Can dogs eat tuna?

Although tuna is famously a favourite food of cats, that doesn't mean our canine friends aren’t interested in trying it! But is the fish safe for them to munch on? In this article, we explore the potential benefits and risks of giving your dog tuna. Let’s find out if this is a catch you should reel in for your pooch or one to return to the sea!

Can dogs have tuna?

The quick answer to this question is that yes, dogs can have tuna occasionally and in moderation. In fact, the fish contains several nutrients – including omega-3 and protein – that support your pet’s health. That’s why lots of healthy and balanced commercial dog foods include tuna as an ingredient.

Where things get a little more complicated is feeding your pup extra tuna as a treat. Factors such as quantity, frequency, species, and preparation method make a notable difference to the safety of the food. If you want to give your pooch tuna, the best option is a small amount of skipjack. This could be tinned in spring water or cooked fresh and unseasoned.

Is tuna good for dogs?

Not only can dogs eat tuna, but the fish may offer them some potential wellness benefits. It’s rich in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, a fantastic source of protein, and high in many key vitamins and minerals. Here’s a quick overview of how eating tuna could support your pooch’s health:

The benefits of omega-3 for dogs

Omega-3 fatty acids are hugely beneficial for canine wellbeing.(1) They’re potent anti-inflammatories, which makes them useful for easing pain and stiffness in the joints of animals with arthritis. It also means omega-3 can alleviate certain skin issues like itching and dryness, plus promote a shiny coat. The omega-3 fatty acids in tuna and other fish could help look after your mutt’s heart too. They may lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation. What’s more, omega-3 could slow the progression of kidney disease and even have a positive effect on cognitive function.

Tuna as a protein source for dogs

Protein is a vital component of your pup’s diet, and it contributes to lots of different aspects of their health. These include building and repairing muscles, supporting the immune system, generating energy, and looking after their skin and coat. Tuna provides your pet with high-quality, lean protein and contains many essential amino acids. Plus, it’s easy to digest and low in calories. That’s good news for your pooch’s digestive system and helps with weight management. Adding fish to your mutt’s meals can be especially helpful if they’re allergic to other protein sources like beef and chicken.

Vitamins and minerals in tuna

Tuna contains several B vitamins that our pups need to stay healthy, including niacin (B3), B6, and B12. Niacin helps convert food into energy, maintain the skin barrier, and keep the nervous system functioning at its best. Meanwhile, B6 assists with synthesising neurotransmitters, and B12 aids with the creation of red blood cells and myelin (which covers and protects nerve fibres). The fish is also bursting with selenium, which supports thyroid function and the production of antibodies. And the mineral is a potent antioxidant, defending your pooch’s cells from free radical damage.

What about the mercury in tuna?

Although tuna does offer a few potential health benefits for our pooches, the ingredient is not without its risks. The main reason some experts express concern over pups eating it is that it can have relatively high mercury levels.(2)

Mercury is a heavy metal that enters our oceans because of industrial pollution and volcanic activity. Bacteria then convert it into methylmercury, which fish and other marine life absorb. Tuna tend to accumulate more mercury than other species of fish because they’re predators. When they ingest smaller fish, they consume all the mercury within them as well. And because tuna are large and have long lifespans, there’s time and room for them to accrue lots of the toxin.

Can dogs eat tuna even though it contains mercury? Yes, as long as it’s in moderation. If you only feed tuna to your pup occasionally and in small amounts, the likelihood of mercury poisoning is low. However, our canine friends shouldn’t have the ingredient in large quantities or tuck into it every day.

Which species of tuna have the most and least mercury?

It’s important to note that not all species of tuna contain the same amount of mercury. For example, bigeye, bluefin, and albacore usually have the highest levels because of their larger size, longer lifespan, and habitat. Conversely, skipjack and yellowfin normally have the lowest levels because they’re smaller and don’t live as long. That makes them the safest species of tuna to give your dog.

What are the symptoms of mercury poisoning in dogs?

Mercury poisoning can pose a serious risk to your pet’s health, so it’s a good idea to be aware of the symptoms. The signs to watch out for include:

• Hair loss

• Tremors

• Lack of coordination

• Vomiting blood

• Diarrhoea

• Appetite loss

• Lethargy

• Anxiety

In severe cases, mercury poisoning can cause kidney damage and even blindness. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your pup to the vet immediately.

Other potential risks of tuna for dogs

The possibility of mercury poisoning is probably the most well-known risk of giving your mutt tuna. However, there are two other concerns you need to be aware of before adding the ingredient to their diet.

First, as with many other species of fish, tuna bones can be a choking hazard. If you dish up fresh tuna for your pooch, the tiny bones it contains may get stuck in their mouth, throat, or GI tract. In addition, if your mutt swallows the bones, they might scratch or perforate the inside of their digestive system. As such, it’s important to remove all bones before serving tuna to your pet.

Second, tuna is often high in sodium because producers add salt to help preserve the fish. If our canine companions consume too much sodium, it can cause health problems. These include elevated blood pressure, dehydration, and strain on the kidneys. This is another reason pups should only have tuna occasionally and in small amounts.

