Can dogs eat tuna
Can Dogs Eat Tuna?
NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially people foods. What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.
Whether youre a fan of seafood or not, chances are your dog is probably a fan of most snacks from the sea. Their noses seem to go into hyperdrive anytime theres something fishy on the menu including tuna. Whether its served canned, seared, or sushi-style, tuna is a popular protein and if your dog is around, you might even catch them begging for a bite.
But just because she wants a nibble of your tuna salad sandwich doesnt mean you should let your dog share the fish. While dogs can have tuna in small amounts as a rare treat, it shouldnt be their main course at dinner.
When it comes to tuna and dogs, there are a few risks you should consider before feeding your pooch this popular fish. So while a dog can have tuna, its probably not the best option for them.
Is Tuna Good for Dogs?
Tuna is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important nutrients for maintaining your dogs skin, coat, and joints. This fish also contains several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and niacinall good things for a dogs diet. When fed in very small amounts as an occasional treat, tuna is OK for dogs to eat.
But while tuna can be safe for dogs in small amounts on special occasions, it should not be their main source of nutrition or a regular ingredient in their bowl. Tuna contains relatively high levels of mercury, a heavy metal that can cause poisoning in humans and animals alike. Because tuna is a big fish thats higher on the food chain, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), tuna has higher levels of mercury than nearly all other commercial seafood products. There are several other kinds of seafood, including salmon, that are considered safer options to feed your dog if youre looking for a nutritional addition to their diet.
Do not feed tuna to puppies, even if its just a tiny bit on rare occasions. Mercury poisoning can pose a serious risk for dogs, especially small breeds and pups who are still developing.
Signs of Mercury Poisoning in Dogs
Because of the high levels of mercury, pet parents who do feed their dog tuna should understand the risks of mercury poisoning for dogs who eat too much of the fish.
Call your vet if your pet exhibits any of these symptoms of mercury poisoning:
In severe cases, mercury poisoning can lead to kidney damage and even blindness, so its important to limit the amount and frequency of tuna your dog is allowed to eat. In fact, its really best to avoid feeding tuna to your dog altogether.
My Dog Ate Tuna. Now What?
A small amount of tuna is not considered dangerous for your dog and is fine as an infrequent treat. But too much tuna can pose a risk to dogs who eat large amounts of the fish or snack on it too often. If Fido happens to steal an entire can of tuna, he might experience an upset stomach, especially if the tuna was packed in oil instead of water. In fact, tuna packed in oil can lead to pancreatitis in dogs.
Keep a close eye on your pet if they eat a large amount of tuna, especially the kinds that are known to have higher levels of mercury (like albacore tuna). If you do notice any of the symptoms of mercury poisoning, head to the vet right away for immediate treatment.
How Vets Treat Mercury Poisoning in Dogs
If you suspect that your dog has mercury poisoning after consuming a large amount of tuna, call your vet ASAP. Early treatment can be critical in helping to reduce the risk of long-term health effects and increase the chances of a full recovery.
Treatment for mercury poisoning in dogs depends on the severity of the poisoning and their symptoms. In some cases, treatment may include IV fluids and medications to control vomiting and diarrhea.
If the poisoning is severe, your dog may need to be hospitalized so they can be treated with medications designed to bind to mercury and remove it from the body (like charcoal). Some dogs may even need dialysis to remove the toxin from their kidneys.
Can Dogs Die From Eating Tuna?
While highly unlikely, it is possible for dogs to die from eating tuna, especially if they consume very large amounts of tuna contaminated with high levels of mercury. Mercury poisoning can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition and, if left untreated, can lead to kidney failure and death.
However, its important to keep in mind that not all tuna contains high levels of mercury, and the risks may vary depending on the type and amount of tuna consumed. Its generally safe to feed your dog small amounts of cooked tuna as an occasional treat, but it should not be a regular part of their diet. Never give tuna to dogs that are small, young, or have any health problems.
What Other Fish Can Dogs Eat?
Fish can be a nutritious and tasty addition to a dogs diet in small amounts. Some of the fish that are considered safe for dogs to eat include:
Salmon: A good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that can support healthy skin and a shiny coat in dogs
Whitefish: A low-fat, low-calorie protein source that is a good choice for dogs with food sensitivities
Oysters: A good source of protein, zinc, and other nutrients, but high in cholesterol and should be fed in moderation
Fish oil: This supplement can help your dog get enough omega-3 fatty acids without splurging on a full filet. Fish oil is recommended by vets for the treatment of many inflammatory diseases in dogs, including skin conditions, arthritis, digestive issues, diabetes, kidney and heart disease, epilepsy, and even some types of cancer.
Reminder: All seafood should be cooked before adding to your dogs bowl to ensure that its safe for them to consume. Raw seafood can contain harmful bacteria and/or parasites that can cause illness in dogs. So, sorry Fido, that means no sushi for you.
Featured Image: iStock/Chalabala
Can Dogs Eat Tuna? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Read on to learn everything you need to know about feeding your canine friend tuna: the health benefits, the risks, how much they should be eating, and more.
Table of Contents:
Pro Tip: Shopping for pet insurance can be overwhelming and confusing. We recommend getting at least three quotes, ask family and friends for their recommendations, or simply use Pawlicy Advisor's free comparison charts.
Can dogs eat tuna?
Tuna is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts and on rare occasions. In fact, some commercial dog foods contain tuna as an ingredient, which proves that this fish is safe for canine consumption.
