Can dogs eat tuna? They can, but servings should be specific and inconsistent. Tuna is rich in protein and Omega-3 but there are concerns, like bone damage and mercury poisoning, and it’s not universally accepted as a treat for dogs.
We’ll answer all your questions around the rewards and risks of feeding tuna to your dog below.
Is Tuna Good for Dogs?
When it comes to human foods dogs can eat, tuna certainly packs vital vitamins that support your dog’s health. It’s rich in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids and low in saturated fat, contributing to coat health, muscle development, and cardiovascular wellbeing.
Amino acids aid in alleviating any skin issues your canine may have, like itchiness or rashes, whilst brain function could be increased as well. Plus, tuna can be a healthy ingredient in commercially produced dog foods as long as there are no added oils or additives.
So dogs can eat tuna, but if your pet receives a balanced and complete diet there should be no need for the fish, as they’ll get all the nutrients they need from their regular meal plan.
Can Dogs Have Tuna? Types and Preparation
Is tuna good for dogs? In short, you need to be specific in the form, how it’s prepared, and what you cook it with.
Tuna comes raw, cooked, or canned, and it’s hugely important to know which type is suitable for your canine. Raw tuna should never be part of your doggy’s diet as harmful parasites and bacterias might be present that cause illness.
The thiaminase enzyme could also be there, and this stops B1 absorption, which is vital for energy conversion, muscle function, immunity support, and the healthy operation of the brain and nervous systems. Cooking removes all that.
However, the tuna should be cooked without oils, spices or any type of seasoning, as those additives could negatively affect your pet’s health. Dogs can eat canned tuna but only the type sealed in water. When stored in oil or brine, they might be harmful to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Tuna Safely?
They can, but you should always be wary of what it comes in and the general content included in the can.
Doggy diets with canned tuna sealed in brine or sunflower oil run the risk of ill canines because of the high salt content and excessive added oils. Increased salt can cause dehydration, vomiting, and potentially severe conditions like obesity. Whereas oil might lead to digestive issues like diarrhoea or general tummy discomfort.
In short, dogs can eat canned tuna but always opt for tuna in water. If you do, never let it exceed the recommended 10% of your canine's daily intake for treats or replace any part of their balanced and healthy diet.
Risks of Feeding Tuna to Dogs
While dogs can have tuna it’s hugely important to understand the potential for mercury poisoning if they’re fed too much.
A pollutant from industrial practices, mercury seeped into seawater and then into the tuna’s skin. The longer they live, the higher the amount will be - and tuna can live upwards of 40 years. Mercury poisoning presents in a few ways.
Watery or bloody diarrhoea
Loss of feeling in paws
Coordination loss
Vomiting blood
Kidney damage
Nervousness
Blindness
Hair loss
Tremors
Anxiety
Fresh tuna also includes bones, which are a choking hazard and might tear soft internal tissue. Canned varieties stored in brine and oils come with a high salt content, which can lead to obesity and gastrointestinal issues.
If you are considering introducing tuna to your doggy’s diets, make sure to consult your vet beforehand to understand if tuna is good for your dog. If tuna doesn’t fit with your pet’s meal plan, your veterinarian will also be able to tell you which other foods you shouldn’t feed your dog.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Tuna Accidentally
Dogs can eat tuna so don’t worry if they consume a small amount of it cooked or canned, in water, as it’s unlikely to harm your pet. Having said that, be sure to watch your dog after the consumption for any of the previous sections conditions.
If your canine shows any of them or has eaten raw tuna or large amounts of the fish, immediately call a vet. We’ve listed the best ways in finding a vet for your dog here.
Can Puppies Eat Tuna?
Dogs can have tuna but when it comes to puppies, they still have a lot of growth ahead of them and as such, shouldn’t be fed it. Their delicate tummies wouldn’t be able to cope. Besides, there are plenty of specially formulated puppy foods just perfect for their development.
If you do want to introduce the fish to your young dog’s meal plan, please be super sensitive with portion control and the possibility of allergic reactions. Before any of that, chat with your vet as they can recommend what you should feed your puppy.
There you go, dogs can eat tuna as they do deliver some health rewards, but they also carry a fair amount of risk like bones, high salt content, and mercury poisoning. And as with anything you're giving in addition to complete and balanced dog food, it needs to be fed with consideration to their daily calorie intake and specifically for tuna, it must only ever be offered in its cooked form and as an occasional treat.
If you decide to feed your dog tuna, never feed raw, cook without any oils, spices, seasonings, and only use canned if sealed in water. In short, tuna can be an occasional treat for your dog, but it should never replace a complete and balanced diet.
Here’s our full list of what dogs can and can’t eat.
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