Dogs & Tuna
Fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. Many types of dog food contain fish. However, you may wonder if your four-legged friend can eat tuna. Research tells us that the answer is no. Saltwater fish like tuna can cause many health problems for our dogs. Continue reading to learn more.
One of the main concerns with tuna is that it contains higher mercury levels than other types of fish. Mercury poisoning can occur if you consume too much mercury. Unfortunately, this can cause severe and fatal health complications. Think about it. Mercury enters oceans, rivers, and lakes through various industrial activities. It’s no surprise that mercury accumulates in fish. Tuna are large and long-living, which makes their mercury levels high.
A small amount of tuna shouldn’t hurt your dog. The fish is not toxic to dogs. It’s the mercury that we need to be concerned about. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include:
- Loss of feeling in the paws
- Loss of coordination
- Hair loss
- Blindness
- Anxiety
- Kidney damage
- Tremors
- Vomiting blood
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if they exhibit any of these symptoms. If you want your four-legged friend to enjoy fish, we recommend fish with lower mercury levels which may include salmon, whitefish, and flounder. These types of fish will add great nutrients to your dog’s diet!
