Have you ever asked yourself that very question, Can I feed my dog (canned) tuna? I know I was wondering about that before I switched my dogs from kibble to raw dog food.
Because after all, fish is supposed to be good for your dog, right?
Well, fish does have a ton of health benefits, but some fish are better to feed your dog than others, and unfortunately, tuna is not the best fish to feed your dog.
Benefits of Fish for Dogs
In general, fish is very nutritious for dogs because it’s high in healthy Omega-3 fatty acids which:
- Reduce inflammation
- Are good for the skin and the coat
- Support the immune system
- Are good for the brain
- Improve dog joint health
However, some fish are less healthy than others because of the polluted waters, caused by industrial waste, they swim in.
Fish that are particularly prone to heavy metal toxicity are larger fish that eat a bunch of smaller fish.
Unfortunately, tuna is a larger fish.
That means that it absorbs a much higher amount of heavy metals, and particularly mercury, than smaller fish does.
Can I Feed My Dog Tuna in Small Quantities?
Since tuna is less clean as far as heavy metals are concerned, it’s best not to feed it on a regular, let alone daily, basis.
However, since it’s a readily available source of fish that you can find canned at pretty much every grocery store, I believe that it’s OK to feed every now and then.
It’s the cumulative exposure over many years that’s harmful.
At that point, mercury poisoning can happen and:
…causes problems ranging from nervous system disorders to endocrine issues, reproductive problems and accelerated aging. Quote Dogs Naturally Magazine, Can Dogs Eat Seafood?
I personally am a raw feeder and as such I feed raw fish very regularly.
It makes up about 10% of my dog’s daily raw dog food allowance.
But I’ll only buy a can of tuna a few times per year when I’m out of other types of fish and will mix it in with my pup’s raw meals.
The main reason why I buy canned tuna as opposed to raw tuna is that few of my local grocery stores carry raw tuna.
That being said, canned tuna that’s best to feed to your dog is the kind that’s canned in water.
You’ll want to avoid the kind that’s canned with spicy condiments because those can pose a serious health risk to your dog’s body.
The excess amount of salt and other spices aren’t good for dogs, and will likely also cause diarrhea.
Healthier Fish Alternatives for Your Dog Than Tuna
In case you’re wondering which types of fish are OK and safe to feed on a regular basis instead of tuna, I listed them below.
I’ve fed them all but had to cross a few off my list of fishy options after I received the results of a food sensitivity test for dogs for my pup Wally, my Feist mix:
- Salmon
- Herring
- Mackerel
- Anchovies
- Sardines
- Green lipped mussels
Tip: Read about the difference between mackerel and herring here.
Raw Dog Food Recipe With Fish (Herring)
Here’s a sample raw dog food recipe that includes fish. Everything but the ground lamb is from Raw Feeding Miami (the lamb is from a local grocery store):
From my kitchen to yours – real raw meals that work
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Where to Buy Healthier Fish Alternatives for Your Raw Dog Food
I get my pup’s raw fish mainly from local grocery stores, and two online raw dog food retailers, Raw Feeding Miami and Raw Paws Pet Food.
Both companies were kind enough to offer my readers a discount code.
So please enjoy:
- Use code K9Savings for 15% off your order from Raw Paws Pet Food.
- Save 10% off your order from Raw Feeding Miami by clicking this RFM referral link.
Beyond those two brands, I’ve also bought (ground) lake trout from My Pet Carnivore.
And one time, I was able to find raw salmon heads at an Asian fish store – that was a great deal and my pups Missy & Buzz loved them!
Leave your comments or questions in the comment section below!
For more raw feeding resources, visit my full homemade raw dog food library.
Content Related to Fish for Dogs
- Fish oil for dogs
- Phytoplankton for dogs
- How to make raw dog food at home
- How to feed whole raw fish for dogs
- Difference between mackerel & herring
- Salmon heads for dogs: Can They Really Eat Them?
- I found a supplier of raw green lipped mussels for dogs
Barbara Rivers is the founder of K9sOverCoffee and a raw feeding educator with over a decade of hands-on experience.
She has fed raw in the US and Europe since 2015, after her Boxer mix Missy’s cancer diagnosis led her to move away from processed kibble and commit to species-appropriate nutrition.
As a former professional dog walker, she developed deep insight into canine behavior, conditioning, and the essential link between proper exercise and long-term health.
Barbara completed online training with veterinarian Dr. Marion Smart and Labrador breeder Dana Scott and works for one of Germany’s leading raw dog food brands, BARFER’S.
In 2026–2027, she is completing a year-long raw nutrition certification for dogs and cats at THP School, founded by raw feeding pioneer Swanie Simon.
Through her blog and weekly newsletter, she provides clear, experience-based guidance to help dog owners feed raw safely and confidently.