Fish is a high protein source that is found in many dry, canned, and freeze-dried dog foods. In general fish is considered a low-fat nutritious food for dogs. One specific type of fish that is in question is tuna. Is tuna good for dogs?
Tuna is not a toxic food for dogs. If you share a small morsel of tuna with your dog, most likely your dog will not be in distress. Is tuna good for dogs? There is not a straight-forward answer to feeding this particular fish to your dog.
Dogs owners each need to make an educated decision when it comes to sharing tuna with their dogs. It is always best to gather nutritional information on tuna and the potential dangers before making your decision.
In this article, Is Tuna Good for Dogs, you will learn the nutrients found in tuna, dangers of feeding tuna to dogs, and how much is safe for your dog to eat.
- Nutritional Value of Tuna for Canines
- Concerns for Serving Tuna to Dogs
- Best Types of Fish for Dogs
- How Much Tuna Can Dogs Eat?
- Alternatives to Tuna
There are many reasons for dog owners desire to share tuna with their canines. The two most common ways to consume tuna are commercial canned tuna or fresh grilled tuna.
Nutritional Value of Tuna for Canines
Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids aid in the proper brain and eye development in puppies. Omega-3 is necessary for a healthy immune system.
Contains Vitamin B3. Tuna contains healthy amounts of B3, also known as niacin, a vitamin that is essential for a healthy dog. Vitamin B3 aids in maintaining healthy nerves and skin. This vitamin also promotes healthy energy production.
Vitamin B6 Content. Another B vitamin found in tuna that is crucial for a healthy dog is B6. Vitamin B6 is responsible for glucose generation, nervous system function, ensures proper immune response, and regulates hormones. It is a water-soluble vitamin needed for keeping your dog feeling young and active.
B12 found in Tuna. This particular B vitamin is important for healthy nervous system and brain function. It is essential for a dog’s digestive system. B12 is necessary for cell growth and as an aid for preventing disease in dogs.
Packed with Essential Minerals. Selenium, magnesium, and potassium are all found in tuna. Potassium is necessary for properly functioning heart, nerves, and muscles. Magnesium is a mineral that aids the body in absorbing nutrients and contributes to bone health. Selenium is necessary for a properly functioning immune system and thyroid gland.
High Protein & Low Fat. A 3 ounce can of Skipjack tuna contains 24 grams of protein and 1 gram of fat making it a healthy snack choice.
Tuna is packed with essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that benefit a dog’s health. It is high in protein which is the biggest percentage of a dog’s diet. Is tuna good for dogs? Dog owners can best answer after they read the dangers of feeding a dog tuna.
Many health experts and veterinarians have serious concerns about dogs eating tuna and advise against adding tuna to your dog’s diet.
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Concerns for Serving Tuna to Dogs
The biggest danger of sharing tuna with your dog is the high mercury content. Unfortunately, our lakes, rivers, and oceans all contribute to the high metals found in commercially harvested fish, including tuna.
Tuna & Mercury Content. The reason this fish is flagged as dangerous to eat is due to the high mercury found in the fish. Mercury content is going to be higher in large fish that live a longer life.
Albacore tuna, one the most widely harvested fish lives to be 10-12 years old. The average mercury content in a 5 oz. can of albacore tuna is 49.5 micrograms.
Skipjack and Yellowfin Tuna are the next two most harvested varieties of tuna. They can be considered “light tuna”. Skipjack tuna can live between 8-10 years old. The average mercury content in a 5 oz, can of skipjack is 18.11 micrograms.
A fresh 5 ounce serving of tuna steak can have up to 97.5 micrograms of mercury. Although these numbers are high, they still pass the recommended safe amount for human consumption.
There are no safe guidelines for feeding tuna to canines.
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Mercury Poisoning. Dogs can be affected by too much mercury in similar ways as humans. There are severe and potentially fatal health issues when a dog has consumed too much mercury.
Too much mercury in a dog’s body has potential to damage their digestive tract, nervous system, cardiovascular system, and kidneys. Know the signs and symptoms of mercury poisoning in dogs.
- Hair loss
- Anxiety
- Anorexia
- Inability to urinate
- Loss of coordination
- Tremors
- Watery/bloody diarrhea
- Bloody vomit
- Unexpected blindness
No Raw Tuna. Raw fish, including tuna varieties, can contain harmful bacteria and two specific parasites. Even though canines have a different digestion tract than humans, this still surpasses what is safe for canines. Parasites found in raw tuna can embed to the dog’s intestines causing serious illness.
Is tuna good for dogs? It does have health benefits, but they need to be carefully weighted with the above concerns before dog owners can decide.
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Best Types of Fish for Dogs
Tuna is a saltwater fish that humans enjoy for a quick and convenient snack or meal option. It is a nutritious fish, however due to the high mercury content, dog owners may choose differently.
Fish that has a lower mercury content and poses less of a risk for dogs would include the following:
- Wild Caught Salmon
- Whitefish
- Herring
- Flounder
- Artic Char
- Wild Caught Sardines (packed in water)
Wild caught salmon and flounder are among the fish with the lowest mercury content. All fish should be served to your dog without added oils, breading, and seasoning.
How Much Tuna Can a Dog Eat?
Is tuna good for dogs? If you decided to share a morsel of tuna (plain, no salt, no mayonnaise) with your canine, know the how much is okay for your dog.
- Small to medium sized dogs can eat half to one teaspoon of tuna. Large to giant breed dogs can eat up to a tablespoon of tuna.
When keeping tuna to a special treat or once a month food topper, remember that little is better. Your dog will enjoy even the smallest amount of tuna. Whenever you introduce a new food to your dog, always monitor them for signs of distress.
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Alternatives to Tuna
Are you looking for a special treat for your dog that has nutritional value? You might try adding a few florets of broccoli or finely chopped celery. Can dogs eat broccoli? Yes, it’s a highly nutritious food that reduces inflammation in dogs. Dogs love to sample what we are eating.
Is Tuna Good for Dogs?
The decision is up to the dog owner. Tuna is a non-toxic food for dogs. It has many highly nutritious vitamins plus high protein. When eaten plain without any additives or seasonings it can be a special low-fat meal topper.
To avoid mercury overload, limit your dog’s tuna consumption and the frequency in which they enjoy this tasty treat. It’s always wise to know the signs and symptoms of mercury poisoning and to call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog is ill.
If you personally enjoy fish and like to share with your dog, perhaps chose from the list of fish that contains less mercury.
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