Consuming seafood is common in most families since it is delicious. Tuna is one of these seafood. Our Frenchies adore seeing us eat, and we use it in our sushi and other dishes.
What happens when your Frenchie gives you that beseeching look while you’re eating your tuna? Do you yield? Can Frenchies eat tuna? Continue reading.
Can Frenchies Eat Tuna?
Although tuna is packed with nutrients, it should not be your Frenchie’s regular diet. Tuna is loaded with mercury which is harmful to all dogs. Mercury poisoning can be fatal.
7 Health Risks of Tuna for Frenchies
Mercury poisoning
Tuna has a lot of mercury. Consuming it exposes your French Bulldog to the risk of mercury poisoning. Common signs to watch out for include tremors, anxiety, hair loss, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Choking and blockages
Tuna bones can get stuck in your dog’s throat, thus choking it. The bones can also cause intestinal blockages, which can be fatal. If you must serve tuna to your Frenchie, always ensure it is deboned.
High salt concentration
Tuna has a lot of salt, and consuming it raises the chances of salt poisoning. Common symptoms of salt poisoning include dehydration and lack of coordination.
Contamination and parasites
Proper handling of fresh tuna is important. Tuna has parasites that cause disease. Properly cooking tuna destroys the risk of parasites. You should also handle tuna well to avoid contamination.
Vitamin B1 and thiaminase
Raw tuna has an enzyme known as thiaminase, which breaks down vitamin B1. Exposing raw tuna to high heat through cooking destroys this enzyme.
Allergic reaction
Your Frenchie can become intolerant to tuna. Common signs to look out for include facial swelling, diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting, and fever.
Harmful additives
Canned tuna can include unhealthy ingredients like onions, garlic, oil, and salt. These ingredients can lead to gastrointestinal issues and other health problems.
Mercury in Tuna
Tuna is loaded with mercury which leads to mercury poisoning in Frenchies. Mercury poisoning, if untreated, can cause kidney problems and blindness.
Signs of mercury poisoning in Frenchies
Understanding the signs to watch out for ensures your Frenchie gets the right treatment before the issue progresses. Here are the signs of mercury poisoning:
- Tremors
- Lack of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Lack of coordination
- Hair loss
- Lethargy
- Kidney problems
- Blindness
How Veterinarians Treat Mercury Poisoning in Dogs
Treatment varies with the symptoms and severity of the problem. Treatment could entail IV fluids and drugs to stop vomiting and diarrhea in some situations.
Your Frenchie might need to be hospitalized if the poisoning is severe so that it can be treated with drugs that bind to mercury and eliminate it from your dog’s body (like charcoal). Mercury poisoning in the kidneys may require dialysis.
What Fish Can I Safely Feed My Dog?
Here are the types of fish you can safely serve your Frenchie:
- Salmon
- Cod
- Herring
- Flounder
- Whitefish
- Whiting
- Catfish
What are the types of fish that dogs can’t eat?
Fish with high mercury levels are unhealthy for dogs. Here are the ones to avoid:
- King mackerel
- Swordfish
- Shark
- Tilefish
What Do I Do If My Frenchie Accidentally Consumes Tuna?
Do not worry too much if your Frenchie accidentally eats a small amount of tuna. Small tuna amounts will not cause mercury poisoning. Avoid giving cat food to your dog for multi-pet homes, as most cat foods include tuna. Look for mercury poisoning symptoms like tremors, anxiety, vomiting, and diarrhea. Such symptoms require an emergency visit to the vet.
What species of tuna can your dog eat?
There are approximately 20 tuna species, but only a few are safe for your Frenchie. Here are the five safe species:
- Albacore
- Skipjack
- Bigeye
- Bluefin
- Yellowfin
Which Tuna Recipes and Parts Can Be Eaten Safely by Frenchies?
Canned Tuna
We enjoy canned tuna in our homes. Canned tuna has proteins and other nutrients supporting overall wellness in humans and pets.
But can Frenchies eat canned tuna? Yes. Frenchies can infrequently consume small amounts of canned tuna. But the canned tuna should be water-based. Avoid oil-based canned tuna. You should also ensure that the tuna is devoid of salt.
Raw Tuna
Though found in most sushi, raw tuna harbors many parasites that cause health issues. Its high mercury levels also make it unhealthy.
So, can Frenchies eat raw tuna? No. Raw tuna exposes your Frenchie to the risk of mercury poisoning and infections. This is especially important if the raw tuna is from a sushi roll because it may contain other additives your Frenchie shouldn’t consume, including uni sauce, soy sauce, or wasabi.
Tuna Salad
Onions, spices, celery, and mayonnaise are some ingredients in tuna salad. Tuna also contains high amounts of mercury. The ingredients and mercury levels make tuna salad an unhealthy meal for dogs.
So, can Frenchies eat tuna salad? No, tuna salad includes harmful ingredients that can cause health problems for your dog. Avoid tuna salad. You can, however, make one at home if you know the ingredients to include and those to avoid.
Tuna Sandwich
Sandwiches include additives like mayonnaise. Mayonnaise has a lot of fat, thus raising the risk of pancreatitis. A tuna sandwich is also packed with unhealthy ingredients like onions, salt, and garlic.
So, can Frenchies eat tuna sandwiches? No. Tuna sandwiches are fatty, and consuming them increases your Frenchie’s chances of getting obese. Seasonings in tuna sandwiches are also harmful to your French Bulldog.
