Can Dogs Eat Tuna? (2024)

Many dog foods contain fish because it is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. But can dogs eat tuna? The answer is no. You shouldn’t feed your canine companion the saltwater fish because it could lead to a number of different health problems.

Can Dogs Eat Raw or Canned Tuna?

Fresh tuna has much higher levels of mercury than other types of fish, such as salmon and tilapia. Consuming too much mercury can result in mercury poisoning, which can cause severe, or potentially fatal, health complications.

Mercury enters our lakes, rivers, and oceans throughindustrial activities like coal-fired electricity generation. The mercury then accumulates in fish. The larger the fish and the longer it lives, the higher the concentration of mercury in its tissues. Because tuna are large, long-living fish, their mercury levels are quite high.

Nonprofit organization Consumer Reports recommended that people limit their tuna consumption based on their weight. Because dogs are smaller than humans, and because there are no recommendations for how much tuna a pup can eat safely, it’s best not to feed tuna, whether raw or canned, to your dog at all.

What Fish Can I Safely Feed My Dog?

If you want to treat your canine companion to some fish, you should choose a type withlower mercury levels. The safest types of fresh fish are the ones most commonly used in commercial dog food. This includes salmon, whitefish, herring, flounder, and Arctic char.

What Do I Do If My Dog Accidentally Consumes Tuna?

Don’t fret too much if your dog manages to snag a small bit of tuna off your plate when you aren’t looking. Tuna is not inherently toxic to dogs, and a tiny amount will not cause mercury poisoning.

If you own both a dog and a cat, make sure your pup isn’t eating the feline’s food, as wet cat food often contains tuna. Cats are also susceptible to mercury poisoning, so consider choosing a cat food made with other kinds of fish. Still, keep an eye out for possible symptoms of mercury poisoning in your dog.

Mercury poisoning symptoms include:

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, take them to the vet immediately. Read more about what foods dogs can and can’t eat.

Here at the AKC, we field many queries from anxious dog owners about what is and isn’t safe for their canine companions to eat. Questions range from the obvious (“Can dogs eat cheese?”) to the trendy (“Can dogs eat quinoa?”) Check out more “Can dogs eat…” articles on AKC.org to see which foods are harmful to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Tuna? (2024)

FAQs

Can Dogs Eat Tuna? ›

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.

How much tuna can I give my dog a day? ›

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 don't serve tuna every day. Start by introducing a small portion and monitor your dog's reaction.

Can dogs eat tuna with mayo? ›

“No tuna salad,” Dr. Bonk says. “While most ingredients are safe for dogs, they just don't need the additional calories that things like mayonnaise bring. Also, seasonings like salt, onion and garlic can be toxic or harmful if consumed in large enough amounts.”

What fish can dogs not eat? ›

Other fish to avoid with high levels of mercury include albacore tuna, swordfish and king mackerel. If you do choose to serve up a small portion of tuna as a rare treat, look for tuna without any additives. “Another issue with tuna, and canned tuna specifically, is the carrier oil that is used,” Dr. Wilson says.

What canned fish can dogs eat? ›

Safe Fish for Dogs

They also provide rich omega 3's and plenty of antioxidants. Whitefish such as flounder and cod can help a dog with a need for cooling proteins. Canned wild-caught sardines, mackerel, and canned tuna fish (not albacore) in water with no salt added will definitely make your puppy happy.

Can you mix canned tuna with dog food? ›

Mixing tuna with dog food could be a splendid choice. This approach is more than just tantalising for your pup's taste buds; it's brimming with health perks! Tuna is a powerhouse of protein and essential nutrients, perfect for dogs. Omega-3 in tuna boosts skin, coat, and overall canine health.

Can canned tuna upset a dog's stomach? ›

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.

Can dogs eat boiled eggs? ›

Eggs are nutritious for both people and dogs. They can be tasty treats or a hearty breakfast, whether they're hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, or over easy. A cooked entire egg or yolk can be good for your dog, unless your pet has a pre-existing health condition like acute pancreatitis or diabetes.

Is tuna and egg good for dogs? ›

No, raw eggs are a bad idea due to the risk of contracting salmonella. If you want to hard boil them and then add them that's probably OK. Tuna is a low fat way of getting more protein in. It can be high in mercury however so I would only do that a few times a month.Be careful with oversupplementing protein.

Can dogs have cheese? ›

In most cases, yes, dogs can eat cheese. When given in moderation, it can make a great high reward training treat (particularly when there's lots of distractions). Most dogs adore the taste of it too! It's important to remember that some cheeses have added ingredients, which need to be avoided.

Can dogs eat bananas? ›

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.

Is it safe to give dogs canned fish? ›

In conclusion, When served in moderation, canned and tinned fish can be an excellent addition when cooking for your dog to its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and essential proteins. However, canned fish should not be the only protein your dog eats.

Why can't dogs eat cooked fish? ›

Fish itself is not harmful to dogs, but the way we prepare it can cause problems. Fish cooked in too much oil can cause GI upset in dogs, or even lead to serious illness such as pancreatitis. Seasonings may also cause serious health problems for dogs, especially if they contain toxic ingredients, like garlic.

Can a dog eat scrambled eggs? ›

Scrambled eggs are ok as an occasional treat, as long as you offer them plain scrambled eggs, without any added salt, pepper or butter. This means that you should avoid sharing your breakfast with your pet, as it's likely to contain seasoning we humans enjoy, but that can be detrimental to your pet's health.

Is tuna or salmon better for dogs? ›

Unlike some seafood, such as tuna, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that salmon contains very low levels of mercury. So, adding a little cooked, plain salmon to your dog's bowl can be a great way to give them an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.

Can dogs eat shrimp? ›

When prepared properly, shrimp is safe for dogs and puppies to eat in small portions. Shrimp does contain a high amount of cholesterol and sodium. Make sure that the shrimp is thoroughly cooked, and always remove the shell, veins, and tail. The shells can become a choking hazard or even lead to an intestinal blockage.

Is it OK to feed dogs tuna everyday? ›

Is canned tuna good for dogs? Yes, you can feed your dog canned tuna, as long as you do so in moderation and only infrequently, and you choose the version that's packed in fresh water instead of oil or salted water. It's also important to check the label and make sure there is no extra salt added to the canned tuna.

Can dogs eat canned tuna everyday? ›

Tuna is safe when fed in moderation, but do not feed your dog tuna regularly as it will contribute to the accumulation of mercury in your pooch's tissues. Keep any tuna your dog eats to a small amount, as little as one tablespoon, and do not feed them tuna every day.

Is tuna good for dogs with allergies? ›

Feeding tuna could pose a risk if your dog has a sensitivity to it and develops an anaphylactic reaction, hives or gastrointestinal upset,” Lyman said. So while sharing a little bite of tuna probably won't hurt your pup, this isn't a fish you should consider to be part of your dog's overall diet.

Can dogs eat scrambled eggs? ›

Eggs are nutritious for both people and dogs. They can be tasty treats or a hearty breakfast, whether they're hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, or over easy. A cooked entire egg or yolk can be good for your dog, unless your pet has a pre-existing health condition like acute pancreatitis or diabetes.

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