If your dog begged for a taste while you were opening a can of tuna or preparing a tuna steak to throw on the grill, perhaps you’ve found yourself wondering if dogs can eat tuna. Can dogs safely eat tuna if humans can do so?
The short answer is no, dogs can’t safely eat tuna. Technically, if your dog eats a small amount of tuna, it probably won’t have a bad reaction. However, there are concerns about possible mercury poisoning, so you should really avoid giving your cherished dog tuna.
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Additionally, the type of tuna you are offering will determine whether your dog can eat it or not. Even canned tuna can come in oil, springwater, or brine, and each of these methods of preservation comes with its own set of warnings for your dog.
Not to mention that there are numerous tuna species swimming in our oceans. So what kinds of tuna can your pup eat?.
We can easily and affordably add fish to our diets by consuming canned tuna, and most people have one in their cabinets. But can we share tinned tuna chunks with our dogs?.
First off, Albacore or Skipjack tuna meat is frequently used in canned tuna. Due to its lower mercury content, Skipjack is the better choice for your dog.
However, canned tuna frequently contains a lot of salt, which is bad for our animal friends. If you intend to give your dog some fish, you can find cans without salt added, and these are a better option.
Several cans of tuna are “infused” or cooked with herbs and spices. You should never give your dog any tinned tuna that has additional seasonings and spices because they can make them sick, even though it might make them especially tasty for humans and great on salads.
Cans of tuna are preserved in various liquids in addition to the species, spices, and salt. Which chunks—in saltwater, sunflower oil, or freshwater—are suitable for canines to eat?
It’s best to avoid giving your dog tuna in brine, even though a very small amount shouldn’t be toxic. It contains a lot of salt, which is bad for dogs and too much of it can result in sodium poisoning, as you might have guessed.
The best option is unquestionably tuna canned in spring water because it has less salt and fat than other types of canned tuna and is slightly safer than tuna canned with sunflower oil.
You can give your dog some oil-canned tuna as long as you drain the fish completely. If your dog consumes a small amount of sunflower oil, it can help their fur by being lower in saturated fat than other oils.
However, consuming too much oil in general can lead to inflammation and unhealthful weight gain. Omega-6 found in sunflower oil is excellent for your dog’s health, but it must be consumed with omega-3 to reduce inflammation and unfavorable immune reactions.
Although your dog can safely consume a small amount of tuna in sunflower oil, the ideal option is tuna canned in spring water.
Tuna steak is a tricky subject. Bluefin tuna is considered to be the best by humans, and we even consume it raw in sushi and sashimi. But you should never give your dog raw tuna as it may contain parasites and is more likely to upset their stomach than cooked fish is. Additionally, because bluefin tuna contains high levels of mercury, you should never feed it to your dog.
You can, however, give your dog some of your tuna steak if it comes from a species with lower mercury levels, like Albacore or Skipjack. These varieties are often used in canned tuna steak. Make sure the fresh tuna steak you give your dog is cooked and served plain.
WHAT SPECIES OF TUNA CAN YOUR DOG EAT?
In general, any species of tuna that humans eat can be consumed by your dog. But the size and lifespan of the various species vary greatly, which affects the levels of mercury in their tissue.
Our waste and pollutants end up in the oceans in large quantities. Through erosion, rain, rivers, and human pollution, heavy metals like mercury and lead enter our seas, where they accumulate in the tissues of marine life.
These heavy metals accumulate inside fish more and more as they age. This is due to the fact that they consume a small amount of mercury with each meal, which cannot be eliminated.
Due to its size and long lifespan, tuna has higher mercury concentrations than other fish. It spends more time in the ocean, where it consumes many smaller fish as well as the mercury found in those fish. Some species of tuna have different levels of mercury. For instance, skipjack tuna, which is smaller than species like albacore and contains three times less mercury,
When you or your dog eat some tuna, a small amount of mercury enters your diet. In the long-run, this isn’t a huge problem. However, if you or your dog consume excessive amounts of tuna quickly, you may ingest too much mercury and become poisoned.
Visit your veterinarian right away if your dog exhibits any symptoms of poisoning after eating, such as trembling or excessive drooling.
It’s best to only occasionally feed tuna in order to reduce the risk of mercury poisoning. If you are worried about your dog’s diet containing mercury, try giving them other types of fish, such as salmon or white fish. These fish have similar nutritional advantages to tuna but much lower mercury levels, so they don’t carry the same risk.
Is canned tuna good for dogs?
Yes, you can give canned tuna to your dog as long as you do so sparingly and infrequently, and you select the variety that is packed in fresh water rather than oil or salted water. It’s crucial to read the label and confirm that the canned tuna has not been salted further.
No, dogs should not be offered raw tuna. Any type of raw fish could be contaminated with parasites or bacteria that could seriously injure your dog. Additionally, raw fish contains an enzyme called thiaminase that prevents the absorption of vitamin B1. This problematic enzyme is no longer an issue when the fish is cooked, which is another reason why tuna should be thoroughly cooked before it ends up in your dog’s food bowl.
Here is our list of harmful foods for dogs if you’re interested in learning more about what dogs can and cannot eat. Check out the remaining articles in this series, including one about whether dogs can eat pork, for more helpful information about what to feed your dog.
FAQ
How much canned tuna can I give my dog?
When consumed in moderation, tuna is safe for dogs, but if given frequently, it can cause mercury to build up in the tissues of your canine companion. Don’t feed your dog tuna every day and limit the amount of tuna they consume to no more than one tablespoon.
Can dogs eat canned cooked tuna?
Yes, you can give your dog canned tuna as long as you do so sparingly and infrequently, and you select the variety that is packed in fresh water rather than oil or salted water. It’s crucial to read the label and confirm that the canned tuna has not been salted further.
Why can’t dogs eat tuna?
Generally speaking, larger fish with longer lifespans (like tuna) tend to have tissues with higher concentrations of mercury. Mercury poisoning, which can cause serious and even potentially fatal health problems, can result from consuming too much mercury. Common signs of mercury poisoning in dogs include: Vomiting blood.
Can dogs eat rice?
The answer is yes. Rice is an ingredient sometimes found in commercial dog foods. Many pet owners feed white rice to their sick dog. White rice is a preferred grain for a dog with a tummy ache because it is simple to digest, quick to prepare, and low in fiber.