Can Dogs Eat Tuna?

Yes, dogs can eat tuna; the safest option is light canned tuna in water without added salt! It’s essential to check the type of tuna you buy, as there’s a difference between Bigeye and Yellowfin, white tuna, or sashimi grade. It’s also important to limit the amount of tuna you give your dog, read labels carefully, and avoid overfeeding. Sounds complicated? It does, but we’ll explain everything about feeding dogs tuna and bust some myths along the way!

Table Of Contents

Can dogs eat canned tuna in water?
Types of tuna and levels of mercury
- Types of tuna and their culinary uses
Best tuna alternatives for dogs
Is tuna good for dogs?
How we eat tuna and what we can share with our dog
FAQs

Canned tuna in unsalted brine is one of my dog’s favorite treats! It’s actually his birthday cake — a can of drained tuna with some light milk cream on top (for the icing, obviously). He adores it, and I feel safe giving him tuna as a treat because I only buy a European brand with light or Yellowfin tuna that I know is low in mercury. It’s pricey, but it’s worth it.

Can dogs eat canned tuna in water?

So, let’s start with the most common and popular question. Dogs can eat canned tuna in water, and it’s the safest choice for them. It’s light, high in protein, full of good nutrients and healthy fats, and a great addition to their diets.

The type of tuna you buy is important here, as some types contain more mercury than others. Tuna is generally high in mercury, similar to other large fish like swordfish. Here’s a handy link to the official FDA recommendations, where you can see fish and seafood ranked from lowest to highest in mercury.

Types of tuna and levels of mercury

Some types of tuna are harvested in huge amounts, while others are less common. Their size and age also play a huge role when it comes to how much mercury they contain, as well as their nutrient profile.

In the table below, you can see the most popular types of tuna, their origin, and their mercury levels so you can decide what is best for your dog.

Type	Average Size	Habitat	Harvesting Season	Mercury Level	Primary Regions for Canning
Skipjack	40–80 cm, 4.5–24 kg	Tropical, near surface	Year-round	Low (0.126 ppm)	Western Pacific (e.g., Philippines), Indian Ocean
Albacore	Up to 1.4 m, 60 kg	Temperate and tropical oceans	Late spring to early fall	Moderate (0.358 ppm)	North Atlantic (e.g., Spain), Pacific Northwest (e.g., U.S.)
Yellowfin	Up to 2.4 m, 200 kg	Tropical, offshore deep waters	Year-round	Moderate (0.354 ppm)	Indian Ocean, Western Pacific (e.g., Thailand)
Bigeye	Up to 2.5 m, 210 kg	Tropical, deep waters	Year-round	High (0.689 ppm)	Western and Central Pacific, Atlantic Ocean
Bluefin	Up to 4.6 m, 684 kg	Temperate waters worldwide	Late spring to early fall	High (0.60–1.70 ppm)	Mediterranean Sea (e.g., Italy, Spain), North Atlantic

Note: Mercury levels are averages and can vary based on specific environmental factors and individual fish. The source for the mercury levels is the FDA website.

The main problem is that you’ll rarely see on a can of tuna where it’s caught or what type of tuna is actually inside. Since I was worried about that, I searched online for certificates to find information about the type of tuna used and its origin. That’s why I only buy one brand.

And when it comes to tuna steaks, for example, I eat grilled tuna steaks in Greece because I know they’re caught locally, and it’s rare that you’ll find them in restaurants, as it has to be the catch of the day!

Here’s something that can help you with types of tuna and how to recognize the best ones.

Types of tuna and their culinary uses

Skipjack tuna

Best for: Fresh and frozen tuna steaks. This is one of the best types of tuna for steaks because it’s really strong and has a distinctive flavor. This is how you imagine tuna to taste—not mild at all!

Common use: Even though it’s good for steaks, skipjack tuna is most commonly found in canned tuna, as it’s very low in mercury and very affordable. This is reassuring and good to know.

Popularity: Not typically used for sashimi or sushi since it has such a strong flavor.

Fun fact: Skipjack is the most commonly consumed tuna worldwide, making up a large percentage of canned tuna.

Albacore tuna

Best for: Albacore is white canned tuna, famous for its mild flavor and flaky texture. Dogs can eat albacore tuna since it’s very mild, lean, and low in mercury.

Common use: Used in salads, sandwiches, and casseroles.

Popularity: Very popular in homemade cooking, but it’s rarely used for sushi or sashimi.

Fun fact: Often referred to as “white tuna” in canned products.

Yellowfin tuna

Best for: Grilled or seared tuna steaks, thanks to its lean, firm flesh and slightly milder flavor than other large tunas.

Common use: A favorite for sushi, sashimi, and poke bowls due to its bright red, meaty flesh. You can also find it canned.

Popularity: Widely used in Japanese cuisine, particularly for sashimi and sushi rolls.

Fun fact: Known for its versatility, yellowfin is often labeled as “ahi” in Hawaiian dishes. And if you’re wondering, dogs can eat ahi tuna, but it’s best to include it in moderation.

