Can dogs eat tuna? – dog

The fish itself poses no danger to your dog when eaten. However, industrial pollution and toxins build up in fish making them unsafe to eat. Large fish, such as tuna, can accumulate high levels of mercury throughout their lives. Both fresh and canned tuna (or soft packaged tuna) rank at the top for high levels of toxins. Dogs that are regularly fed tuna are at risk of mercury poisoning.

Tuna should be considered a delicacy and should therefore be fed in moderation, advice Lissa Cannady, RVT, Hospital Director for VCA. You can feed your dog small amounts of cooked or canned tuna or any other fish several times a month. Don’t use tuna as food main source of protein in a meal.

What kind of tuna can I feed my dog?

Don’t worry if your dog sneaks a bite of tuna. A small amount won’t do any harm. The safest tuna for your dog is the one with the least mercury, such as skipjack or longfin, and not any other tuna, such as yellowfin. If you feed your dog canned tuna (or soft-packaged tuna) for a small treat, the tuna must be canned in water, without oil, and without added salt.

Feeding your dog tuna or even yourself is a highly controversial topic because of concerns about mercury. If you love the health benefits of tuna for your dog but are concerned about mercury levels, talk to your veterinarian about the type and amount of canned or cooked tuna to feed your dog. based on their age and health history. Want more information about tuna and mercury levels? Consumer Reports recently studied various popular canned foods for mercury levels. View results This. And, check out the FDA guidelines This. Got a cat in the house and wondering about feeding your cat tuna? The answer is the same as feeding your dog tuna, check out our sister publication Catster article Tuna for cats – Find out the truth.

For a raw diet, choose wild-caught tuna or consider alternatives, such as salmon or arctic coal, which are lower in pollutants. We recommend that you cook raw fish before giving it to your dog. Raw fish contains an enzyme called thiaminase, which can disrupt the function of thiamine (vitamin B1). Consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet or if your dog eats more tuna than recommended.

Is tuna good for dogs and is it in commercial dog food?

Tuna is used in commercial dog foods, although not as much as whitefish or salmon, which are much lower in mercury. Except for the possible high mercury levels, tuna is a good source of protein, plus low in saturated fat and sodium. It is also a good source of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals.

You can check out the pet food company’s FAQ or contact the contact page to inquire about their commercial tuna-containing dog food. Some companies use lighter and younger fish that don’t accumulate as much mercury or test their tuna regularly for mercury levels.