Can dogs eat tuna?
Yes, occasionally and in small amounts. Tuna isn't toxic to dogs, but it is high in mercury, so it shouldn't be a regular food. Choose cooked tuna or 'light' (skipjack) canned tuna packed only in water, without added salt or oil.
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Why
Tuna are large, long-lived fish, so their mercury levels are high, and dogs are more sensitive to mercury than people. Feeding tuna regularly can lead to mercury poisoning over time. Albacore, yellowfin and 'white' tuna carry more mercury than skipjack. Canned tuna often has added salt or oil, which isn't healthy for dogs.
What to do
A stolen bite of tuna is nothing to panic about. If your dog has been eating tuna regularly and shows signs such as tremors, loss of coordination, vomiting blood or bloody diarrhoea, take them to the vet immediately.
How to give it
Occasionally, a small amount of cooked tuna or 'light' (skipjack) canned tuna in water only, no salt or oil; avoid albacore, yellowfin and 'white' tuna.
Questions and answers
My dog stole some tuna. Should I worry?
Usually not: tuna isn't toxic, and the concern is regular feeding over time.
Which canned tuna is best?
'Light' or skipjack tuna packed only in water, given occasionally.
Related foods
All foods: What can dogs eat?Sources
- Can Dogs Eat Tuna? — American Kennel Club, Katherine Ripley (updated 2026-10-21)
- Which Human Foods Can Dogs Eat and Which Are Dangerous? — American Kennel Club (Updated Oct 21, 2026)
- What foods are toxic to dogs and the human foods you can feed them — Dogs Trust (no date; ©2026)
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic dog: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.