Can Dogs Eat Tuna Fish? Read This!

Can dogs eat tuna fish? No, is the answer to this question. Even though tuna is full of good things for dogs, like protein, B vitamins,  magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, it is not the best snack for them. Tuna is an ingredient in many commercially available, well-balanced dog foods, but experts disagree on whether you should give your dog tuna by itself.

Some vets say that the benefits of giving your dog tuna don’t outweigh the risks, while others say that giving your dog tuna once in a while is fine. Still, there are a number of reasons why tuna should be a big part of any dog’s diet.

First, tuna has a lot of mercury in it. Furthermore, mercury poisoning can happen to dogs, people, and even other animals that eat a lot of tuna. Moreover, people should limit how much tuna they eat based on their weight, but there are no such rules for dogs.

Thus, if a dog gets too much mercury, it can hurt its kidneys, digestive system, heart, and nervous system. Other types of fish with much lower mercury levels may be fine for dogs to eat as treats. But tuna should only be given to your dog rarely and in small amounts; better yet, you should avoid it completely.

Can Dogs Have Tuna Fish? 

So, can dog eat tuna fish? High amounts of mercury can be dangerous for both people and dogs. Mercury gets into the oceans, rivers, and lakes through industrial activities. This puts tuna at risk. The mercury in the water builds up in the ecosystem, which includes fish.

The more mercury a fish has in its body, the longer it lives and the bigger it is. Tuna are big fish that can live for a long time—some can live for up to 50 years. Because of this, they collect a lot of mercury over time.

What To Do If My Dog Eats Tuna 

If your dog steals a small amount of tuna from your plate, you probably don’t need to worry too much. Small amounts are not likely to cause big problems. But if you find out they’ve eaten more than that, you should call your vet immediately to ensure they don’t get mercury poisoning.

Related: CAN DOGS EAT SPAGHETTI AND PASTA?

Signs Of Mercury Toxicity From Tuna

Common signs that a dog has been poisoned by mercury are:

• Nervousness  
• Difficulty urinating 
• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting 
• Blindness  
• Hair loss  
• Tremors 
• Abdominal swelling 
• Poor coordination 

When a dog eats tuna for a long time, mercury can build up in their bodies. This can cause these symptoms. Mercury poisoning needs to be treated right away by a vet.

How To Prevent My Dog From Eating Tuna? 

Now, you know if can dogs eat tuna fish or not. Keeping dogs from eating food they shouldn’t isn’t always easy. You might also have a cat that eats wet food with tuna in it. If your dog likes to eat your cat’s food, try feeding them in different rooms with doors or gates between them. You could also give your cat wet food made with a different kind of fish.

Even though it doesn’t happen as often as it does with dogs, cats can also get mercury poisoning from eating tuna over time. If your dog likes seafood, you don’t have to give it tuna to make them happy. Think about other types of fish that dogs can eat, like salmon or whitefish. A lot of dog foods are made with fish that is safe for dogs to eat.

FAQs: Can Dogs Eat Tuna Fish?

How Much Tuna Can I Give My Dog?

However, regular consumption of tuna can lead to mercury buildup in your dog’s tissues, so it’s best to limit your dog’s exposure to the fish as much as possible. Minimize the amount of tuna your dog consumes to as little as a tablespoon, and avoid giving it to them on a daily basis.

What Happens If A Dog Eats Tuna?

While a few pieces of tuna here and there probably won’t hurt your dog, excessive consumption might lead to problems like mercury poisoning. Diarrhea and tremors are symptoms of mercury poisoning.

Can Dogs Eat Tuna Fish Packed In Water?

You can feed your dog canned tuna if you choose the variety packaged in freshwater rather than oil or salted water and offer it in moderation and only on rare occasions. By reading the label, ensure no added salt to the canned tuna.

What Canned Tuna Is Best For Dogs?

Only give your dog tuna from a can that has been packed in water, not oil, and has no additional salt to provide the highest level of safety. Although small amounts of albacore tuna are safe, lower-mercury options like yellowfin are preferable.