Did Fido get an ounce of tuna out of Kitty’s bowl? Do you eat your leftover meal on the counter or even in the garbage?
When your sweet, full pet sat and looks at you with joy You might be thinking: Do dogs take tuna? Are they harmful to dogs? Are tuna foods beneficial for dogs?
We talked to a vet to find out if your dog is safe to consume tuna or if you should stay clear of this fish at all costs.
Do You Need to Give your dog Tuna?
You may be looking for an alternative healthy food to feed your pet, or your pet has indulged in a different dinner, you might be wondering whether tuna is safe for your pet to eat. Tuna, after all, is known to be packed with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and B vitamins that aid in muscular growth as well as cardiovascular health in addition to cell health.
Tuna is a good source of protein, but does it present a threat to our pets?
“Tuna isn’t technically harmful to dogs and, in small quantities, it won’t harm their health,” says Jamie Whittenburg DVM from the Senior Tail Waggers and the owner of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Lubbock, Texas.
It’s great news that this tasty seafood is suitable for pets to consume however there are a few points you need to know prior to feeding your pet tuna.
The reason Tuna isn’t good for Dogs
Tuna is often associated with cats because they adore the stuff. However, even for our fish-loving felines, veterinarians recommend eating tuna a few times as a snack.
Why? It’s the same reason that it’s harmful to dogs is mercury. Mercury is a harmful metal that can be found in water. Therefore, every fish has varying amounts of mercury within their bodies. “Tuna could have high mercury levels,” Whittenburg says. “If dogs consume large quantities of it, it could lead to toxic mercury.”
and the poisoning of mercury can lead to irreparable kidney and neurological damage to the kidneys and neurological systems. Some signs that mercury is poisoning pets include:
- Stomatitis
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pain
- Shock
- Blindness
- Dehydration
- Lack of coordination
- Death
The potential for mercury poisoning is a real concern. But tuna is a fish that can be eaten in small amounts occasionally! (Just be aware that tuna isn’t nutritiously balanced.)
“Fish like tuna has beneficial health benefits for dogs, and is utilized in commercial recipes for dog food,” Whittenburg says.
If you’re looking to feed your dog tuna prepare the tuna prior to serving a small portion proportioned to the daily calorie requirements. Make sure you also observe how your dog reacts to eating the tuna. Although rare, certain breeds might be sensitive to fish.
The signs of food allergies in dogs are:
- Vomiting
- Scratching
- Hotspots
- Diarrhea
- Rash
In addition, it’s suggested to adhere to the 10 percent rule that says not more than 10% of the daily calories for your dog are from food. Tuna is nutritious. But, it’s best to reduce portion sizes due to the risk of overfeeding.
If you’re seeking a safe choice of fish to feed your pet, Whittenburg recommends tilapia, salmon catfish, and whitefish.
What to Do If Your Dog ate Tuna
When your pet has consumed tuna, the best way to respond depends on several things.
“If your dog is able to accidentally consume tiny amounts of tuna, it does not cause for concern. Pets with sensitive stomachs could suffer from gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea” Whittenburg says. “If your dog ate the garbage or ate the tuna-based food item it is important to make sure there aren’t harmful foods present in the dish like garlic and onions. If your dog has eaten an excessive amount of tuna or consumed something harmful in the tuna or is suffering from any digestive problems, they must be examined by a doctor as fast as possible.”
Leave a Comment