Can Dogs Eat Tuna Fish? Is Canned Tuna Safe for Them?

The Health Benefits of Tuna

So, can dogs eat tuna or fish? Consuming fish can absolutely be good for your dog’s health. Tuna is packed with vitamins and minerals. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain a healthy heart and better eyesight. It also helps your dog’s coat. There are many types of fish to choose from, so choose a variety that suits your needs. If you are worried about your dog’s health, you can always try some canned tuna.

The benefits of eating fish are clear, and it can often be good for dogs. It boosts your dog’s immune system and is low in saturated fats. Moreover, it has several vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to humans. Unlike meat, fish is low in fat. It also increases your dog’s overall health and reduces risk of illnesses.

The Risks of Feeding Tuna to Your Dog

Don’t let the benefits of tuna fool you – tuna may not be safe for dogs. While it does have nutritional value, it also contains ingredients that may be toxic to our canine friends. With tuna, the main concern of many owners is mercury poisoning in dogs. So, can dogs eat tuna? Luckily, not all kinds of tuna contain the same amount of possibly toxic substances. To be safe, consult with your veterinarian before you feed your dog any kind of fish. While most types of fish are safe for your dog to consume, some can be toxic or cause other health issues.

We humans are also vulnerable to mercury poisoning. Although, in our case it’s most like from inorganic sources. You can read more about it, here!

Is Canned Tuna Bad for Your Dog?

The reason you will often hear why tuna shouldn’t be given to dogs is because of the mercury content. It’s not safe to give your dog big portions of raw tuna fish because it contains a high amount of mercury or sodium, which is harmful for your dog’s health. However, it is perfectly safe for your dog to eat small amounts of tuna, as long as you prepare it properly.

Some Types of Tuna Are Bad for Dogs

Can dogs eat tuna? While tuna can be a delicious treat for your pup, it is important to be aware that certain types of tuna may not be the best choice for your four-legged pal. Canned tuna in oil or brine is not recommended as an occasional snack because of the high levels of sodium.

Additionally, raw or cooked tuna intended for human consumption can contain harmful bacteria which can make your furry friend sick. The safest way to give your dog a tuna treat is by choosing canned light tuna in water, though this should still only be given sparingly due to its high mercury content.

Can Dogs Eat Fish in General?

Fish is good for your dog. If you prepare it properly, it is very nutritious and won’t harm your pet. When you’re cooking fish, make sure you avoid adding oils, seasonings, and spices. Catfish and salmon are naturally oily. Some brands offer canned food with fish. Adding fish to your dog’s diet is recommended to ensure your dog’s good health.

You can read more about “Can dogs eat fish?” topic, here!

Is Raw Tuna Safe for Dogs?

Fish are generally not toxic to dogs. It is a good source of protein. If you are feeding canned tuna to your dog, it is safe to eat the meat. Despite its high mercury content, it will not harm your dog. Nonetheless, you should avoid feeding raw tuna to your dog. This is because raw fish contain bacteria and parasites.

Editor’s Note

I promise, we do not have anything against raw fish, in general. But it’s important to get it from a reliable source. A suspicious fish can be just as dangerous for you.

How Much Tuna Can You Give Your Dog?

When it comes to tuna, moderation is key. Too much of anything can be bad for your dog’s health. If you’re feeding your pet canned tuna, make sure to feed him a small portion once or twice a week. Do not give tuna with added salt and read the label carefully. Avoid any additives and preservatives. Some canned tuna can contain other ingredients that may be harmful to your dog’s health. In this video, you can learn more details on feeding your dog tuna.

Can Dogs Eat Tuna? Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Tuna is not inherently dangerous to canines, however, the amount of mercury, additives like sodium and preservatives make it an unhealthy snack option.
• Tuna itself contains essential vitamins.
• Tuna contains omega-3 fatty acids which can aid in better eyesight, maintain a healthy heart and improve the condition of your dog’s coat.

Cons:

• Tuna has a high mercury content, which can be poisonous to dogs over time if consumed in large doses.
• Additives, such as sodium and preservatives, can be harmful to your dog if ingested in large amounts.
• Tuna is a high-calorie food, so it should only be fed to your dog in small portions, and never treated as a replacement for high-quality dog food.

• Can Cats Eat Canned Tuna? What About Mercury Poisoning?
• Can Dogs Eat Sushi? Is Eating Raw Fish Bad for Dogs?
• Can Cats Eat Tuna? Pros and Cons of Feeding Your Cat Tuna
• Can Dogs Eat Sardines? Benefits and Risks of Sardines for Dogs
• Can Cats Eat Shrimp? Is Seafood Safe For Cats?
• Can Dogs Eat Mayo? Is Tuna With Mayonnaise Safe for Dogs?
• Can Dogs Eat Tilapia? Is Raw Fish Safe for Dogs?
• Can Cats Eat Pork? Which Types Are Safe for Cats?