IS TUNA FOOD GOOD FOR DOGS?

Tuna can be a healthy and nutritious food, as long as you feed it scientifically.

Tuna — especially the canned variety — is a staple in most households, providing a quick and healthy dose of protein that's perfect for snacks and meals. But is tuna good for your dog?

Yes, dogs can eat tuna - but only in moderation. Although tuna is a common ingredient in dog food, its high mercury content can cause a lot of harm to young mice, so it's best to give less.

Health benefits of tuna

Tuna is a saltwater fish rich in protein, selenium, magnesium, and potassium, as well as vitamins B3, B6, and B12. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. All of these make it an important part of a healthy human diet and can be beneficial for dogs.

When fed in moderation, tuna can help support a puppy's joints and immune system. It also helps them maintain healthy energy. As for those omega-3s, they are great for making your dog's coat thick and shiny, and even reducing inflammation in the body.

However, too much of the good stuff can backfire, which is why it's important to understand the risks that tuna can pose.

Potential health problems

As long as your dog doesn't have an aversion or any other type of negative reaction to tuna, a little bit here or it is unlikely to cause harm.

Things can get complicated if you feed your dog too much tuna, as some species - especially albacore tuna - are high in mercury. This heavy metal can be toxic when consumed in large amounts. first

Although dogs, like humans, do not get poisoned from ingesting small amounts of mercury, their overall tolerance can be much lower than that of humans, meaning they will reach the limit of mercury. to live earlier than we do.

Signs of mercury poisoning to watch out for include hair loss, vision problems, loss of coordination, and tremors. If your dog shows any of these signs, call or visit your vet right away.

To be on the safe side, limit your dog's intake of tuna and only feed them occasionally.

What types of tuna should you avoid?

There are many ways to enjoy tuna - but when it comes to what's safe and unsafe for your dog to eat, are they all equal? Here's something to know.

Canned tuna

Canned tuna is probably the type of food your dog eats the most since that's what most of us have at home. To be as safe as possible, feed your dog only canned tuna with water, no oil, and no added salt. A small amount of albacore should be fine, but a low-mercury fish like yellowfin is a better approach.

Tuna tenderloin

A little tuna tenderloin is fine for your dog as long as it's not cooked in heavy butter or oil and doesn't include any seasonings other than some light salt. If you feed him, be sure to cut up some meat instead of giving your dog a whole tenderloin, especially if it has bones.

If you cook tuna with sautéed onions or garlic, don't feed your dog anything, as both ingredients are toxic to dogs.

Raw tuna

Raw fish can contain dangerous intestinal parasites, so to be on the safe side, it's best to avoid feeding them to dogs. If it's raw tuna in a sushi roll, the price is double because it may contain other ingredients that your furry friend shouldn't eat, such as soy sauce, wasabi, or a single sauce.

Tuna Sandwich

Last but not least is the tuna sandwich, a must-try for Fido. Most tuna salads are made with mayo, which is high in fat and can be difficult for your dog to digest. And other common ingredients, like onions, are very dangerous for them.

If you make fresh tuna sandwiches at home, let your dog taste the tuna before adding other ingredients.

How to feed your dog tuna?

If your dog loves tuna, you may find it satisfying to feed them in small amounts here and there. Since it's a rare treat, you might want to feed it a few ways to make it even more special:

Use it as a meal ingredient

Add some canned or cooked tuna to your dog's regular food to add protein to your dog's dinner.

Making Tuna Fudge

The name might not be too catchy, but the end product is. Combine a can of tuna in water (undrained) with ¾ cup whole wheat flour, ½ teaspoon turmeric, 1 egg, and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Let cool, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Store in the refrigerator for a delicious treat.

Conclusion: Feel free to share some simple tuna with your dog, but as a limited treat, not the usual one.