Can dogs eat tuna?

Only with precautions. Tuna is safe for dogs when cooked and fed in moderation. The caution is mercury: tuna is a large predatory fish that accumulates it, so regular feeding is unwise, especially for small dogs and pregnant dogs. Skip oil-packed and salt-packed tins; plain water-packed tuna, drained, is the right format for an occasional protein topper.

Watch for mercury buildup with chronic feeding; diarrhea from oil-packed versions. Symptoms may appear within hours; when in doubt, call your vet.

Assess how much was eaten and whether seeds, pits, shells or seasoning were included. Small plain amounts usually need monitoring only; large or seasoned amounts warrant a call to your vet.