If you feed your pet on dog foods, then you've probably realized that a lot of them contain fish among the ingredients. Fish is rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids and proteins, all of which are essential dietary needs for your dog.
This goes for some types of fish. Could tuna be one of these? Can dogs eat tuna? This really is one of the sensitive subjects that pet owners should be aware of about. You've read or heard this too much of tuna isn't good for humans. Could this affect your dog too?
Let us discuss this sensitive topic and find an exciting rounded response to this topic once and for all.
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Is Tuna Good For Dogs?
The benefits of feeding fish for your dog are well known and established. So, probably the most straightforward response to this is absolutely! Tuna is completely safe for the dog. There is a catch though; there's a limit to what you can feed your dog.
This nutrient-rich food turns into a health hazard pretty fast if you exceed the preset amounts. It is not only the amount that needs to be considered, but the forms where the tuna is eaten in.
Benefits of Tuna To Dogs
- Tuna forms loaded with lean protein. This proteins are required for the development of muscle inside your dog. Lean protein contains very low levels of fats, making your dog healthy because he grows.
- Tuna contains essential minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, selenium and potassium. These bring about the general well-being of the dog.
- Contains vitamins B3, B12 and B6. These vitamins interact with folic acid to lower the amount of homocysteine, that is formed during methylation, in your dog's body.
- The beneficial omega-3 is contained in high levels in tuna fish. This nutrient contributes to cardiovascular health, reduces body inflammation, regulates levels of cholesterol and decreases arrhythmia among a number of other benefits.
Health Risks of Tuna For your Dog
Tuna itself is not really a health risk to your dog. When drawn in controlled amounts, it's totally safe. An excessive amount of consumption on the daily or weekly basis introduces threat for your canine friend just as in us humans.
The health risk of tuna results from the presence of high levels of mercury within the fish. In accordance with the [United States Food and Drug Administration chart], this level is generally higher in fresh tuna than other types of fish such as tilapia and salmon. Too much mercury consumption leads to the potentially life-threatening mercury poisoning.
Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning
- Blindness
- Coordination loss
- Vomiting blood
- Watery/bloody diarrhea
- Tremors
- Inability to urinate and abdominal swelling
- Anxiety/nervousness
Amount of Tuna Safe For Your Dog
Moderation is always vital here. You should only feed minimal levels of tuna to your dog in one sitting or on unusual occasions. Chiefly essential for your dog that is new to tuna. You should start by providing her small amounts of tuna each time and checking her reactions for just about any side effects.
If the dog can handle the little quantities with no repercussions, after that you can go to offer her the small amounts occasionally. In instances where your pet is allergic to tuna because of the high protein content, then steer clear of the feeding immediately.
The the easy way serve your dog tuna is to slice it into small pieces and then feeding 1 or 2 slices to your pooch as a simple meal or perhaps a treat. Do that regularly, and you'll have one very healthy dog. At the rear of the mind, keep in mind that the protein-rich meal won't be so beneficial to your dog in large amounts.
In What Form is Tuna Most suitable For the Dog?
The form that you give tuna to your dog plays a great deal on how they'll respond to it. Most of the dogs will, however, handle pretty much both raw and cooked types of tuna fish. For the raw tuna, ensure all the bones are removed. They can be a little tricky for your dog to move.
For canned tuna, make sure that it's packed in water, rather than in oil. Canned tuna that is packed in oil adds lots of unnecessary calories to your dog's system. The excess calories result in obesity and pancreatic inflammation. This could necessitate immediate surgery to solve.
The canned tuna shouldn't contain any flavorings and spices. Dogs find it hard to digest the spices. Homemade tuna containing onions and garlic should not come near your pet. These spices are recognized to be toxic and hazardous to dogs.
Limit the levels of canned tuna that the dog feeds on. These contain an excessive amount of sodium levels that are deadly when consumed in large amounts. An excessive amount of salt causes pancreatitis, which may be very painful. Too much salt also causes dehydration which increases the urge to drink water. Too much water can lead to bloating in dogs.
What About Tuna Juice?
Reasonable levels of tuna juice don't pose much threat to your cute dog's health. It is worthwhile to notice that the canine friend's digestive system isn't well adapted to dealing with tuna juice like you.
If you notice indications of reactions towards the juice, stop giving her the juice immediately. These indications of reactions could be diarrhea or vomiting. Get into contact with a veterinarian for immediate corrective action.
Conclusion
Can dogs eat tuna? YES! Tuna is extremely full of proteins, omega-3 and vitamins, all of which your dog needs for proper health. You can serve it both raw or cooked, only making sure to get rid of all the bones first when served raw.
The only concern with tuna is the quantity of mercury inside it. This could, however, be countered by only giving small quantities of tuna (1 or 2 slices) occasionally. You don't have to overindulge your pet in tuna. Small quantities will be okay.