Like other fish, tuna is packed with omega-3 fatty acids which boost cardiovascular health, regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammations, and lower cholesterol levels. It's also a source of protein that's responsible for building strong muscles, and it's low in bad fats that can cause obesity and secondary health problems in dogs.
Tuna is rich source of nutrients, including:
- Vitamins B3, B6, and B12: promote a healthy metabolism and energy levels
- Potassium and magnesium: support cellular muscle and tissue health
- Phosphorus: contributes to bone strength and density
- Selenium: strengthens immune system and maintains joints
When is tuna bad for dogs?
Despite all the above-mentioned, tuna should definitely not become a staple in your dogs diet. The reason why dogs shouldnt consume tuna in large quantities is that this fish is also a source of mercury. Eating big amounts will lead to a buildup of mercury over time, which can cause serious health issues.
The bottom line is that although tuna is good for dogs because of its amazing nutrient profile, other fresh, short-lived fish that have lower mercury levels can provide the same benefits without the risks.
Can dogs have canned tuna?
Canned tuna in small amounts can be a safe and healthy protein-infused snack for your canine friend. Opt for tuna canned in water rather than oil and choose albacore or skipjack tuna rather than larger types of tuna (like bigeye or bluefin tuna) for a lower mercury content per serving.
The high levels of sodium in tuna can also be a problem. It is also toxic to dogs if consumed in large quantities, which is why you should make sure the canned tuna doesnt have any added salt.
Some canned tuna can contain spices and herbs which are safe for human consumption but can cause illness in dogs.
Can dogs eat raw tuna?
The levels of mercury are much higher in tuna compared to other kinds of fish, which is why raw tuna is not the safest choice for your dog.
Mercury is a heavy metal that enters the seas, oceans, lakes, and rivers through burning fossil fuels, industrial activities, or can be caused by volcanic eruptions and forest fires. In general, larger fish that live longer (like tuna) tend to have a higher concentration of mercury in their tissues.
Consuming too much mercury can lead to mercury poisoning, which can cause severe and even potentially fatal health issues. Common signs of mercury poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting blood
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
- Abdominal swelling
- Kidney damage
- Hair loss
- Blindness
- Anxiety
- Loss of coordination
- Tremors
A little bit of tuna probably wont cause any harm because, as we already mentioned, tuna is not toxic to dogs. However, if your dog has eaten larger amounts of tuna and starts exhibiting these symptoms, be sure to take them to the vet right away.
If mercury poisoning is confirmed, your pet will be hospitalized and given intravenous fluids, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and oxygen therapy. Your vet might also administer activated charcoal and chelation therapy to bind to the mercury and eliminate it through the kidneys.
Mercury damage is permanent, so if your canine companion has suffered severe damage to the cardiovascular, renal, or nervous system, their quality of life is expected to be poor. For this reason, its best to keep items with mercury out of your dogs reach and feed them tuna only in small amounts.
Pro Tip: Treatment for poisoning can cost hundreds of dollars. Safeguarding your dog with a pet insurance policy is an effective way to prepare for emergency expenses and ensure peace of mind.
In addition to high amounts of mercury, raw or undercooked tuna (or other types of raw fish) poses a risk of harboring and transmitting parasites such as Salmonella, Clostridium, and Listeria. These bacteria are dangerous to dogs, which is why any fish your pet consumes should be properly cooked.
Can puppies and pregnant dogs eat tuna?
Weaned puppies and pregnant dogs can benefit from the extra lean protein found in tuna in addition to their regular diet. Light tuna (tuna canned in water) can be offered in small amounts as a treat or as part of a balanced home-cooked diet.
How to serve tuna to your dog
If you intend to cook tuna for your pet, it is best to buy it in stakes and prepare it by steaming, grilling, or baking. Dont add any salt or seasonings and be sure to remove any bones. Fishbones are very fine and if your dog swallows them, they can abrade or penetrate the lining of the digestive tract, causing aggravation or physical injury.
The fins, tail, and head of the tuna fish shouldnt be fed to dogs as they also pose a choking hazard, can potentially cause oral trauma, and increase the risk of intestinal perforation. Fresh tuna should be thoroughly cleaned, deboned, and filleted before serving it to your pet.
If youre not into cooking, canned tuna is a great option, but be sure its packed in water and that it doesnt contain any spices or additives.
How much tuna can my dog eat?
While tuna offers numerous nutritional benefits, the risk of mercury poisoning makes it suitable only as a rare treat. Keep the servings small (about one tablespoon) and dont serve tuna every day. Start by introducing a small portion and monitor your dogs reaction. If theres an allergy or another health issue, its likely to become evident within 24 hours.
Large breed dogs can eat one can of tuna over the course of one week, but not every week. Small breeds can safely consume about half a can over one week.
Your vet will guide you on the amount of tuna suitable for your pet, based on their size, weight, and medical needs.
Which types of fish can dogs eat?
In general, smaller, wild-caught fish are safe options as theyre less likely to have high mercury levels or significant parasite burdens. The list includes:
- Salmon
- Flounder
- Whitefish
- Herring
- Cod
- Catfish
- Whiting
Types of fish dogs cant eat
Certain fish species like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish are typically harvested when theyre larger and older. This means that theyre more likely to have an accumulation of unhealthy mercury levels and often harbor parasites in their skin, muscles, and internal organs.
You should also avoid feeding your dog farm-raised fish as these fish are likely to have harmful dyes, residual antibiotic levels, and other toxins in their tissue once theyre harvested and processed.
