Is tuna good or bad for dogs?
Tuna is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids that help maintain skin, coat, and joints, plus vitamin B12, selenium, and niacin. But while a dog can have tuna, it is probably not the best option for them: mercury accumulates in larger, longer-lived fish, and canned tuna packed in oil or brine adds fat and sodium. Keep it rare and small.
How much tuna can a dog have?
A rare treat only — a spoonful or two for a medium dog, once in a while. Tuna should not be a main course or a regular meal ingredient.
How to prepare it
If you offer it, use plain tuna packed in water, drained, with no salt, oil, or seasoning. Never serve tuna salad made with onion, mayonnaise, or dressing.
Watch out for
- Mercury builds up in tuna over time, so regular feeding is a concern
- Canned tuna in oil or brine carries extra fat and sodium
- Tuna salad usually contains onion, mayonnaise, or dressing, which are not safe for dogs
- Too much at once causes digestive upset
- Not a substitute for a balanced dog food
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FAQs
Can dogs eat tuna?
Yes, in small amounts as a rare treat — but it shouldn't be their main course at dinner. There are a few risks to consider before making tuna a habit.
Is tuna good for dogs?
Tuna is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids that help maintain skin, coat, and joints, along with vitamin B12, selenium, and niacin — but the mercury risk means it should stay occasional.
Can dogs eat canned tuna?
Plain tuna packed in water and drained is the better choice if you offer it. Tuna packed in oil or brine adds fat and sodium your dog doesn't need.
Can dogs eat tuna salad?
No. Tuna salad usually contains mayonnaise, onion, or dressing, and onion is toxic to dogs.
How much tuna can a dog eat?
A spoonful or two as an occasional treat. Because of mercury, tuna should not become a regular part of your dog's diet.