Can dogs eat tuna? All you need to know is here

Dogs are famous for curiosity and are often strongly interested in human food. Tuna is a well-known treat for cats. But is it safe for dogs as well? Tuna is a high-quality protein offering lots of nutritional benefits to dogs. But at the same time, some potential risks need careful consideration. It could lead to severe mercury poisoning if not fed properly.

Nutritional Value of Tuna for Dogs

As a high-quality protein, tuna contains omega-3 acids, important nutrients for maintaining your dog’s skin, coat, and joints. Canned tuna is low in calories and fat, making it a possibly healthy snack for dogs who require weight management.

Risks and Precautions

Despite its perks feeding tuna to dogs comes with its set of risks. The main concern lies in the mercury levels found in tuna. Tuna can accumulate amounts of mercury which could lead to mercury poisoning if consumed excessively by dogs. Symptoms of mercury toxicity may include shaking, loss of coordination and kidney issues.

Additionally, canned tuna poses another risk due, to the presence of bones. These bones can pose a choking hazard. Resulting in intestinal blockages if swallowed by the dog.

Keep in mind that do not feed tuna to puppies in any form.

Signs of Mercury Poisoning in Dogs

Tuna has certain levels of mercury, which can pose a risk of mercury toxicity if dogs consume it excessively. Mercury, a contaminant from industries seeps into the ocean and is absorbed by fish. Since tuna can live for up to 40 years they tend to accumulate amounts of mercury over their lifetime.

Mercury poisoning in dogs may result in health issues like kidney damage, diarrhea, tremors, hair loss and even blindness. If you notice any symptoms in your dog, it's important to contact your vet without delay.

Feeding tuna occasionally and in portions is unlikely to cause mercury poisoning. Seek for advice from your veterinarian before introducing tuna into your dogs diet. In this way, they can recommend the serving size based on your dogs weight and health background.

How to Safely Feed Tuna to Dogs

If you decide to feed tuna to your dog, it's important to follow these guidelines to ensure their safety:

Fresh tuna: It's best to choose fresh tuna instead of canned tuna as fresh tuna typically has lower levels of mercury compared to canned tuna.
Cooked tuna: Make sure to fully cook the tuna to eliminate any harmful bacteria or parasites that could pose a risk to your dog's health.
Boneless tuna: Always remember to remove any bones from the tuna before serving it to your friend to avoid any potential choking hazards.
Treat, not diet: Remember to feed your dog tuna in moderation. A small serving of tuna is sufficient to provide your pet with the benefits of omega-3 acids, without the concern of mercury poisoning.

Can dogs eat raw tuna?

Fresh tuna contains significantly higher levels of mercury compared to other fish like salmon and tilapia. Excessive mercury intake can lead to mercury poisoning, which may cause severe or even fatal health issues.

Mercury pollution, primarily from industrial activities such as coal-fired power plants, contaminates our lakes, rivers, and oceans. Fish absorb this mercury, and larger, longer-living fish, such as tuna, accumulate higher levels in their tissues over time.

The nonprofit organization Consumer Reports advises limiting tuna consumption based on body weight. Given that dogs are smaller than humans and there are no established guidelines for safe tuna consumption in dogs, it is best to avoid feeding them raw tuna altogether to prevent the risk of mercury poisoning.

What Other Fish Can Dogs Eat?

If you're looking for other fish options to feed your dog, consider the following:

Salmon
Whitefish
Herring

Keep in mind that fish should be cooked thoroughly to avoid any potential health risks.