You must have eaten tuna at least once. It is one of the most widely loved seafood in the market. And just like us, our pets love the taste of tuna. This is mostly because of the strong smell of tuna, which attracts dogs. However, many dog owners are usually hesitant to give their furry fellows tuna because it is a saltwater fish. If you are in a similar situation, continue reading to find out if dogs can eat tuna!
Is Tuna Good For Dogs?
Tuna is usually safe for dogs and provides some nutritional benefits as well when combined with your dog’s daily diet plan. However, when it comes to being fed separately as a treat, tuna is not all that special from a nutritionist’s perspective. Many veterinarians recommend against feeding extra tuna separately as a treat.
Tuna is rich in essential nutrients for dogs. However, it should be noted that as long as your dog is on a balanced diet, tuna’s nutritional value does not add much as your dog is getting all the protein, vitamins, and minerals it needs from its daily diet already.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Tuna
No, it is not safe to feed raw tuna to your dogs as it contains higher concentrations of mercury which can be detrimental to your dog’s health. Always cook tuna before feeding it to your dogs to negate any possible dangers.
How Much Tuna Can Dogs Eat?
Tuna is safe for dogs as long as it is fed in moderation. Too much tuna can lead to mercury poisoning which can be fatal. According to experts the recommended amount of tuna you can feed to your dog is as mentioned:
- Small dogs (under 10 kg): 10-15g of tuna, once or twice a week.
- Medium dogs (10-20 kg): 20g of tuna, once or twice a week.
- Large dogs (over 20 kg): 30-40g of tuna, once or twice a week.
Here’s the chart with all the important nutrients provided by tuna for dogs:
Nutritional Information for Tuna (20g Serving) – For Dogs
| Nutrient | Amount (g/mg) | Benefits for Dogs |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.2 g | Supports healthy skin, coat, and joint function |
| Protein | 5.6 g | Essential for muscle development and repair |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.5 mcg | Aids in brain function and promotes a healthy nervous system |
| Vitamin D | 2 IU | Supports bone health and calcium regulation |
| Selenium | 12 mcg | Acts as an antioxidant, helping to prevent cell damage |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 1.4 mg | Promotes healthy skin, digestion, and energy production |
| Phosphorus | 45 mg | Important for strong bones and teeth |
| Magnesium | 6 mg | Supports muscle and nerve function |
Note: Tuna should only be given as an occasional treat to dogs. Consult with your vet before adding tuna to your dog’s diet to avoid any potential health risks.
What Are The Potential Risks Of Feeding Tuna To Your Dog?
Though tuna is safe for dogs, excessive feeding can lead to potential harm. To be on the safe side let us discuss some of the potential risks of feeding tuna to your dog:
1. Mercury Poisoning
Due to increasing water pollution, mercury accumulates in fish. Bigger fish with longer lifespans tend to have more mercury due to longer exposure periods. Tuna, for example, is one of the bigger fish, and because of its hefty lifespan, it has quite a bit of mercury inside. Salmon and shrimp live shorter lives than tuna, so they have relatively less mercury, making them a lot safer.
Eating a small amount of tuna does not hurt, but excessive amounts can put your dog in danger of mercury poisoning, which can have fatal health consequences. Mercury concentration is higher in raw tuna, but cooking it washes away most of it, which is why most experts recommend cooked tuna over raw.
Symptoms of mercury poisoning in dogs include:
- Loss of coordination
- Muscle weakness and fatigue
- Gastrointestinal upset which includes vomiting blood and severe diarrhea
- Neurological issues such as anxiety and nervousness
- Hair and vision loss
- Kidney damage
2. Choking Hazard
Tuna bones are dangerous for dogs as they pose a choking hazard. Because of being sharp and pointed, they can damage the mouth and throat and when swallowed can severely injure the gastrointestinal tract. Tuna bones can also get stuck and cause discomfort and other health complications so you should always remove them before feeding tuna to your dog.
3. High salt concentration
Tuna has high salt concentrations, due to which many vets give a negative answer to the question “Can dogs eat tuna”. Salt is not good for dogs and can lead to salt poisoning. However, you can negate this risk by cooking or buying a salt-free tuna.
4. Allergies and Sensitivities
Some dogs may be allergic to fish or other factors associated with tuna such as mercury or sodium. This allergic reaction because of tuna can lead to:
- Skin issues (itching, rashes)
- Digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea)
- General discomfort
In case you catch any of these or other allergic reaction symptoms in your dog immediately contact your vet without delay. If your dog is not good with seafood, try a
Can Dogs Eat Canned Tuna
Yes, dogs can eat canned tuna packed in water instead of oil or brine. Oil or brine contains high concentrations of sodium and fat, which can be harmful to dogs. Also, avoid any seasonings and feed your dog in moderation. Remember to consult your vet before feeding your dog something new.
Conclusion
While tuna is safe for dogs, it does come with its potential risk. But you can avoid these risks and feed tuna to your dogs without having to worry. We hope this article was helpful to you. Always let your vet know before making changes to your dog’s diet plan. Stay with Petlyx for more helpful content in the future!
