Tuna is a saltwater fish that is packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. In short, it has all the nutrients that we should include in our diet. If you care about your dogs, you may wonder, Can dogs have tuna?

Like humans, dogs can also enjoy the flavourful taste and nutritional value of tuna. It can save dogs from a lot of diseases and promote healthy body function.

Unfortunately, tuna also contains heavy metals and high levels of mercury, which can be unsafe for dogs. That’s why it is important to know about the safety concerns before feeding this fish to dogs.

Can Dogs Have Tuna?

Many players, actors, and other professionals who need a healthy body and figure add tuna to their diet. It is because tuna has a high amount of protein and omega-3 fatty acids that help build muscles and provide healthy fats to the body. Also, it has vitamin B12, niacin, and selenium. These nutrients are necessary for dogs as well. Then it would be inevitable for a dog to eat tuna.

Well, we also recommend serving a small amount of tuna to your four-legged friend every two to three weeks. It can be toxic to your dog if he eats too much, but he can eat it if the quantity is less.

How To Feed Tuna To Dogs?

Tuna is available in stakes; this can be the best version of feeding tuna to dogs. Anyway, prepare a small portion of tuna for your first friend by simply steaming, baking, or grilling it. Make sure they are fresh and you have rinsed them thoroughly to remove their bacteria.

Don’t use any extra ingredients, like salt or other flavours. Also, remove the bones, fins, and tails, if any, from the fish. Now make little pieces of the tuna and serve it to your cat.

Remember, tuna should not be a regular treat for dogs but an occasional treat. By keeping the amount moderate, you can feed it to them every two to three weeks.

How Much Tuna Can Dogs Have?

Not all cats can withstand the taste of tuna, as it has a high salt concentration. However, for a small dog, one tablespoon of tuna is the right amount. Whereas, for a large dog, the amount should not be more than three tablespoons. Some extra-large dogs can even eat one can of tuna without any side effects.

Although tuna is safe in moderation, that doesn’t mean you can feed your dog without any stress. You have to first monitor his symptoms after eating this fish.

Try feeding a very small amount of tuna to him. If he doesn’t react, you can offer him some more tuna. This is how you should feed this mercury fish to your dog, maintaining the right amount.

Benefits Of Having Tuna For Dogs

Tuna is one of the healthiest fish and is packed with high protein. If your dog is suffering from any illness or improper body function, tuna can be a saviour for him. Also, it has omega-3 fatty acids that will maintain a healthy weight in pets. Again, vitamin B12 will boost energy in your dog and promote a healthy nervous system.

Most vets recommend feeding tuna to dogs to repair their tissues and muscle damage. To get healthy skin and fur in your canine friend, you can rely on tuna as an occasional treat.

Risks Of Having Tuna For Dogs

Your dog may experience adverse effects from eating tuna if it is not taken in the right amount or way. Tuna comes from the ocean; that’s why it sometimes leads to mercury poisoning. How? Well, mercury is the pollutant that most industries release into the oceans, and ocean fish like tuna gulp those pollutants. For this reason, consuming too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning in both humans and animals.

If your dog is having tremors, hair loss, vomiting, blindness, diarrhoea, etc. after eating tuna, that must be because of mercury poisoning.

Again, taking too much tuna can increase blood pressure in dogs, as it has a high concentration of salt. Besides, the bones and fins of tuna can pose choking hazards to your canine friend. So make sure you remove them.

When Can Dogs Have Tuna?

Since tuna poses some health threats, you must be aware of its safety concerns. As said earlier, you should monitor your dog’s condition after offering him a small amount of tuna. If he seems fine, you can offer him some more pieces.

Tuna can be allergic to some dogs. If your dog already has any allergies that concern his skin, it is better to avoid tuna for him. Also, dogs with obesity or overweight people should not eat tuna, as it has loads of fat. But dogs with underweight or proper weight can have it.

Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Tuna?

Can dogs eat tuna every day?

Dogs should not eat tuna every day, not even in the slightest amount. Tuna has a high salt concentration and mercury content that can harm your dog if ingested regularly.

What fish should dogs not eat?

Some vets strictly forbid dogs from eating certain fishes. Such as tilefish, shark, king mackerel, albacore tuna, swordfish, etc.

Can dogs eat tuna with mayo?

Dogs should not eat tuna with mayo or any other ingredient. Since tuna is already high in sodium, adding extra flavour can be risky for them.

Can dogs eat canned tuna?

Canned tuna that is filled with fresh water, not salted water or oil, is safe for dogs and other pets. Just make sure they eat them infrequently and in less quantity.

Final Verdict

Since tuna has some downsides along with some benefits, you may still think, Can dogs have tuna? Well, the answer is yes, if you serve it to them sometimes in a smaller quantity. Also, there should be no added ingredients with this fish because tuna is already high in sodium content.

Let’s say your dog ate more tuna than needed. In that case, he may have watery diarrhoea and vomit constantly. Don’t wait for the condition to get worse, and call your vet immediately.