Can Dogs Eat Tuna? Yes, in moderation: Safe Amount by Weight

In moderation

Yes, in moderation

dogs can eat a little canned tuna packed in water as an occasional treat. Tuna is high in mercury, so it should not be fed often, and tuna in oil or brine adds fat and salt.

Tuna for dogs at a glance

Can dogs eat it?	In moderation
Calories	About 16 kcal per tablespoon of canned tuna (in water)
Main benefit	Lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids
Main risk	Mercury builds up with frequent feeding
Puppies?	In tiny amounts once on solid food; puppies have sensitive stomachs

How much tuna can a dog eat?

Vets recommend keeping all treats under 10% of daily calories. One tablespoon of canned tuna (in water) has about 16 kcal. The chart shows the most a typical spayed or neutered adult dog could have in a day if tuna were the only treat.

Dog weight	Daily treat budget	Max tuna per day
10 lb (4.5 kg)	35 kcal	2 × tablespoon of canned tuna (in water)
20 lb (9.1 kg)	59 kcal	3.5 × tablespoon of canned tuna (in water)
40 lb (18.1 kg)	98 kcal	6 × tablespoon of canned tuna (in water)
60 lb (27.2 kg)	133 kcal	8 × tablespoon of canned tuna (in water)
80 lb (36.3 kg)	166 kcal	10 × tablespoon of canned tuna (in water)

Benefits and risks

Benefits

Lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids
Very appealing for picky eaters
Easy to portion

Risks

Mercury builds up with frequent feeding
Tuna in oil or salty brine adds fat and sodium
Tuna salad often contains onion, mayonnaise or seasoning

How to feed tuna to your dog

Choose light tuna canned in water, no salt added
Offer a spoonful occasionally
Never share tuna salad

What if my dog ate too much tuna?

Eating more than the recommended amount usually causes nothing worse than an upset stomach: soft stool, gas or vomiting. Skip treats for the rest of the day, keep fresh water available and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or your dog seems unwell.

Planning treats? Check your dog's full daily needs with the dog food calculator or dog calorie calculator.

Tuna and dogs: FAQ

Can dogs have tuna?

Yes, dogs can eat a little canned tuna packed in water as an occasional treat. Tuna is high in mercury, so it should not be fed often, and tuna in oil or brine adds fat and salt.

How often can dogs eat tuna?

Once or twice a week as a small treat is reasonable. Do not make it a daily food.

Can dogs eat raw tuna?

It is better to avoid raw fish because of parasites and bacteria.

Which is better for dogs, tuna or salmon?

Cooked salmon is lower in mercury, making it the better regular option.

Can puppies eat tuna?

Yes, in very small amounts once they are eating solid food. Puppies have sensitive stomachs, so offer a tiny piece and stop if you see loose stool. Most of their calories should come from a complete puppy food.

More "can dogs eat" guides

Browse lists: human foods dogs can eat · foods dogs can't eat

Sources

This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs. Dogs with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.

Can Dogs Eat Tuna?