A delicious tuna fish is waiting on your kitchen countertop and your dog is looking at you pleadingly. You would love to give him something, but you ask yourself: "Can dogs eat tuna?" Well, that's not as easy to answer as you might think. In fact, tuna can be both safe and dangerous for dogs. In this article, you'll learn when it's okay to feed your dog tuna and when you should avoid it, as well as in what forms and quantities it should be offered. This will keep your dog happy and healthy!

Can dogs eat tuna and is it good for them?

Yes, dogs can eat tuna as it is a good source of high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Tuna can help support the growth and maintenance of muscles, bones and tissues and help keep coat and skin healthy. However, tuna should be given in moderation and in the right form to avoid possible health risks.

Can dogs eat raw tuna?

What about tuna that hasn't been cooked and preserved? Sushi is very trendy and it is very tasty for us humans. Let's put it this way: if there was a fresh tuna fillet on the table and you didn't look for a moment, your dog would definitely eat it quickly.

But feeding raw tuna - or any raw fish at all - to your dog isn't the safest decision. Because raw fish can contain bacteria and parasites that can be harmful after consumption.

Freshwater salmon is a perfect example of this. Some freshwater salmon contain bacteria that can infect your dog with salmon poisoning. This dog disease is usually fatal within two weeks if left untreated. Even though there is no direct parallel to tuna, this shows just one of the known dangers of eating raw fish.

Can dogs eat canned tuna?

Dogs can eat canned tuna, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. Canned tuna is often marinated in oil or brine, which can be unhealthy for dogs because it increases the sodium content. Additionally, some canned preservatives can be unhealthy for dogs. It is therefore important to ensure that the tuna is marinated in water and not oil or brine and that no spices or other preservatives have been added. Dogs are allowed to eat canned tuna in its own juice. It is also advisable to feed the tuna in moderation as too much tuna can cause digestive problems in dogs. It is recommended to consult your veterinarian before feeding tuna to ensure it is suitable for your dog.

How often can dogs eat tuna?

It is recommended to feed dogs tuna only occasionally and in moderation. One or two servings of tuna per week is usually sufficient and should be given as a treat or supplement to regular dog food. If your dog is already eating a balanced diet with enough protein and omega-3 fatty acids, it may not be necessary to feed him additional tuna. It is always advisable to consult your veterinarian before feeding tuna to ensure that this food is suitable for your dog.

Conclusion

Dogs can eat tuna as it is a good source of high-quality proteins and omega-3 fatty acids. However, it is important to ensure that the tuna is given in moderation and in the correct form to avoid potential health risks. Canned tuna should be avoided if it is marinated in oil or brine; raw or undercooked tuna is more likely to be dangerous for dogs. It is therefore recommended to consult the vet before feeding tuna to make sure it is really suitable for your dog.