Why the cat isn't at risk despite being smaller
Your 4kg cat wasn't exposed to the squid at all, so there's no need for intervention. Even if she had licked a piece, plain cooked squid doesn't contain toxins dangerous to felines at this quantity. The real concern with seafood for cats is usually raw fish interfering with thiamine absorption, but cooking eliminates that risk entirely.
Focus instead on the 10kg dog who actually consumed the squid. While three small pieces won't cause poisoning, the rubbery texture can lead to gagging if swallowed hastily. Check that the portions were no larger than a penny to minimize choking hazards before returning to normal routines.
When to suspect more than just squid ingestion
Though this appears to be a simple case of counter surfing, double-check that no seasonings like garlic powder or onions were used in preparation. These common flavor enhancers are far more concerning than the squid itself and could warrant a vet visit if present in significant amounts.
Watch both pets for unusual lethargy or diarrhea over the next 12 hours—not because of the squid, but in case they accessed other unsafe foods during the same incident. Separate them during your investigation to determine who might need closer observation.
Why size matters less than chewing behavior
Your dogs' weight difference (12lb vs 70lb) changes nothing about squid's safety, but it does affect how those three bites travel through their systems. The small dog's narrower esophagus makes poorly chewed pieces slightly more likely to cause obstruction signs like repeated swallowing or pawing at the mouth.
Contrast this with the larger dog who merely watched—no ingestion means zero risk. Redirect your attention to ensuring the 12-pounder drinks water to help any squid remnants move smoothly, while the big dog just needs normal monitoring for unrelated curiosity.
Handling future seafood incidents with multiple pets
When one pet raids food while others don't, always assess them individually rather than assuming equal exposure. Your terrier's half-squid meal requires watching for gastric upset simply due to the unfamiliar protein load, whereas the golden's zero intake means business as usual.
This distinction prevents unnecessary worry—focus post-meal checks on the actual consumer for signs like lip-licking or restlessness that might indicate mild indigestion. Store all seafood securely to avoid repeat performances, but know that plain cooked varieties rarely cause more than temporary stomach grumbles.
The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Squid food facts page.