How to feed your dog tuna safely

Now that we know the potential benefits and risks of feeding your dog tuna, let’s talk about practicalities. The safest options are tinned tuna in spring water and fresh tuna that you’ve cooked fully and left unseasoned.

If you’re giving your pup canned tuna, it’s important to check what it’s served in. Can dogs eat tuna in brine? No, because it’s too high in sodium and unhealthy for our pooches. Can dogs eat tuna in sunflower oil? Another no. Oil is loaded with fat and calories, raising the risk of issues like weight gain and pancreatitis.

When it comes to fresh tuna, as well as making sure there are no bones, you need to serve it completely plain. Can dogs eat raw tuna? Absolutely not. Raw fish can contain harmful contaminants like bacteria or parasites that pose a serious health risk.(3) In addition, there’s an enzyme in raw fish called thiaminase that destroys vitamin B1, so the body can’t absorb it.

Can dogs eat tuna with sweetcorn? This all depends on the tuna! If it’s tinned tuna in spring water or fresh tuna that you’ve prepared safely, then yes. In moderation, cooked and unseasoned sweetcorn kernels can be a healthy treat.

Tuna products dogs should avoid

That covers the safest ways to feed your dog tuna. But what about the ones your pup should steer clear of? Here’s a quick rundown of common tuna-containing foods that your pooch might ask for a bite of, but shouldn’t get!

Can dogs eat tuna mayo? No, you should never give your pet anything that has mayonnaise in it. Mayo is high in fat and calories, both of which could lead to weight gain. Eating too much fat may also cause tummy troubles and raise the risk of pancreatitis in dogs.

Can dogs eat tuna sandwiches? Again, it’s a no. Tuna sarnies are often high in salt, plus contain other ingredients your pet can’t eat. That includes onion and garlic as well as mayonnaise.

Can dogs eat tuna pasta? They can if you make it at home, but they probably shouldn’t. Although plain cooked pasta isn’t dangerous for mutts, it also doesn’t offer them any real nutritional value. And shop-bought tuna pasta will almost certainly contain ingredients that are toxic to canines.

How much tuna can dogs eat?

Can dogs eat tuna? Yes, but only in moderation. Less is most definitely more when it comes to this ingredient! The appropriate amount to give your dog will depend on factors like their size and health needs, so chat to a vet for personalised advice. For most pooches, a suitable portion is likely to be between half a teaspoon and a tablespoon.

Likewise, tuna should only be an occasional treat for dogs. Adding it to their bowl once a week or even once a fortnight is enough.

Can puppies eat tuna?

Although tiny amounts of tuna are unlikely to harm a puppy, it’s best not to give them any at all. Because they’re so small and their brains are still developing, they’re at a higher risk of mercury poisoning. If you want to feed your puppy some fish, opt for salmon, sardines, or whitefish instead. Make sure you remove any bones, as these can pose a choking hazard. And any fish you offer your puppy should be fully cooked and completely unseasoned. As it’s a treat, it shouldn’t comprise more than 10% of their calorie intake. That goes for grown-up pups too!

Other ways to add omega-3 to your dog’s diet

Tuna is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, but it’s far from the only one. And because of its relatively high mercury levels, you might prefer to find a safer alternative for your pooch. For example, other species of fish – such as salmon, sardines, cod, and herring – are lower in mercury and rich in omega-3. Alternatively, you can buy fish oil supplements for dogs that are easy to use and highly concentrated in DHA and EPA.

Another option is to consider plant-based sources of omega-3. For instance, chia seed oil is bursting with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This helps reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health and immunity, and keep your pooch’s fur and skin in tip-top shape. All with no mercury in sight!

So, should I give my dog tuna?

Can dogs eat tuna? Yes, as long as you only give it to them occasionally and in small quantities. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should add the fish to their diet. While the ingredient does offer some health benefits, there are safer ways for our pups to get those nutrients. Other fish, like salmon and cod, are equally nutritious but contain lower levels of mercury. If your mutt really loves tuna though, the safest variety is skipjack, either in spring water or freshly cooked. Sadly, sushi is off the menu for our canine friends!

Frequently asked questions

Is tuna or salmon better for dogs?

Salmon is generally better for dogs than tuna. That’s because it has lower levels of mercury while still being a fantastic source of omega-3 and protein. Always cook salmon fully before offering it to your pet, and don’t use any seasonings.

Can dogs eat tuna every day?

No, dogs should not eat tuna every day because of the mercury it contains. Think of the fish as an occasional treat for your pup, not a regular addition to their diet. If they love fish, you could offer them salmon, cod, sardines, herring, trout, or haddock instead.

Can tuna damage a dog’s kidneys?

Yes, if your dog consumes a large amount of tuna or eats it too often, it may harm their kidneys. This is because the phosphorus, sodium, and mercury that the fish contains can put strain on the organs. If your pup has kidney problems, they should not eat tuna.