Use Caution
Medium dog serving: two tablespoons
Key warning: albacore tuna, tuna in oil, tuna in brine, regular daily feeding
Can Dogs Eat Canned Tuna? Yes Occasionally — Water-Packed No Salt
This food requires caution. Read the details carefully before feeding.
Canned tuna in water is safe for dogs occasionally but should not be a regular food due to mercury accumulation. Choose light tuna over albacore which has higher mercury levels.
Search another food
Warning Signs & Symptoms
Regular feeding: mercury accumulation causing neurological damage over time. Tuna in oil or brine: too high in fat or sodium.
Safe to Feed
canned light tuna in water — occasional only
What to Avoid
albacore tuna, tuna in oil, tuna in brine, regular daily feeding
Preparation & Serving
Canned light tuna in water only. Drain water. No added salt. Small amount as occasional treat or topper only.
Potential Health Benefits
Protein and omega-3 fatty acids in small amounts.
Safer Alternatives
- sardines|salmon
Did you know?
Bluefin tuna are among the fastest fish in the ocean capable of reaching speeds of 43 miles per hour. They are also warm-blooded unlike most fish.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (small dog)
- one tablespoon
- Serving (medium dog)
- two tablespoons
- Serving (large dog)
- three tablespoons
- Calories (per 100g)
- 116
- Safe frequency
- Occasionally — not more than once per week
Source
What You Need to Know
Canned light tuna in water without added salt is the safest option. Albacore tuna has 3 times higher mercury than light tuna and should be avoided. A small amount occasionally as a treat or food topper is fine but never as a regular food source.
Canned Tuna Variations
This food requires care — if your dog has eaten a large amount read our emergency guide
Want to know what other dangers are hiding in your home?
Take the 60-second kitchen safety assessment to find out your dog's risk score.
Take the safety assessmentHelpful Resources
Related guides & hubs
Related Foods
Frequently asked questions
- Is Canned Tuna safe for dogs?
- Canned Tuna requires caution for dogs. Canned tuna in water is safe for dogs occasionally but should not be a regular food due to mercury accumulation. Choose light tuna over albacore which has higher mercury levels.
- What happens if a dog eats Canned Tuna?
- If a dog eats Canned Tuna, they may experience: Regular feeding: mercury accumulation causing neurological damage over time. Tuna in oil or brine: too high in fat or sodium.
- How much Canned Tuna can a dog eat?
- Canned light tuna in water without added salt is the safest option. Albacore tuna has 3 times higher mercury than light tuna and should be avoided. A small amount occasionally as a treat or food topper is fine but never as a regular food source.
Stay in the loop
Get new food safety guides, vet tips, and alerts delivered to your inbox.