Can dogs eat tuna? Believe it or not, no. Dogs can’t eat tuna. Tuna is not a safe human food to share with your furry friend. There are several reasons for this, so keep reading to learn more.
Can Dogs Have Tuna?
Is tuna safe for dogs? Unfortunately, no matter if you have canned or cooked tuna, there are better choices than tuna to feed your doggo. The reason for this is that it may cause many health problems for your canine companion.
Believe it or not, tuna does have some nutritional value. For example, it contains the following:
- Magnesium
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Vitamins B3, B6, and B12
Overall, tuna supports a healthy metabolism, bone strength, and joint health and boosts immunity.
It sounds like it would be healthy for our furry friends, but did you know that tuna contains high amounts of mercury?
Mercury is the main reason why tuna is not safe for dogs.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Feeding Dogs Tuna?
If given too much tuna, dogs are prone to getting mercury poisoning. This is because mercury levels are higher in tuna than in other fish.
Through industrial activities, mercury can enter our rivers, lakes, and oceans. Thus, getting into our fish. Mercury settles in the fish’s tissue. So, the bigger the fish and the longer it lives, the more mercury it has.
Sadly, if your dog gets mercury poisoning, there could be fatal consequences.
The following symptoms are signs of mercury poisoning:
- Anxiety
- Blindness
- Hair loss
- Kidney damage (difficulty urinating, abdominal swelling)
- Loss of coordination (loss of feeling in their paws)
- Tremors
- Vomiting blood
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
Call the emergency vet immediately if you notice your dog with any of these symptoms, especially after eating some tuna.
In addition, tuna can be a choking hazard if your dog gets a bone. Also, tuna is high in sodium, which can cause other health issues.
How Much Tuna Can Dogs Eat?
If you share tuna with your dog, talk to your vet about it first. Then, if your vet approves, you can provide tuna to your furry friend in small quantities and in moderation.
For example, canned tuna is okay for your pup, but it should only have a small taste.
In most cases, when it comes to feeding your dog human food, they should have small amounts based on their breed size and weight. So, larger dog breeds can have more than small dogs.
For instance, dogs, no matter their size, should have no more than a teaspoon of tuna at a time. For small dogs, it should be more than once a week. Big dogs can have it more often.
In the end, it’s still safer to keep your dog away from tuna, just in case.
Monitor your dog while eating and watch them for 24 hours after giving them some tuna fish. You’ll want to ensure that the tuna agrees with your dog’s digestive system and that they don’t have food allergies to the fish.
How To Feed Your Dog Tuna
Should you give your dog a taste (and it’s okay with your vet), there are a few ways you can provide this pup some tuna.
First, you can give them a tiny bit of plain tuna from a can. Be mindful that canned tuna is often soaked in water, sunflower oil, or olive oil. Wash the tuna first to ensure all of that get off.
Raw tuna fish isn’t safe for your dog, but you can cook it. For example, you can provide them with tuna that’s been steamed, grilled, or baked.
If you cook it, remove all the bones and keep it plain. Do not add salt, pepper, or any other seasonings.
Also, don’t provide them with the fish’s fins, head, or tail. Before cooking, you’ll need to debone the fish and filet it, so it’s as safe as possible to feed your dog.
Question Corner: FAQs About Dogs Eating Tuna
To learn more about dogs and tuna fish, read through the frequently asked questions answered below.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Tuna?
Dogs can eat canned tuna in small amounts once in a while. However, some canned tuna is soaked in water, olive oil, or sunflower oil. So be sure your dog has a small taste of plain tuna. Then again, it’s for the best if your dog doesn’t get the taste of tuna.
Can Dogs Eat Tuna Salad?
Tuna salad is not a healthy option for your canine companion. Not only is the tuna not good, but the pasta and other seasonings inside the salad could make your pup sick.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Tuna Fish?
No, do not give your doggo raw tuna fish. The salt content is high, there may be brittle bones, and it could be contaminated with parasites and other bacteria.
Can Puppies Have Tuna?
No, you should not give your puppy tuna. They have different dietary needs as they’re still growing and developing. Tuna is not healthy for dogs, so puppies shouldn’t have it at all.
Can Senior Dogs Have Tuna?
Seniors dogs should not have tuna. Their immunity might already be less than it was when they were younger. Also, tuna doesn’t provide many nutritional benefits for dogs, so there’s not much point in sharing this food with your older dog.
What Fish Can I Safely Feed My Dog?
Most dogs aren’t fans of the fish taste, but there are some fish that you can give your furry friend. For example, they can eat arctic char, herring, flounder, salmon, or whitefish.
Should You Give Your Dog Tuna?
Technically, your dog can have tuna. But should you give your pup tuna fish? Probably not. The risks are too great, and there are plenty of other alternatives to share with your furry friend.
Rachel Poli is a content writer and author, but her real job is being a stay-at-home pet mom. Her zoo currently consists of a dog, a cat, two turtles, and two fish tanks. She’s also an avid pet sitter for a few local families, caring for various animals.
After realizing how little information there is for pet sitters on the internet, Rachel decided to start her own animal website. She strives to educate pet parents and pet sitters about the overall care of our furry friends.