Can Dogs Eat Tuna?

Tuna is better known as the ultimate cat treat, but dogs can also be attracted to the powerful smell of this popular pantry staple. So, if your dog is begging for a bite, here are a few things you should know before caving in to those puppy eyes.

Can dogs eat tuna?

There are reasons to be cautious with tuna as it’s a saltwater fish. When fed very occasionally in moderation, dogs can eat tuna as it’s unlikely to cause health issues. Every dog is different, so it’s important to offer very small quantities at first to see how your dog reacts.

Opinions differ when it comes to the question ‘can dogs eat tuna’. Tuna is safely used as an ingredient in many balanced dog foods, but when it comes to feeding extra tuna as a treat, there’s some conflicting advice out there. Some experts don’t hesitate to recommend this fish, while others advise against adding extra tuna to your dog’s menu.

Is tuna good for dogs?

Tuna is rich in protein, minerals and vitamins – all important nutrients for a dog’s health and wellbeing. It also contains Omega 3 fatty acids which are good for the health of the skin, coat and cardiovascular system. Tuna can be useful in some dog foods as a source of nutrients.

When it comes to feeding extra tuna as a treat, there’s no need to give it for nutritional value. If you feed your dog a complete and balanced dog food diet, they should get all the nutrients they need from that.

How much tuna can I give my dog?

Consult your vet to determine the right amount of tuna you can safely feed your dog per day or week. Remember that the answer to the question ‘how much tuna for my pup’ might be none. As with any food group, always practice moderation and don’t go overboard with portions

Why is tuna sometimes considered harmful to dogs?

It may pose risk of mercury poisoning

Compared to other fish, tuna contains relatively high levels of mercury, and this raises the risk of mercury toxicity if animals eat too much tuna. Mercury is an industrial pollutant that leaks into the oceans, where it is taken up by fish. Because tuna fish live a long time – sometimes up to 40 years – they can accumulate a relatively large amount of mercury in their tissues over time. 

Signs of mercury poisoning to be aware of are:

• Hair loss
• Dog blindness
• Tremors
• Dog vomiting blood
• Lack of coordination
• Watery diarrhoea in dogs
• Nervousness or anxiety in dogs
• Dog kidney damage

Make sure you contact your vet if you notice any unusual signs that may suggest your dog is experiencing an adverse reaction.

However, when fed occasionally and in very small portions, tuna has a low chance of causing mercury poisoning. It’s always a good idea to check with your vet before introducing this fish into your dog’s diet. They will be able to recommend the right portion size, based on your dog’s weight and health history.

Bones can be a choking hazard

Fish bones are notorious for posing a choking risk for dogs, and tuna fish is no different. When ingested, these small bones can also scratch the delicate digestive tract or even get stuck on their way through. So, if you decide to offer tuna to your dog, it’s a good idea to check for any pieces of bone that may pose a risk and remove them before feeding.

It has a high salt concentration

Some experts give a negative answer to the question ‘can dogs eat tuna’ based on its high salt content. After all, this is a fish that lives in salt waters. The good news is that moderation is key to minimising this risk as well. As long as you only feed a small amount, your dog should be able to enjoy tuna every once in a while.

Can puppies have tuna?

Puppies may have to wait a while before getting a taste of tuna. They have a lot of growing up to do and there are specially-designed puppy food formulas to give them everything they need to go through that process in a healthy way. Plus, making sure you offer them the right portion can be a bit trickier given their small size. When it comes to puppies, it’s safest to keep tuna in the cupboard for now.

Can dogs have tuna?

Yes, you can feed your dog canned tuna, as long as you do so in moderation and infrequently. Choose the version that’s packed in fresh water instead of oil or salted water. Also check the label to make sure there is no extra salt added to the canned tuna.

Can dogs eat raw tuna?

No, dogs should not be offered raw tuna. Raw fish of any kind can be contaminated with parasites or bacteria that can make your dog very ill. There is also an enzyme called thiaminase in raw fish that stops vitamin B1 from being absorbed. When the fish is cooked, this troublesome enzyme is no longer a problem, and this is another reason why tuna should be thoroughly cooked before it ends up in your dog’s food bowl.

What should I do if my dog accidentally eats tuna?

You don’t need to be too worried if your dog accidentally eats canned or cooked tuna as it’s not toxic to dogs in small amounts. Contact your vet if your dog eats raw tuna or if your dog eats tuna when they have an allergy to it.

Want to find out more about what dogs can and cannot eat? Here is our list of harmful foods for dogs. For more handy guides about what dogs eat, check out the rest of our articles in this series including whether dogs can eat pork?