The Authority Suite
Meat & Fish
Tuna: Safe for Dogs and Cats?
CautionDogs
Occasional small amounts of tuna are generally tolerated, but tuna's naturally high mercury content makes it unsuitable as a regular food, especially for small dogs and puppies.
Toxic principle: Mercury bioaccumulation with regular or excessive consumption
Watch for
- Chronic mercury exposure: incoordination, tremors, kidney effects
CautionCats
Tuna should only be an occasional treat for cats: it accumulates mercury over time and raw or tuna-heavy diets are linked to thiamine deficiency.
Toxic principle: Mercury bioaccumulation; thiaminase enzyme depleting vitamin B1 when tuna is a dietary staple
Watch for
- Chronic mercury toxicity: hind-leg weakness, tremors, incoordination, in severe cases blindness or seizures
- Thiamine deficiency: appetite loss, neurological signs
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.