The Complete Guide to Dogs Eating Tuna: Deadly or Safe?

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat tuna in moderation, and this protein-rich fish can be a tasty and nutritious addition to your pup’s diet. However, before you start serving tuna, there are a few important things to consider. While small amounts of plain, cooked tuna are generally safe, excessive consumption or tuna with added seasonings, oils, or high mercury content can pose health risks. Plus, what about canned tuna? Is fresh tuna better? Can too much tuna lead to mercury poisoning? This guide will explore the benefits, potential risks, and the safest way to incorporate tuna into your dog’s diet.

Is Tuna Good For Dogs?

Yes, tuna can be a healthy occasional treat if served in moderation, cooked, plain, and boneless. Opt for fresh tuna whenever possible, but if using canned tuna, choose unsalted, water-packed varieties (avoid oil-packed or flavored cans).

Tuna, especially red meat from canning by-products, is rich in protein, essential amino acids, and beneficial fatty acids. Tuna and its by-products are commonly used in commercial wet and dry dog foods, often with binders to improve texture and palatability.^[1],[2]

If you choose to give your dog tuna, avoid raw tuna and heavily processed tuna products. Since tuna has a higher mercury content than other fish, consider safer alternatives like salmon or sardines for regular feeding.

Benefits

100 grams (3.5-ounce oz) of tuna contains the following nutrients:

Tuna Nutrition Chart (100g)

Nutrient Analysis

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Tuna to Dogs

Tuna can be safe and beneficial for dogs when consumed in moderation due to its nutritional content, but it also poses risks. Here are the considerations to keep in mind:

Tuna Types Dogs Can & Can’t Eat

Are Dogs Allergic to Tuna?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to tuna.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Tuna

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information: When speaking to a vet, provide: Quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion, and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining tuna or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Tuna to Dogs

When feeding tuna to your dog, it’s best to follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe:

• Feed fresh, cooked tuna or unsalted, water-packed canned tuna
• Do not feed tuna products with seasonings, oils, garlic, onions, or salt
• Remove bones to prevent choking or internal injury
• Never feed raw tuna, which may contain parasites or bacteria
• Limit portion sizes
• Feed in moderation, no more than once a week to avoid mercury buildup
• Monitor for allergies (itching, swelling) or digestive upset

Way to Feed Tuna

As with any new food, starting slowly and feeding gradually is recommended to give the digestive system time to adjust. 

Best Dog Food With Tuna

If you’re looking to incorporate tuna into your dog’s diet and take advantage of its high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, consider Purina ONE True Instinct With Real Salmon and Tuna. This nutrient-dense recipe features real salmon as the first ingredient, paired with tuna to support lean muscles and heart health. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential nutrients, this formula helps maintain a strong immune system and healthy skin and coat. Purina ONE’s high-protein kibble delivers complete and balanced nutrition that fuels active dogs and supports their overall vitality with no artificial flavors or preservatives.

Best Tuna Dog Treat

For those who want to provide the benefits of tuna in a delicious, wholesome way, Chef Kitty Freeze-Dried Tuna Treats for Dogs offer a protein-rich, single-ingredient snack made with 100% real tuna. These freeze-dried bites retain the natural flavor and nutrients of raw tuna, delivering a clean source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids to support muscle maintenance, skin health, and a shiny coat. Perfect as a high-value reward or daily treat, they’re ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or on limited-ingredient diets.

How Much Tuna Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats like tuna. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning tuna based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshunds	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	1 teaspoon per week	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	1-2 teaspoons per week	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	1 tablespoon per week	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	1-2 tablespoons per week	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	2-3 tablespoons per week	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Tuna?

Yes, puppies can eat tuna, but only in moderation and in very small amounts. Since puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, it’s best to start with just a tiny portion—such as a teaspoon of plain, cooked tuna—to see how they react. Feeding too much tuna at once can lead to digestive upset, as puppies’ stomachs are still developing and may struggle to process rich proteins and fats. Additionally, fresh, cooked, or canned tuna in water is the best option—avoid tuna packed in oil or with added salt, seasonings, or preservatives, as these can harm puppies. Avoid giving multiple new foods on the same day when introducing any new food, including tuna. Puppies may have food sensitivities or allergies, and if they experience any digestive issues, introducing only one new food at a time makes it easier to identify the cause. Try offering a teaspoon of plain, cooked tuna, then wait a few days to observe how your puppy’s digestive system reacts before considering offering more. If using canned tuna, ensure it is packed in water with no added salt to prevent any risk of dehydration or sodium overload, especially for smaller puppies.

Best Canned Tuna For Dogs

The safest canned tuna for dogs is low-mercury, water-packed tuna with no added salt. Brands that offer simple, natural ingredients without artificial preservatives are the best choice. StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water on Amazon is among the most favorite ones dog owners feed their dogs.

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to tuna that are safer and as nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Tuna can be a safe and nutritious dog treat when fed in moderation and prepared properly. It provides high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that can benefit your dog’s health. However, due to risks like mercury toxicity, high sodium content, and potential choking hazards, tuna should only be given occasionally and in small amounts. Always choose cooked, plain, and boneless tuna, and avoid flavored or seasoned varieties. If your dog has health conditions like kidney issues or allergies, consult your veterinarian before introducing tuna. By following these guidelines, you can safely share this fishy treat with your furry friend while keeping their health and well-being a top priority.

Whether you’re introducing tuna or any new treat, unexpected reactions can happen. Having the right pet insurance ensures you can handle any vet visits with peace of mind. Check out our guide to the best pet insurance plans to keep your furry friend covered in every situation. If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives. And if you’re seeking something more therapeutic to support anxiety, pain, inflammation, or other health concerns, explore the benefits of CBD oil for dogs and CBD dog treats for a natural way to help your pup feel their best.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Tuna Red Meat as a Novel Ingredient in Pet Food for Dogs
2. Technological Benefits Associated with the Use of Spray-Dried Animal Plasma in Fish-Based Chunks for Canned Pet Food