Tuna sandwiches are a huge hit for lunchtime, especially, if you’re looking for something quick to make. You notice your dog sniffing and pining after your plate, you immediately start wondering “can Pugs eat tuna?”
Can Pugs Eat Tuna?
Yes, tuna is not toxic and it can be found in many high-quality dog foods because it contains selenium, magnesium, vitamin D, iodine, choline, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium, which provide your pup with nutrients their bodies need.
In this article, we’re going to look at the best way to feed your dog tuna, to help keep them safe.
But first, let’s take a look at some of the benefits it provides to your four-legged friend.
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Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Tuna To Pugs?
Repairs Cells and Other Tissues
A diet rich in protein is essential for canines, to help repair cells and other tissues (skin, hair, bone, and muscle). It is also a source of calories that provides your pooch the energy levels they need to live a healthy and active lifestyle.
Cardiovascular Health
Many pet owners have realized the importance of fish oil because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which is a “good” type of fat that helps support your pup’s body and brain. Omega-3 plays an important role in the nutrition of dogs and helps reduce inflammation, fight cancer, improves skin and coat health, and can help reduce anxiety, hyperactivity, and depression.
If you’re not comfortable feeding your Pug tuna, you can give theme these Omega Bite Supplements that your dog will love and are specially designed for canines.
Fun Tuna Facts
By now you know that tuna is a healthy fish that is packed essential vitamins and minerals that makes it a healthy food choice. Here are some other interesting facts you should know about this fish:
- It’s an endangered species, and the numbers have dropped 90% since the beginning of the 20th century.
- They can swim at speeds of more than 40 miles per hour.
- The dark blue and silver white colors helps keep them camouflaged from predators.
- They are a part of the Thunnus genus family, which includes seven different species.
Nutritional Facts
Canned tuna packed lightly in water:
- Protein: 42 grams
- Calories: 191
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fat: 2.4 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sodium: 83mg
- Sugar: 0 grams
According to the USDA, tuna doesn’t contain any fiber, sugar, or carbohydrates.
Is Tuna Safe For Pugs?
Yes, as long as it is cooked properly it can be safe for your pooch in small amounts. That being said, these fish are long-living fish that may have high levels of mercury that can be harmful to your dog.
The Dangers Of Feeding Tuna To Your Pug
As mentioned above, the larger variety such as bluefin which can weigh up to 500 pounds or more can have high levels of mercury which is poisonous for canines.
Generally speaking, tuna is healthy for your dog as long as it is fed in small amounts.
Overfeeding your dog any type of food can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
Therefore, tuna should not be treated as regular dog food and should only be served occasionally as a treat.
A small dog that weighs 20 pounds can safely consume a whole can of chunk light tuna every 3-4 weeks, 10 weeks if you’re feeding them white albacore.
I recommend consulting with your veterinarian before adding tuna to your dog’s diet.
Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning In Pugs
Below you’ll find some of the symptoms of mercury poisoning in dogs.
- Hair Loss
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting blood
- Inability to urinate
- Abdominal swelling
- Tremors
- Blindness
If your dog displays any of these signs after eating tuna, you want to take them to the veterinarian immediately.
Can Pugs Eat Cooked Tuna?
Yes, in fact, this is one of the safest ways to feed your dog tuna. It doesn’t matter if you cook, grill, or bake it, as long as it is thoroughly and you cook it as plain as possible. This means that you’ll want to cook a small portion just for your pooch, instead of sharing your tuna steak with them.
The USDA recommends cooking fish and shellfish to an internal temperature of 145° Fahrenheit.
Can Pugs Eat Raw Tuna?
No, while it’s true that Pug’s aren’t picky eaters and would scarf down sushi the first chance they get. However, raw tuna is not the safest way to introduce tuna to your dog’s diet.
By feeding your dog raw tuna or raw fish of any kind makes your dog vulnerable to being exposed to parasites and bacteria that can make them ill.
Can Pugs Eat Canned Tuna?
Yes, as long as the tuna is packed in water, not brine. Don’t overfeed them and opt for albacore, or skipjack rather than the larger tuna such as bluefin.
Some people like to open a can of tuna and let their dog eat it and lick the water as well. If you do this make sure that the tuna does not have any added salt.
When sharing canned tuna with your pooch, opt for the one that says “no salt added.” Read this article to find out why you should opt for tuna that is soaked in water, not oil.
Can Pug Puppies Eat Tuna Fish?
It depends, a puppy that is eight weeks of age is still going through their development stage and should only be fed high-quality Pug puppy food. If your puppy is 11 months old, then it may be fine to give them a small taste.
While tuna does have beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, there’s also the matter of mercury in tuna to consider.
I would recommend feeding a growing puppy a high-quality puppy food, that will contain all the nutrients their growing bodies require.
Your pup’s digestive and gastrointestinal system is in the development stage during the first year of their life. To avoid any illnesses or upset tummies, it’s important to stick to a complete puppy diet for the first year.
Best Way To Prepare Tuna For Pugs
If you’re going to feed your dog tuna, you can’t just give them a taste of your tuna sandwich that is loaded with mayo. Below, you’ll find some tips to help you prepare tuna safely for your four-legged friend.
- Buy tuna that is soaked in water NOT brine. Brine is basically saltwater and can toxic to your pup. Always drain the tuna thoroughly before feeding it to your pooch.
- Never feed your dog raw tuna!
- But it in the forms of steak and cook it thoroughly. Cook it plain without adding any salt, pepper, onions, or other ingredients that are harmful to your pooch.
- Buy fresh tuna steaks from your local supermarket. Never feed your dog rotten fish as it can make your dog sick.
Alternatives To Tuna For Pugs
There is a huge controversy online about whether or not tuna is safe for dogs. If you’d rather fish that is without a doubt safe for dogs, you may want to consider giving them some of the following.
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Tuna
As long as you prepare tuna properly and don’t feed it to your Pug everyday, it should be fine for your pooch. Make sure it is cooked properly and don’t add any salt, onions, garlic or any other ingredients that are toxic to your pooch.
References And Further Reading
U.S. Food & Drug – Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish and Shellfish