Tuna is a protein-packed favorite in sandwiches, casseroles, and sushi. My beagle comes sniffing around every time I open a can of tuna for my favorite salad–she stares at me waiting for that tasty tuna juice to top her daily kibble.
My beagle won’t stop staring at that fragrant can of fish… is it OK to share some tuna with my dog?
Can Dogs Eat Tuna?
Yes. Tuna is rich in lean protein and Omega 3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and improve cardiovascular and skin health. Tuna also contains healthy minerals (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium) and vitamins (B3, B6, and B12).
Serving Ideas
- Raw tuna is safer for dogs than raw salmon, which can be quite dangerous. But it’s safer still to only share cooked tuna with your dog or you run the risk of exposure to parasites.
- Avoid sharing tuna that’s been cooked in fatty oils or butter or seasoned with strong spices, onions, or garlic.
- If you’re serving canned tuna, select tuna that’s canned in water, not oil, to avoid unnecessary fats.
- Share tuna sparingly, just a few bites no more than once a week. Your dog’s digestive system isn’t equipped to handle fish on a daily basis. At least not without gradually acclimating.
Tuna Recipes for Dogs
Rover’s chef Kiki Kane has formulated dozens of tasty recipes for dogs, including Chicken Pot Pie Treats. Here, I substituted tuna for the chicken, for a protein-rich crunchy treat that tuna-loving dogs will beg for.
Gâteries pour chiens au pâté au thon
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: variable
Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna packed in water (no-sodium is best)
- 2 ½ cups flour (AP flour, wheat, or oat flour will all work well)
- ½ low or no-sodium chicken broth
- 2 eggs
- optional: turmeric, sage, and parsley to taste
- ½ cup frozen mixed peas and carrots or leftover plain veggies diced
You will need a cookie cutter (or a glass will do in a pinch!) we used a small biscuit cutter because the fluted edges remind us of pie crust.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 ºF (175 ºC).
- Place the flour, meat, and spices (if using) in a bowl and mix to combine
- Add the broth in, mixing thoroughly
- Add eggs and mix just until the dough holds together nicely
- Now fold in the veggies, being careful not to mash them up too much
- Divide dough in half and roll out to about a 1/4″ thickness and cut out, placing on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake the cookies until just golden around the edges, about 20 minutes
Canned Tuna (or Dog Food) Treats for Dogs with Special Diets
If your dog has food sensitivities but can eat fish and eggs, or if your dog just really enjoys tuna, try these crunch tuna and egg treats. Simply mash up a can of tuna, mix in eggs, and bake at a low temperature.
- Author: Kiki Kane
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 tray
Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna or 1 can dog food of your choice
- 2 eggs
If your dog can’t enjoy eggs, here’s how to make a flax substitute:
To replace one egg, combine 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2 tablespoons of warm water and let it set a few minutes until thickened.
Need to adjust the consistency? You can add a little oat flour to thicken or water to thin your mixture.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º
- Mix the can of dog food with the eggs until smooth. You may opt to use a food processor or blender to get a perfectly smooth texture.
- Using a wide mouth frosting tip, pipe small circular buttons onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Not ready for pasty bags? Just press the batter into the baking sheet and bake as one large cookie and break or cut into smaller pieces when done.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until just brown around the edges and the cookies firm up for a soft treat, bake a little longer until completely crisp for a crunchy cookie that will not require refrigeration.
For More Information
From carrots to watermelon, there is a wide selection of information on vegetables available on our Can My Dog Eat? directory page.
Learn more about feeding your dog a wonderfully varied diet while learning the limitations of a dog’s sensitive digestive system. We offer a collection of articles on foods that are safe, dangerous or even toxic for dogs to eat, including vegetables, dairy, bread, and junk food.
Learn more about the seafood that are safe for dogs in articles like Can My Dog Eat Shrimp? and Can My Dog Eat Salmon?
The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
