11 Cooked Scallops for Dogs Recipes (Low Fat Protein)

Let’s start with the basics! This recipe is as simple as it gets, highlighting the natural, sweet flavor of the scallop. It’s the perfect introduction for a dog who has never tried this seafood delicacy before.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 large sea scallops, fresh or thawed
• 1 teaspoon of water or plain, unsalted bone broth

Instructions:

1. Pat the scallops completely dry with a paper towel. This is key to getting a nice sear!
2. If your scallops have a small, tough side muscle (it feels like a little tab), be sure to pull it off and discard it.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Do not add any oil or butter.
4. Place the scallops in the hot, dry pan. Sear for 60-90 seconds per side, until they are opaque and lightly golden.
5. Add the teaspoon of water or broth to the pan to deglaze it and create a tiny bit of tasty sauce.
6. Let the scallops cool completely before dicing them into bite-sized pieces appropriate for your dog.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ideal recipe for a quick, high-value reward or a special occasion treat. It’s perfect for first-timers and for pet parents who are short on time but want to give their pup something special.

Combine the lean protein of scallops with the fiber and vitamins of sweet potato for a well-rounded, delicious bite. These are fantastic for training or just for a healthy snack.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 bay scallops (or 1 large sea scallop)
• 1/4 cup of cooked, mashed sweet potato
• 1 tablespoon of oat flour (just blend rolled oats)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cook the scallops by steaming or searing them, then mince them into very small pieces once cooled.
3. In a small bowl, combine the minced scallop, mashed sweet potato, and oat flour. Mix until a dough-like consistency forms.
4. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bites are firm and lightly browned.
6. Let them cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect for pet parents who like to meal prep or have a stock of healthy, homemade training treats on hand. The combination of protein and complex carbs provides a nice little energy boost.

Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook for your pup, as it locks in nutrients without needing any fats. This recipe pairs tender scallops with the crunchy, fibrous goodness of green beans.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 bay scallops or 1 large sea scallop
• A small handful of fresh green beans, trimmed and chopped
• Water for steaming

Instructions:

1. Set up a steamer basket in a pot with about an inch of water. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Place the chopped green beans and the scallops in the steamer basket.
3. Cover the pot and steam for 3-5 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and the green beans are tender-crisp.
4. Remove from the steamer and let everything cool down.
5. Serve as a tasty topper on your dog’s regular food or as a light snack.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An excellent choice for dogs on a diet or those with sensitive digestive systems. This light and healthy meal topper adds a boost of flavor and nutrients to their regular kibble without adding many calories.

Have a picky eater or a senior dog with dental issues? This smooth and flavorful purée is the perfect solution. It’s easy to eat and packed with beta-carotene from the carrots.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 scallops
• 1/2 a large carrot, peeled and chopped
• 2-3 tablespoons of water

Instructions:

1. Boil or steam the chopped carrot until it is very tender.
2. While the carrot is cooking, cook the scallops separately by steaming or poaching them until opaque.
3. Let the carrots and scallops cool slightly.
4. Place the cooked carrots, cooked scallops, and 2 tablespoons of water into a blender or food processor.
5. Blend until smooth, adding another tablespoon of water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
6. Serve a spoonful over your dog’s food.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is a lifesaver for owners of senior pets, picky eaters, or dogs recovering from dental surgery. It’s a simple way to make their regular meal feel like a five-star dining experience.

If your dog loves a good crunch, these baked scallop ‘chips’ are a unique and satisfying treat. They are dehydrated in the oven for a chewy, jerky-like texture.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 large sea scallops

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to its lowest possible temperature, usually around 170-200°F (75-95°C).
2. Slice the sea scallops horizontally into thin, coin-like discs, about 1/8-inch thick.
3. Arrange the scallop slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping them halfway through. The ‘chips’ are done when they are dry and slightly leathery. The exact time will depend on your oven and the thickness of the slices.
5. Let them cool completely. They will become crispier as they cool.
6. Store in an airtight container.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

For the patient pet parent who wants to create a long-lasting, high-value, single-ingredient treat. These are fantastic for special rewards or for dogs who go wild for crunchy snacks.

Looking for a more substantial, balanced meal? This recipe combines protein-packed scallops and quinoa with a touch of dog-friendly vegetables for a truly wholesome bowl.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 cooked scallops, chopped
• 1/4 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped zucchini or peas
• 2 tablespoons of water or unsalted chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Ensure your quinoa is thoroughly cooked and rinsed well before cooking to remove saponins.
2. In a bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped zucchini or peas, and the chopped cooked scallops.
3. Add the water or broth to add a little moisture and flavor.
4. Stir everything together and serve as a special meal or a hearty topper.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is for the dedicated pet parent who enjoys cooking complete, homemade meals for their dog. It’s a great option for a special dinner after a long hike or a very active day.

Poaching is a gentle cooking method that results in incredibly tender scallops. The addition of a tiny bit of fresh parsley can help freshen your dog’s breath, too!

Ingredients:

• 3-4 bay scallops
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of fresh, finely chopped parsley (curly or flat-leaf is fine)

Instructions:

1. Bring the cup of water to a gentle simmer in a small saucepan. Do not let it come to a rolling boil.
2. Gently place the scallops into the simmering water.
3. Poach for 2-3 minutes, or until the scallops are firm and opaque.
4. Remove the scallops with a slotted spoon and let them cool.
5. Once cool, chop them into appropriate sizes for your dog and sprinkle the fresh parsley on top before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A fantastic choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or for pups who are feeling a little under the weather. The soft texture and mild flavor are easy to handle, and the parsley is a nice bonus.

