Even though fish plays a very important role in our diet, many of us still don’t take the time out to practice eating fish. It is also the same for dogs too, as the digestible protein, omega-3, and nutrients that is found in fish are excellent since it will your furry friend stay healthy and energetic.
In order to ensure that your dog gets the right amount of protein and nutrients, you should make sure that fish is apart of their diet. What you can do is mix a little fish in their dinner so they can eat it. But, is fish actually safe for your maltipoo to eat?
You might be considering to purchase a can of tuna for your dog to eat and due to the fact that tuna is one of the most commonly eaten fish, it might be a bit tempting to offer your dog some.
Can Maltipoos Eat Tuna?
We only recommend giving your maltipoo tuna to eat in a small amount, but it isn’t something that we think you should make an habit. Tuna is known to be a good source of protein and omega-3 which plays a very essential role in your dog’s diet.
With that said, we don’t think it would be a good idea to give your dog tuna large amounts because it is said to contain mercury. Constantly feeding your dog tuna over a period of time may lead to build up mercury, which can causes long term illnesses to occur. Even though mackerel is said to contain mercury as well, it doesn’t as much as tuna.
You may also find that some dog foods do contain tuna as an ingredient. While this proves that tuna is safe for your little friend to eat, it is advised that you shouldn’t feed them tuna on a regular basis just to avoid the accumulation of mercury.
Whether it is safe for your maltipoo to eat tuna or not will depend on the kind of tuna you provide them with. If somehow you don’t feel it’s safe to give your canine tuna because of the possibility of mercury, then you should follow your mind and remove tuna from their diet immediately just to be on the safe side.
Why is Tuna Bad For Maltipoos?
Tuna is without a doubt safe for dogs to eat due to the fact that fish are normally low in fat and high in protein and beneficial omega 3 fatty acids, which is a superb addition to any dog’s diet. But the thing is that tuna is said to contain mercury which can cause serious health problems over time.
The downside that comes with tuna is that it contains the highest amount of mercury levels out of all the other fish, and this can be said for both fresh and canned tuna.
If it’s a case where your dog consume too much tuna, they might be at risk of having mercury poisoning, which could become lethal in some cases.
What Should I Do If My Maltipoo Eats Tuna?
If somehow your dog have accidentally eat a small piece of tuna without your approval, then there’s a high chance that he will be fine. But if it’s a case where your dog have been eating tuna for quite some time now, then you should look out for signs of mercury poisoning.
Here are several signs you should keep an eye out for:
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Blindness
- Damage to the kidneys
- Hair loss
- Anxiety
You should keep an eye out and check to see if there is any of these symptoms appearing after your dog eats tuna. You should immediately call your veterinarian and properly follow their advice towards the situation.
How Much Tuna Can My Maltipoo Eat?
While there’s lots of benefits that comes with eating tuna, there is also a risk of your dog having mercury poisoning which is why feeding dog tuna is a rare treat.
If you want to include tuna as apart of your dog’s diet, then you can feed them about one tablespoon and do so in moderation. After giving your dog tuna, make sure to keep an eye out to see their reaction. If you notice any weird reaction, then you might want to consult your veterinarian.
Before feeding your dog tuna, you should consult your veterinarian for advice since they’ll inform you on the amount that is safe for your furry friend to eat.
Which Types of Fish Maltipoos Can Safely Eat?
It is said that, smaller, wild-caught fish are safer for dog’s in general to consume since they are less likely to have high levels of mercury. List of fish that’s safer for dog’s to eat:
- Salmon
- Catfish
- Cod
- Herring
- Whitefish
- Flouder
- Whiting