Bigeye tuna

Best for: Sashimi and sushi, as it’s high in fat and tastes very rich.

Common use: Also enjoyed as seared tuna steaks. It’s not recommended for everyday consumption because it’s high in mercury.

Popularity: Very popular in Japanese and Hawaiian cuisine for raw preparations.

Fun fact: Often confused with yellowfin tuna, but it has more fat.

Bluefin tuna

Best for: Premium sushi and sashimi, especially prized for its toro (the fatty belly cut).

Common use: Rarely cooked; instead, it’s used almost exclusively in high-end sushi restaurants. It’s high in mercury!

Popularity: The most expensive and sought-after tuna for raw dishes.

Fun fact: Bluefin tuna is auctioned at eye-popping prices in Japan, with some fetching over a million dollars at market.

Best tuna alternatives for dogs

If you’re concerned about mercury, you can check out some other fish and seafood that I wrote about:

Lobster – Moderate mercury levels; an average of 0.107 parts per million (ppm) – Dogs can eat lobster, and it’s a good source of lean protein. If you can afford it, go for it!
Salmon – Low mercury levels; an average of 0.022 ppm – Dogs can eat salmon, and it’s one of the best fish dogs can eat with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
Scallops – Low mercury levels; an average of 0.003 ppm – Dogs can eat scallops, and they’re a great source of magnesium.
Shrimp – Low mercury levels; an average of 0.009 ppm – Dogs can eat shrimp, and it’s low in calories while also rich in antioxidants.
Squid (calamari) – Low mercury levels; an average of 0.024 ppm – Dogs can eat squid (calamari), and it’s high in protein and easy to digest.
Tilapia – Low mercury levels; an average of 0.013 ppm – Dogs can eat tilapia. Even though it’s a modest fish, often considered low quality as it’s farmed and has more omega-6 than omega-3, it’s still low in fat and a healthy protein.
Oysters – Very low mercury levels; an average of 0.012 ppm – Dogs can eat oysters, and they’re packed with zinc, which supports immune health.

Is tuna good for dogs?

So, now that we know a lot about mercury levels and different types of tuna, can we answer: is tuna good for dogs? Well, I really think that it is! Tuna can be good for dogs, as it’s a healthy protein with lots of omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains vitamin B12, niacin, and selenium, all of which help support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and good joint health.

But you don’t need to give your dog tuna all the time! Your dog gets balanced nutrition from their regular food, and tuna should only be an occasional treat.

Since it still contains some mercury—and depending on the type of tuna, those levels can be significant—it’s important to keep tuna as an occasional treat. Mercury is a heavy metal that accumulates in the body over time and can cause long-term health issues. However, you don’t need to worry about dog mercury poisoning if you give them canned tuna in small amounts once or twice a week.

How we eat tuna and what we can share with our dog

From viral TikTok tuna mayo recipes to deep-fried tuna balls, we include tuna in so many dishes that it’s hard to tell what we can share with our dogs!

Don’t give your dog any raw tuna sushi or anything that might upset their stomach. While some types of sushi are safe for dogs, raw tuna can be tricky, especially if you have a small dog.

When it comes to tuna salads and tuna with mayo, it really depends on what you’re making. Dogs shouldn’t eat tuna with mayo, as mayo is high in fat and can cause digestive issues, especially temporary diarrhea. But if your dog eats some tuna with mayo, nothing bad will happen, as mayo is not toxic to dogs.

Now, tuna salads can include a million different things, but most veggies like lettuce, bell peppers, cucumbers, and celery are safe for dogs. It’s the dressings you need to be careful about. Anything with garlic or onion is a no-go, as both are toxic to dogs in large amounts. This doesn’t mean your dog will reach the level of toxicity just by eating your dressing, but it does mean you need to be careful. Also, dogs shouldn’t eat ranch dressing, as it’s full of fat and sugar, and they shouldn’t eat soy sauce because it’s very high in sodium.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat cooked tuna steak?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked tuna steaks in small amounts as an occasional treat. Tuna steaks are healthy, as they are a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. When you’re sharing tuna steak with your dog, avoid seasoning, oils, or sauces, and give them a piece of plain tuna steak.

Can dogs eat tuna every day?

No, dogs shouldn’t eat tuna every day, as it contains mercury that can build up in their system over time. I’m sure you don’t eat tuna every day, so your dog shouldn’t either!

Can dogs eat tuna fish sandwiches?

Now, this really depends on what you’re putting in them. The most common ingredients for a splendid tuna sandwich are mayonnaise and eggs. Mayo is not toxic to dogs, but it’s high in fat, so it shouldn’t be part of your dog’s diet. Eggs are safe for dogs, as well as some veggies that we use in tuna sandwiches like cucumbers and lettuce. Don’t give them any sandwiches with spices, hot sauces, or seasonings that could upset their stomach.

Can dogs eat tuna sashimi?

No, it’s not a good idea to feed your dog tuna sashimi. While it’s highly unlikely that you’ll buy or eat sashimi with parasites, it’s always best not to share raw fish with your dog, child, or pregnant partner. That’s the rule.