Who says seafood can’t be a frozen treat? This surprising combination of savory scallop and sweet blueberry makes for a refreshing and antioxidant-rich pupsicle on a hot day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cooked scallops, minced
• A small handful of fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt or water

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl or blender, combine the minced scallops, blueberries, and yogurt or water.
2. You can blend it for a smooth consistency or just mix it to keep the blueberries whole.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or silicone molds.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
5. Pop one out and let your dog enjoy a cool, tasty treat!

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ultimate fun, summertime recipe. It’s perfect for pet parents who love making creative, enriching treats for their dogs to enjoy on a sunny afternoon.

Upgrade your dog’s breakfast with this protein powerhouse. Plain scrambled eggs are a favorite for many dogs, and adding a little minced scallop makes them simply irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1-2 cooked bay scallops, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon water

Instructions:

1. Crack the egg into a small bowl and whisk it with the teaspoon of water.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Remember, no oil or butter.
3. Pour the egg mixture into the pan. As it starts to set, gently stir and scramble it.
4. When the eggs are almost cooked, stir in the finely minced scallops.
5. Continue to cook for another 30 seconds until the eggs are fully cooked but still soft.
6. Let it cool before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A perfect special breakfast or a nutrient-dense meal for a highly active dog or a pup who needs to gain a little healthy weight. It’s comfort food at its finest for our furry friends.

Oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber, which can be beneficial for digestion. Mixing it with scallops creates a warm, comforting, and easy-to-digest meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons plain, rolled oats
• 1/2 cup water
• 1-2 cooked scallops, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a simmer.
2. Stir in the rolled oats and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oatmeal is thick. Make sure it’s cooked with no sugar or flavorings.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool down to a safe temperature.
4. Stir in the chopped cooked scallops.
5. Serve warm (not hot!) as a satisfying meal topper.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is an excellent option for a cold morning or for a dog who needs a bland, yet nourishing, meal. It’s gentle on the tummy and provides a great mix of fiber and protein.

Get your pup in on the BBQ fun with these safe and delicious grilled skewers. The light char from the grill adds a new layer of flavor that dogs love.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sea scallops
• 1/4 zucchini, cut into thick, bite-sized chunks
• Dog-safe wood or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Make sure the grates are clean.
3. Thread the scallops and zucchini chunks alternately onto the skewer.
4. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until the scallops are opaque and have light grill marks.
5. Remove from the grill and let the skewer cool completely.
6. Slide the scallop and zucchini pieces off the skewer before serving to your dog. NEVER let your dog chew on the skewer itself.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

For the family that loves to grill! This recipe is a fantastic way to make a special, festive treat for your dog so they can safely be part of the outdoor cooking fun. Just remember to serve it off the skewer!

Before you get started, it’s important to know the do’s and don’ts of serving scallops to your canine companion. Keeping these tips in mind will ensure your gourmet treat is both delicious and safe.

Choosing the Right Scallops

Whether you choose small bay scallops or large sea scallops doesn’t matter much for dogs, but quality does. Opt for scallops that are labeled ‘dry-packed,’ meaning they haven’t been treated with sodium tripolyphosphate (STP), a preservative that causes them to absorb water. These additives aren’t good for your pup. Fresh or frozen is fine, just be sure to thaw frozen scallops safely in the refrigerator.

The Golden Rules of Cooking Scallops for Dogs

• Cook Them Thoroughly: Never, ever feed your dog raw scallops or any raw shellfish. Raw seafood can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Vibrio, which can make your dog very sick. Cooking kills these dangerous pathogens.
• Keep it Plain: This is the most important rule. Cook scallops for your dog with absolutely no added ingredients. That means no butter, no oil, no salt, no pepper, and especially no garlic or onions, which are toxic to dogs.
• Remove the Side Muscle: Larger sea scallops often have a tough, chewy adductor muscle on their side. It’s not harmful, but it’s not pleasant to eat. Simply peel it off before cooking.

Portion Control is Key

Scallops should be considered a special treat, not a regular part of your dog’s diet. They are rich in protein, and too much of a new, rich food can cause digestive upset. For a small dog, one bay scallop or half a sea scallop is plenty. A large dog might be able to have one or two sea scallops. A good rule of thumb is that treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

Potential Risks and Allergic Reactions

Just like humans, dogs can have food allergies, including to shellfish. The first time you offer your dog scallops, give them only a very small piece and watch them for the next 24 hours. Signs of an allergic reaction can include itching, hives, swelling of the face, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately.

1. Can dogs eat raw scallops?

No, absolutely not. Raw shellfish poses a significant risk of bacterial contamination from pathogens like Salmonella and Vibrio. These can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Always cook scallops thoroughly before offering any to your dog.

2. Are bay scallops or sea scallops better for dogs?

Both are perfectly safe for dogs when cooked plain. The main difference is size. Bay scallops are small and tender, making them easy to chop up and mix into food. Sea scallops are much larger and meatier, which can be great for slicing into ‘chips’ or serving as a single, substantial treat. The choice is really up to you and what the recipe calls for.

3. How often can I give my dog scallops?

Scallops should be an occasional treat, not a daily snack. Think of them as a special reward or a ‘once a week’ type of delicacy. Overfeeding rich foods like scallops can lead to an upset stomach or, over time, contribute to pancreatitis. Always follow the 10% rule: treats should only make up a small fraction of your dog’s daily diet.

4. What part of the scallop is toxic to dogs?

No part of the scallop is inherently toxic, but the roe (the orange/coral part) can be very rich and is often removed. The main dangers come from improper preparation: feeding them raw, or cooking them with harmful ingredients like butter, oil, garlic, and onions. Sticking to plain, cooked scallops is the safest route.