Can Dogs Eat Tuna? Caution — Safe Occasionally but Mercury Limits Frequency

This food requires caution. Read the details carefully before feeding.

Canned tuna in water without salt is safe for dogs in small amounts occasionally. However tuna is high in mercury and should not be a regular part of the diet. Fresh tuna is also safe in small amounts. Avoid tuna in oil or brine. Frequency should be limited due to mercury accumulation.

Search another food

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Mercury accumulation with regular feeding: neurological damage over time. Canned tuna in oil: high fat causing digestive upset. Canned tuna in brine: extreme sodium. Raw tuna: parasite and mercury risk. Large amounts regularly: mercury toxicity.

If Your Dog Ate This

No emergency at occasional small amounts. Monitor for mercury toxicity with regular feeding.

Safe to Feed

small amount of water-packed light tuna (skipjack) without salt — occasionally only

What to Avoid

tuna in oil or brine, albacore tuna regularly (higher mercury), raw tuna, frequent feeding

Portions & nutrition

Serving (medium dog): small amount
Serving (large dog): small amount
Calories (per 100g): 144
Safe frequency: Monthly maximum — sardines or salmon preferred for regular use

Source

Source: SAFEFOODFORDOGS

What You Need to Know

Tuna — particularly larger species like albacore and bluefin — accumulates mercury from ocean food chains. Small amounts of canned skipjack tuna (light tuna) are safer than albacore which has higher mercury. An occasional small treat of plain water-packed tuna is not harmful. Regular daily feeding creates mercury accumulation risk. Better fish choices for regular feeding include sardines and salmon which are lower in mercury and higher in beneficial omega-3s.

Breed-Specific Notes

Skipjack (light) tuna has lower mercury than albacore — prefer light tuna if feeding occasionally.

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 assessment

More Helpful Resources

Related guides & hubs

Browse the food databaseSearch foods and browse categories Browse all dog health guidesNutrition, safety, insurance, and more 10 human foods safe for dogsMore safe foods (and how to feed them)Best dog food for sensitive stomachs

Frequently asked questions

Is Can Dogs Eat Tuna safe for dogs?: Can Dogs Eat Tuna requires caution for dogs. Canned tuna in water without salt is safe for dogs in small amounts occasionally. However tuna is high in mercury and should not be a regular part of the diet. Fresh tuna is also safe in small amounts. Avoid tuna in oil or brine. Frequency should be limited due to mercury accumulation.
What happens if a dog eats Can Dogs Eat Tuna?: If a dog eats Can Dogs Eat Tuna, they may experience: Mercury accumulation with regular feeding: neurological damage over time. Canned tuna in oil: high fat causing digestive upset. Canned tuna in brine: extreme sodium. Raw tuna: parasite and mercury risk. Large amounts regularly: mercury toxicity.
How much Can Dogs Eat Tuna can a dog eat?: Tuna — particularly larger species like albacore and bluefin — accumulates mercury from ocean food chains. Small amounts of canned skipjack tuna (light tuna) are safer than albacore which has higher mercury. An occasional small treat of plain water-packed tuna is not harmful. Regular daily feeding creates mercury accumulation risk. Better fish choices for regular feeding include sardines and salmon which are lower in mercury and higher in beneficial omega-3s.

Stay in the loop

Get new food safety guides, vet tips, and alerts delivered to your inbox.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making dietary changes for your pet.