Smoked Tuna
Most smoked tuna has salt and other ingredients that, though safe for humans, can harm dogs. Consuming lots of salt can lead to salt poisoning and dehydration.
So, can Frenchies eat smoked tuna? No. Smoked tuna is not safe for French Bulldogs. It includes unhealthy ingredients and salt. You may, however, prepare plain tuna for your dog.
Spicy Tuna Roll
While cooking with additional herbs or spices can greatly improve food for our human palates, spicy meals we can safely eat are poisonous to our canine companions. This is why you should cook any tuna you intend to give your dog.
So, can Frenchies eat spicy tuna rolls? No. A spicy tuna roll includes loads of spices harmful to your French Bulldog. Consuming it exposes your dog to health problems.
Which Dog Food Brands Use Tuna in Their Food?
Tuna is not a common ingredient in most dog formulas. Some brands, however, include it in their recipes. Here are some of the brands:
- Purina ONE: Their recipe, Purina ONE Real Salmon and Tuna True Instinct Dry Food features salmon and tuna for a high protein content (30%) that supports muscle functions. Its high glucosamine levels keep your dog’s joints strong.
- Weruva: Their wet formula Weruva Tuna and Veggies features line-caught tuna, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes for healthy muscles and proper digestion.
How much tuna can I give my dog?
Although tuna has several nutritional advantages, the possibility of mercury poisoning limits its use to occasional treats. Don’t serve tuna daily; keep the portions small (approximately one spoonful).
Introduce a modest amount at first, then watch your dog’s reaction. Within 24 hours, any allergies or other health problems should start to show.
Over a week, large dogs can consume one can of tuna, but not every week. Small breeds, on the other hand, can comfortably take roughly half a can. Depending on your Frenchie’s health status, weight, and size, the vet will guide you.
How to serve tuna to your dog
Here are tips on serving tuna to your dog:
- Clean the tuna thoroughly
- Remove bones
- Avoid seasonings like salt or garlic
- Remove the tail, fins, and head
- Steam, grill, or bake the tuna
- Serve tuna as a meal topper
- Make tuna fudge
Can dogs eat fish or tuna?
Yes. Dogs can eat fish or tuna in moderation. Moderation and preparation are key when it comes to tuna. This is due to its high parasite and bacteria content.
Which fish is best for Frenchies?
Low-mercury fish are safe for French Bulldogs. Such fish include salmon, cod, whiting, herring, flounder, whitefish, and catfish.
Can Frenchies eat tilapia?
Yes. Frenchies can eat deboned and well-cooked tilapia. Tilapia is rich in omegas, potassium, and vitamin D that work together to support your Frenchie’s overall wellness.
Can dogs eat tuna in brine?
No. Dogs cannot eat tuna in brine. Tuna in brine has a high salt content. Consuming lots of salt exposes your dog to salt poisoning.
Can dogs eat tuna in sunflower oil?
No. Although sunflower oil is safe for dogs, a water-based canned tuna is a better option. An oily meal exposes your dog to obesity and pancreatitis.
Can dogs drink tuna juice?
Yes. Dogs can drink plain tuna juice. However, the juice should be a treat. This is due to its high sodium content, which causes dehydration in large amounts.
Should dogs have tuna in water or oil?
Dogs should have tuna in water. Tuna in oil can cause digestive issues in dogs. Tuna oil is also a powerhouse of omega fatty acids; consuming lots of it can cause pancreatitis.
Can Frenchies eat spicy tuna?
No. Frenchie cannot eat spicy tuna. Spicy tuna has lots of spices and salt, which are unhealthy for dogs. Cooked and unseasoned tuna is the best.
Can my dog lick the tuna can?
Yes. Your dog can lick the tuna can. Small amounts of canned tuna will not kill your dog. It is, however, important to give your dog water-based canned tuna.
Can dogs die from eating tuna?
No. Small amounts of tuna cannot make dogs die. However, consuming tuna in large amounts frequently may lead to life-threatening health issues like kidney damage.
Can puppies and pregnant dogs eat tuna?
No. Pregnant dogs and puppies cannot have tuna. Tuna has mercury which can cause developmental and cognitive problems in puppies.
Can my dog eat tuna steak?
No. Tuna steak is not healthy for your dog. This is because tuna steak has garlic, kosher, and salt seasonings. These additives are harmful in large amounts.
Can my dog have canned albacore tuna?
Yes. Your dog can have canned albacore tuna in small amounts. You should, however, ensure the canned tuna is water-based.
Can dogs eat tuna and mayo?
No. Dogs cannot eat tuna and mayo. Mayo has a lot of fat. Consuming fatty meals exposes your dog to the risk of obesity, pancreatitis, and arthritis.
Is tuna good for dogs with diarrhea?
No. Tuna is not good for dogs with diarrhea. Tuna has mercury, salt, and sodium; giving it to your sick dog may worsen its condition. Salty meals lead to dehydration.
Is Tuna Good for Frenchies? Final Thoughts
So, can Frenchies eat tuna?
Your Frenchie can occasionally have a small amount of tuna as a treat. The best choice is probably spring-water-preserved tuna in cans. However, tuna shouldn’t be a regular part of your dog’s food and shouldn’t be given to puppies or pregnant dogs.
Tuna is loaded with mercury, and caution is key. Be on the lookout for mercury poisoning symptoms. Any sign of mercury poisoning calls for a visit to the vet. The high salt content and parasites also make tuna an unhealthy protein source.
Always consult the vet before introducing tuna to your Frenchie.