Can dogs or cats eat tuna?

Yes, dogs can certainly have tuna, but as with all things, moderation is key. Tuna should be offered as an occasional treat, with a good quality complete dog food making up most of your pet’s diet.

Consuming too many tuna snacks can lead to excessive calorie intake and may also contribute to dietary imbalances. This fish also contains high levels of mercury compared to many other types, so too much over a long period could cause toxicity. This is one of the reasons why there are recommendations for tuna consumption in people, especially for pregnant women.

Problems often occur when a dog favours one food source above all others, leading owners to keep giving them more of their favourite thing to keep them eating well. Over time, this can lead to nutrient deficiencies and could impact your pet’s health. A diet solely based on tuna could cause some serious problems.

If you plan on feeding your dog a home-cooked diet and want to know how to include some tuna safely, it’s important to seek advice from a veterinary nutritionist. They can work with you to formulate the right dietary plan for your dog.

Are there any benefits of tuna for dogs?

Tuna is a great source of:

• Omega-3 - Omega-3 fatty acids will help to improve your dog’s skin and coat condition, but they also have proven anti-inflammatory effects. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to joint, brain, and heart health.

• Protein - Protein is needed in the body for growth, repair, and development.

• Cobalamin (Vitamin B12), niacin (Vitamin B3), iron, and selenium – These vitamins and minerals are essential for many processes in the body, including cell metabolism and immune-system health.

You should remember that a good quality complete pet food will be formulated to contain all the nutrients that your dog needs, so there shouldn’t really be a need to supplement with other ingredients. But it’s still nice to know that an occasional tuna treat does carry some health benefits!

What types of tuna can dogs eat?

As well as the amount of tuna, the type is also very important. Let’s look at some of the most common ways we eat tuna and whether these are safe for dogs:

Can dogs eat canned tuna?

Canned tuna can be fed in small amounts as an occasional treat, provided it has been preserved in spring water. Canned tuna in brine, oil, or other ingredients can cause issues (more on this below!).

Can dogs eat tuna steak?

Tuna steak is best fed cooked, with the skin and bones removed. Just make sure it is offered plain with no extra sauces or seasonings. It’s best to stick to Skipjack tuna rather than Albacore, as this will contain lower levels of harmful mercury.

Can dogs eat tuna in brine?

The high levels of sodium found in brine are not healthy for dogs. Stick to tuna in spring water instead.

Can dogs eat tuna in sunflower oil?

While sunflower oil is not toxic for dogs, it should still be avoided. Sunflower oil not only adds extra calories, but the fat can cause digestive upset in some dogs. An episode of pancreatitis can also be triggered by feeding a susceptible dog something too fatty, a condition that can make them extremely sick.

Can dogs eat tuna in spring water?

Tuna in spring water is okay to offer to pets in small amounts, as an occasional treat. This is one of the safest ways for your dog to enjoy tuna, but you must still only feed it in moderation. It shouldn’t make up a regular part of their diet because of the mercury poisoning risk.

Can dogs eat tuna mayo?

Tuna mayo is not recommended for dogs. The mayonnaise will add extra calories, outweighing any of the potential health benefits of the tuna. In some dogs, digestive upset or pancreatitis could occur through feeding your dog mayo.

Can dogs eat raw tuna?

Raw tuna should not be given to your dog. It could contain harmful parasites or bacteria, so always cook tuna first.

What are the signs of a tuna allergy?

Some dogs are allergic to certain proteins, and tuna could be one of them. Signs of allergy could include:

• Itchy skin or paws

• Recurrent ear or skin infections

• Hives or swelling

• Digestive upset, such as loose stools, increased gas, or vomiting

• In rare and severe cases, breathing difficulties or collapse

It is best to introduce tuna to your pet gradually and stop feeding if you notice any of the listed symptoms. If your dog has allergies to fish or they’re on a special diet for a health reason, you must not give them tuna. It’s always best to speak to your vet for advice if you are unsure.