Why the golden's non-involvement changes everything
Your 12kg golden retriever faces zero squid-related risks because exposure never occurred—toxicology only applies to what's ingested, not what's witnessed. This contrasts sharply with cases where multiple pets share contaminated food; here, you can completely disregard the bystander dog.
Meanwhile, the 8kg terrier's half-serving of squid warrants mild vigilance not for toxicity (there is none), but for possible mechanical irritation from the chewy texture. Watch his next few bathroom breaks for evidence of proper digestion.
Comparing portion sizes across body weights
Half a squid represents a substantial snack for an 8kg dog—roughly equivalent to a human eating a full steak. While not dangerous, this protein load may cause temporary fullness or mild stomach gurgling as his system processes the unfamiliar meal.
The golden's empty stomach means his digestion continues unaffected. This disparity illustrates why multi-pet homes must assess each animal's intake individually rather than assuming uniform effects.
Texture risks versus nutritional concerns
Squid's rubbery consistency poses greater immediate risk than its nutritional profile—poorly chewed bits may irritate the terrier's throat or stomach lining. Watch for exaggerated swallowing motions or grass-eating behavior (a common canine response to throat discomfort).
Meanwhile, the golden requires no such attention unless he starts counter-surfing for leftovers. This division of concern helps prioritize your monitoring efforts where they're actually needed.
Future prevention in multi-dog households
After one dog succeeds in snatching people food, others often attempt repeat performances. Secure all seafood immediately, remembering that the terrier's successful theft makes him more likely to try again than the uninvolved golden.
Adjust surveillance accordingly—the squid-eater now has a demonstrated interest in counter cruising, while the bystander dog remains at baseline risk. This targeted approach prevents overgeneralizing from single incidents.
The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Squid food facts page.