Cheap, versatile, and chock full of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, canned tuna is a delicious pantry staple that most of us associate with a good, satisfying lunch. This fish offers a mild yet meaty taste, making the perfect base for sandwiches and salads whether you’re on a tight budget or a strict diet.
Now, most pet parents love giving their dogs all types of human food as a treat, and canned tuna is no exception. Sadly, while canned tuna is not toxic to dogs, it poses plenty of risks to their health. You should never feed your dog a whole can of tuna. If you really want to give him a taste of it, make sure to feed it as an infrequent treat in very small, controlled quantities.
Read on as we explore the dangers of feeding your dog canned tuna in-depth and give you tips on how to feed it to him safely if you’re so inclined. We’ll also offer a few safe and healthy alternatives to tuna that you can give your dog without worry!
Risks of Feeding Your Dog Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is low in calories and loaded with protein, vitamins, and minerals. On paper, all these nutrients should make it an ideal snack for dogs.
However, the risks associated with eating it outweigh whatever benefits it has. Plus, getting any of these nutrients will require pups to eat large quantities of canned tuna, which can pose serious threats to their health.
Here are a few of the dangers of feeding canned tuna to your dog:
Mercury
Tuna is infamous for containing high levels of mercury that are as dangerous for dogs as they are for humans. While canned light tuna has lower mercury levels than frozen tuna steaks or tuna sushi, its levels are still alarmingly high at 0.118 part per million. Canned white albacore tuna has even higher mercury levels at 0.353 part per million.
This means eating canned tuna in large quantities can lead to mercury poisoning in dogs, which can cause irreversible damage to their brains, kidneys, cardiovascular systems, and digestive tracts. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include:
- Vomiting (including vomiting blood)
- Diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea)
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Anxiety
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite or anorexia
- Loss of coordination
- Inability to urinate
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Blindness
- Coma
If your dog has consumed more than a few cans of tuna, he may be at risk for mercury poisoning. Take him to the veterinarian immediately or call the Pet Poison Helpline, especially if he starts exhibiting any of the symptoms above.
Sodium
Compared to fresh tuna, canned tuna has higher amounts of sodium since salt is used as a preservative to extend its shelf life. This is why most canned meats, including canned tuna, are a huge no-no for dogs.
The high sodium levels in tuna can threaten your dog’s health and put him at risk for hypernatremia or salt poisoning, which occurs when too much salt builds up in the blood. Symptoms of this include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Excessive thirst
- Lack of coordination
If your dog has started exhibiting any of these symptoms after eating a large amount of canned tuna, call your vet right away.
Spices
Most canned tuna products are plain and bland, but some are seasoned with different spices. These may include paprika, chili sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. All these spices can cause adverse reactions in dogs and may even be downright poisonous to them.
Garlic and onion powder, in particular, are highly toxic to dogs. A bite or two of canned tuna with these seasonings won’t hurt your pup, but consuming a can or more of it can lead to onion and garlic toxicosis. Symptoms of this include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Panting
- Loss of appetite
- Pale gums
- Fast heart rate
Make sure to take your dog to the veterinarian or call your local animal poison control center if he’s eaten canned tuna with garlic or onion seasonings.
Allergies
Fish allergies in dogs are rare, but experts have reported they may be higher than previously thought. Allergies manifest mostly in skin and breathing issues, and may cause the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
- Hives
- Rashes
- Skin redness
- Facial swelling
- Excessive scratching
- Shortness of breath
If you suspect that your dog has had an allergic reaction to tuna, take him to the veterinarian for treatment. This may include giving him antihistamines or corticosteroids.
How To Give Your Dog Canned Tuna Safely
With all the risks presented above, it’s important to note that they’re only applicable to dogs who’ve eaten several cans of or have canned tuna as part of their daily diet. There’s no need to worry if your dog has eaten a bite or two of tuna on your plate.
Now, if your dog still begs for tuna every time you open a can and you just can’t resist saying no to that adorable face, you can give him a taste of it as long as you follow a few guidelines. Here are some tips on how to give your dog canned tuna without risking his health:
Give infrequently and in moderation
It can’t be stressed enough that canned tuna should only be given as a treat once in a while in very small quantities.
The measurement of canned tuna you can give your dog will depend on his size. A large dog can eat a can of tuna, while a few tablespoons or half a can should suffice for a smaller dog.
Take note that you shouldn’t make canned tuna a daily or even weekly treat.
Choose canned tuna in water, not oil
Oil can upset your dog’s tummy and give him diarrhea. Make sure to give your dog canned tuna in water. A good tip is also to check for the “no salt added” label to ensure it’s safer and lower in sodium for him.
Go for canned light tuna with no added flavors
Canned light tuna has about half the mercury levels as canned white albacore tuna. As such, it’s a much better option for your pup.
See to it as well that the tuna you give him doesn’t contain any spices or seasonings. Steer clear of spicy variations altogether.
Safe Alternatives to Canned Tuna For Dogs
Does your dog seem to have a hankering for seafood? Skip the canned tuna and try safer alternatives instead! Here are a few options you can try:
Other types of fish
The good news is that there are plenty of fish types that are safe and healthy for dogs to consume. Fish is a great source of protein and essential nutrients that can boost your pup’s overall health. In fact, it can be incorporated into his daily diet, as long as you get the go-ahead from your veterinarian.
Here are a few types of fish that are safe for dogs:
- Salmon: Boosts the immune system and promotes skin and coat health
- Whitefish: Rich in B vitamins and antioxidants
- Cod: Reduces inflammation, and promotes heart, kidney, and immune system health
- Catfish: Helps improve joint problems and aids in weight management
- Herring: Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D
Take note that you shouldn’t serve raw fish to your pup, regardless of what type it is. Raw fish may contain parasites that can invade your dog’s internal organs and muscle tissues. It’s also important to debone the fish before giving it to your dog to reduce choking hazards.
Fish-based dog treats
There’s a wide range of fish-based dog treats on the market that are made specifically for canines, so you can rest assured that they’re guaranteed safe for your pup. With these treats, you can let him enjoy that delicious fishy taste he loves without worrying about any health problems they might cause.
Fish skin chews like The Honest Kitchen Cod Ocean Chews can make an excellent alternative to canned tuna. This grain-free and preservative-free treat can help clean your dog’s teeth while also giving him a fun eating and chewing experience.
In Closing
Canned tuna is a healthy staple for us humans, but it may not be as safe and wholesome for our dogs. Eating it in large quantities poses plenty of health risks for pups, so it’s best to give it to him in limited quantities. You can also try safer alternatives such as other fish types and fish treats for dogs that are sure to satisfy your pup’s craving for seafood!