Can Cats Eat Shrimp Heads? (Yes & How much?)

Guess what? It’s my third consecutive post about shrimp. After writing all the information about shrimp shells and shrimp tails, I’m finally able to write about something fun – shrimp heads! This will be a short post because there isn’t much to say about shrimp heads.

But many of you wonder that can cats eat shrimp heads or not?

The answer is simple – yes, cats can eat shrimp heads! In fact, many people believe that shrimp heads are the most nutritious part of the shrimp. They are a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy coat and skin.

In this blog post I’ll share everything you need to know about feeding your cat shrimp heads. I’ll also give you some tips on how to prepare them so that your kitty can enjoy them safely.

Reasons to Feed Your Cat Shrimp Heads

Once I learned that shrimp heads were edible and nutritious, I started feeding them to my cats on a regular basis. Here are some of the reasons why I believe shrimp heads are a great addition to your cat’s diet:

1. They’re a good source of protein

Shrimp heads are mostly made up of protein. In fact, they contain more protein than any other part of the shrimp. This makes them a great food for cats, who need lots of protein to stay healthy.

2. They’re a good source of omega-3 fatty acids

From my previous shrimp tails and heads article, you know that shrimp are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential for a healthy coat and skin.

Besides being nutritious, shrimp heads are also a good source of entertainment for your cat. Many cats enjoy playing with them, and they make a great natural toy.

3. They’re low in calories

This one is the biggest reason why I feed shrimp heads to my cats. A single shrimp head contains only about 4 calories. This means that your cat can eat a few shrimp heads without packing on the pounds.

4. They’re a good way to add variety to your cat’s diet

Just like us, cats can get bored with eating the same thing every day. Adding shrimp heads to your cat’s diet is a great way to mix things up and keep them interested in their food.

5. They’re a good way to use up leftover shrimp

I’m not the only one who feeds their cats shrimp heads. In fact, many people do it as a way to use up leftover shrimp. If you have some shrimp heads that you’re not going to eat, why not give them to your cat?

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp Heads

As I mentioned before, shrimp heads are a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Here I’ll go into a little more detail about the nutritional benefits of shrimp heads.

1. Protein

Hey did you ever notice that I talk about protein a lot? That’s because it’s one of the most important nutrients for cats. A single shrimp head contains about 7 grams of protein. That’s more than twice the amount of protein in a shrimp tail.

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

I talked a lot of shrimp tails and heads in my previous article, so you know that shrimp are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.  A single shrimp head contains about 0.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Choline

Shrimp heads are also a good source of choline. This is an essential nutrient that helps with cognitive function and memory. It’s also important for a healthy liver. A single shrimp head contains about 35 mg of choline.

How to Feed Your Cat Shrimp Heads?

Now that you know the reasons to feed your cat shrimp heads and the nutritional benefits they offer, it’s time to learn how to actually feed them to your kitty.

Here are some tips:

1. Start with a small amount

Just like other organs of shrimp, shrimp heads are high in protein. This means that they can be a little hard for some cats to digest. It’s best to start with a small amount and see how your cat reacts.

2. Remove the eyes

It’s one of the most important part that you should do before feeding shrimp heads to your cat. The eyes can be a choking hazard, so it’s important to remove them. You can do this by using a sharp knife or your fingers.

3. Remove the shells

The shells of shrimp heads can also be a choking hazard (especially for kitty age between 6 weeks old). It’s important to remove them before feeding the heads to your cat. You can do this by using a sharp knife or your fingers.

4. Cut them into small pieces

Shrimp heads can be a little tough for some cats to chew. It’s important to cut them into small pieces before feeding them to your cat. You can do this by using a sharp knife or your fingers.

5. Feed them as a treat

Yes I do it too, I only give my cats shrimp heads as a treat. I usually give them 1-2 shrimp heads per day. This is because they’re high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

How Often Can you Feed your Cat Shrimp Heads?

Now you’re probably wondering how often you can feed your cat shrimp heads. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as your cat’s age, health, and diet.

As a general rule of thumb, you can feed your cat shrimp heads 1-2 times per week. This is a good way to add variety to their diet and keep them healthy.

If you have a kitten, it’s best to feed them shrimp heads 1-2 times per week. If you have an adult cat, you can feed them shrimp heads 2-3 times per week. And if you have a senior cat, you can feed them shrimp heads 3-4 times per week.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp heads are a nutritious treat that you can feed your cat 1-2 times per week. They’re a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They’re also a good source of choline, which is an essential nutrient for cats.

When feeding shrimp heads to your cat, it’s important to start with a small amount and remove the eyes, shells, and guts. You should also cut them into small pieces before feeding them to your cat. And finally, you should only feed them shrimp heads as a treat 1-2 times per week.

Do you have any questions or concerns? Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks for reading!