Can Dogs Eat Tuna and Rice? What Every Pet Parent Should Know in 2025

As dog owners we’re always wondering if we can share our favorite foods with our furry friends. One common question many of us have is can dogs eat tuna and rice? This combination might seem like a healthy protein-carb mix, but there’s more to consider than you might think.

I’ve done deep research into this topic and I’m going to share everything you need to know about feeding tuna and rice to your four-legged buddy Let’s dive into the benefits, risks, and best practices!

The Quick Answer

Can dogs eat tuna and rice? While rice is generally safe for dogs in moderation, tuna should be given with extreme caution due to its high mercury content. The American Kennel Club actually recommends against feeding tuna to dogs at all. If you do decide to give your dog tuna and rice, it should be an occasional treat in very small amounts, not a regular part of their diet.

Rice for Dogs: A Digestive-Friendly Option

Rice is actually one of the most common ingredients in commercial dog foods, and with good reason!

Benefits of Rice for Dogs:

• Easy to digest: Rice is gentle on your dog’s digestive system
• Provides energy: As a carbohydrate source, it gives your pup the energy they need
• Bland diet component: Vets often recommend white rice as part of a bland diet for dogs with upset stomachs or diarrhea

Types of Rice for Dogs:

White rice is more easily digestible and is better for dogs with sensitive stomachs, while brown rice has more nutritional value but is slightly harder to digest.

How Much Rice is OK?

Rice should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake Too many carbs can lead to weight gain and other health issues

Tuna for Dogs: Proceed with Caution

Now here’s where things get a bit more complicated. While many dog foods contain fish, tuna specifically raises some concerns.

Why Tuna is Problematic for Dogs:

• High mercury levels: Tuna contains more mercury than other fish like salmon or tilapia
• Mercury poisoning risk: Dogs are smaller and more sensitive to mercury than humans
• Size matters: Larger, longer-living fish like tuna accumulate more mercury in their tissues

According to the American Kennel Club, tuna is NOT considered safe for dogs due to these high mercury levels, regardless of whether it’s raw or canned.

Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning in Dogs:

If your dog has consumed too much tuna over time, watch for these warning signs:

• Hair loss
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Loss of coordination
• Vision problems
• Kidney damage
• Tremors
• Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
• Diarrhea

Tuna and Rice Together: Is It Ever OK?

While rice is safe for dogs, combining it with tuna doesn’t eliminate the mercury risks. However, there are some limited situations where this combination might be used:

• Food allergies: Some dogs may develop food allergies to common proteins like chicken. In these cases, feeding canned tuna or salmon with rice can sometimes be a mild diet alternative. But there are safer fish options than tuna.

• Occasional treat: If you do decide to give your dog tuna and rice, it should be very infrequent and in small amounts. For larger dogs, no more than 1-2 tablespoons of tuna every couple of weeks.

How to Safely Prepare Tuna and Rice (If You Choose To)

If you’ve weighed the risks and still want to occasionally give your dog a tiny bit of tuna with rice, here’s how to do it as safely as possible:

1. Choose the right tuna: Skipjack or Albacore tuna has lower mercury content than other varieties like Bluefin

2. Canned in water: If using canned tuna, choose versions packed in spring water, not oil or brine

3. Drain thoroughly: Remove all liquid from canned tuna

4. No seasonings: Don’t add salt, spices, or other flavorings

5. Cook rice properly: Make sure rice is fully cooked and cooled before serving

6. Portion control: No more than a tablespoon for small dogs, two tablespoons for larger dogs, and only occasionally

Better Fish Alternatives for Dogs

Since tuna isn’t recommended for dogs due to mercury concerns, consider these safer fish options that still provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids:

• Salmon (cooked)
• Whitefish
• Herring
• Flounder
• Arctic char
• Tilapia (cooked)
• Sardines (in water, no salt added)

These fish have lower mercury levels while still providing protein and omega-3 fatty acids that support your dog’s coat, skin, and overall health.

Homemade Fish and Rice Recipes for Dogs

If you want to make a special treat for your pup that’s safer than tuna and rice, try this simple recipe:

Salmon and Rice Dog Dinner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
• 4 oz cooked salmon (boneless)
• ¼ cup cooked sweet potato (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook rice according to package directions
2. Bake or poach salmon until fully cooked
3. Remove all bones carefully
4. Mix rice, flaked salmon, and sweet potato
5. Drizzle with olive oil
6. Allow to cool completely before serving

Remember that homemade meals should only supplement your dog’s regular diet, not replace commercially prepared dog food that’s nutritionally balanced.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Tuna

If your dog manages to snag some tuna off your plate, don’t panic! A small amount once in a while isn’t likely to cause mercury poisoning. However:

• Watch for symptoms of digestive upset
• Ensure they have access to fresh water
• Monitor for any unusual behavior
• Contact your vet if you notice any concerning symptoms

If your dog regularly gets into your cat’s tuna-based food, you might need to adjust your feeding arrangements to prevent this.

The Bottom Line on Tuna and Rice for Dogs

To wrap things up, here’s what we know for sure:

• Rice is generally safe for dogs in moderation
• Tuna poses mercury risks that make it problematic for dogs
• There are safer fish alternatives that provide similar nutritional benefits
• Consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet

I always recommend talking to your vet before introducing new foods, especially if your dog has existing health conditions or is on medication. Every dog is different, and what works for one might not work for another!

FAQs About Dogs Eating Tuna and Rice

Can puppies eat tuna and rice?

No, puppies should not eat tuna. Their smaller size makes them even more vulnerable to mercury poisoning. Stick to puppy-formulated food for growing dogs.

How much tuna and rice can I give my dog?

If you decide to give tuna despite the risks, limit it to no more than 1 tablespoon for small dogs or 2 tablespoons for larger dogs, and only once every couple of weeks at most.

Can I feed my dog tuna and rice every day?

No, tuna should not be a regular part of your dog’s diet due to mercury concerns. Rice can be fed more regularly but shouldn’t exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

What are the benefits of feeding rice to my dog?

Rice provides easily digestible carbohydrates that give your dog energy. It’s also gentle on the digestive system and can help firm up loose stools.

Are there any other types of fish I can feed my dog instead of tuna?

Yes! Salmon, whitefish, tilapia, herring, and sardines are all safer options with lower mercury levels.

Is canned tuna safer than fresh tuna for dogs?

Neither canned nor fresh tuna is considered safe for dogs due to mercury content. Canned tuna also often contains added salt or preservatives that aren’t good for dogs.

Remember, we want the absolute best for our furry family members! While it might be tempting to share our favorite foods with them, sometimes the kindest thing we can do is find safer alternatives that will keep them healthy for years to come.