocolate biscuits, stuffing, etc. , all contain harmful foods for dogs that you might forget about.
Can I Feed my Dog Raw or Cooked Oysters? Health Benefits of Oysters for Dogs
FAQ
Can dogs eat soy sauce and oyster sauce?
Is oyster safe for dogs?
What sauces are safe for dogs?
Can dogs have oyster oil?
Can dogs eat oyster sauce?
However, some oyster sauces have salt and other chemicals that are very bad for canines. It should be mostly safe for dogs if you can produce your own oyster sauce without the potentially harmful additives. It is best to boil eggs before feeding them to dogs. Boil or cook eggs without adding any additional seasonings, oils, butter, salt, or spices.
What is the healthy substitute for oyster sauce?
Oyster sauce is a sweet and salty condiment made primarily from oyster juices, salt and sugar. It is commonly used in Asian, Chinese, Thai cuisines for stir-fries, meat marinades and dipping sauces. Healthy substitutes are fish sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, worcester shire sauce with soy sauce, vegan mushroom sauce and teriyaki sauce. In this way there are also options for vegan, vegetarian or gluten free diets.
Are oysters good for dogs?
Oysters are also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids are critical for heart health, supporting reduced inflammation, proper immune function and health, and promoting overall health and wellness for your pup. Many different types of minerals are found in oysters as well. For instance, oysters are a rich source of zinc and selenium.
Can dogs eat fried oysters?
It’s also never a great idea to give fried oysters to your dog, as all fried foods can definitely be harmful for your pups, or include any sauces with the oysters like wasabi or marinara sauce.