Can dogs eat tuna?

Caution

Only a little, and cooked. Choose skipjack or light canned tuna, unsalted and packed in water, and keep it occasional.

Also searched as: canned tuna, tuna steak

When it is a problem

AKC says dogs can eat cooked tuna, but the type matters. Albacore, yellowfin, bluefin, bigeye and white canned tuna can build up high levels of mercury, while skipjack or light canned tuna has less. Canned fish should be unsalted, packed only in water and free of seasonings or sauces.

Sources

American Kennel Club: Human foods dogs can and can't eat checked 29 October 2026 Dogs can eat cooked tuna, but the variety or species of tuna matters Avoid feeding albacore, yellowfin, bluefin, bigeye, or "white" canned tuna varieties that are known to accumulate high levels of mercury. look for skipjack or "light" canned tuna, a smaller fish that accumulates less mercury in its shorter lifespan With any canned fish, be sure it's unsalted, packed only in water, and doesn't add any spices, seasonings, or sauces.

Last reviewed 29 October 2026. How we check foods

This is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog ate something concerning, contact your vet or a poison helpline immediately.