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Snail

A representation of Snail

Are snails healthy and well tolerated by your four-legged friend? In this article, you will find out what snails are, what advantages and disadvantages they have as dog food and what you should look out for if you want to feed your dog snails.

What are snails?

Snails are molluscs that belong to the group of molluscs. They have a soft body surrounded by a hard shell. There are over 40,000 species of snails, which can be divided into land, freshwater and marine snails. Most snails feed on plants, fungi or dead organic material.

What are the benefits of snails as dog food?

Snails can be a good addition to dog food as they offer several benefits:

  • Snails are rich in protein, calcium, iron and other minerals that are important for skin, coat, bone and blood health.
  • Snails are low in fat and calories, making them an ideal snack for overweight or older dogs.
  • Snails have a high moisture content, which aids digestion and meets the dog's fluid requirements.
  • Snails can strengthen the immune system and protect against parasites as they contain natural antibiotics and enzymes.
  • Snails can improve dental hygiene as they rub off tartar and massage the gums.

What are the disadvantages of snails as dog food?

Snails are not suitable for every dog and can also have some disadvantages:

  • Snails can trigger allergies or intolerances, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs or intestines. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea or itching.
  • Snails can transmit diseases or parasites, especially if they are fed raw or from the wild. These include, for example, lungworms, liver flukes or salmonella.
  • Snails can cause injuries, especially if they are fed with shells. The sharp edges can cut open or block the dog's mouth, esophagus or gastrointestinal tract.

What should you watch out for if you want to feed your dog snails?

If you want to feed your dog snails, there are a few points to keep in mind to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits:

  • Only feed cooked or frozen snails that have been produced specifically for pet consumption. These are hygienically treated and free from pathogens or parasites.
  • Do not feed raw or self-collected snails from the wild. These may be contaminated with pesticides or other poisons or carry dangerous germs.
  • Do not feed snails with shells or chop up the shell thoroughly beforehand. This will prevent injury or the risk of ingestion.
  • Only feed small amounts of snails as a supplement to normal dog food. A rule of thumb is about one teaspoon per kilogram of your dog's body weight per day.
  • Observe your dog's reaction to the snails and stop feeding immediately if there are any signs of discomfort or allergies.

Snails are molluscs that are rich in protein, minerals and moisture and offer some benefits as a supplement to dog food, such as strengthening the immune system and improving dental hygiene. However, they can also cause allergies, illness or injury. If you want to feed your dog snails, you should only use cooked or frozen snails specifically for pet food and pay attention to your dog's reaction.

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If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.

Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