We can all come to term that fish is an important part in humans diets, but you might be wondering if it is the same for dogs? There’s no doubt that tuna is a very popular fish and is known to be one of the most commonly eaten fish, so it makes complete sense to wonder if it is safe for your furry friend to eat.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about if it’s a good thing to feed your schnoodle tuna and the health benefits, risk and the amount that is safe for them to eat.
Can Schnoodles Eat Tuna?
The short answer is no, we don’t think it is a good idea to feed your schnoodle tuna, even though your dog is unlikely to experience a negative reaction after eating it, we still don’t recommend feeding it to them because there are some potential mercury poisoning, so you should definitely avoid giving your schnoodle tuna to eat.
With that said, some veterinarian actually think that the benefits that comes with your dog eating tuna doesn’t actually outweigh the risk, while some think that giving your dog a tiny bite at times shouldn’t be a problem.
Why is Tuna Bad For Schnoodle?
Let’s start by saying that tuna isn’t necessarily a bad food for dogs. In fact, tuna is even included in some commercial dog foods. Like other fish out there, tuna is loaded with omega 3 fatty acids which helps to boost cardiovascular health, regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammations and lower cholesterol levels. It also contains a source of protein which plays a role in building the muscles and it is considered to be low in bad fat that can result in obesity.
However, there’s a problem with the mercury levels in tuna when compared to other fish and this goes for both fresh tuna and canned tuna. If somehow your dog should consume food that is packed with a lot of mercury, then they might develop a case of mercury poisoning, which could eventually become fatal in some cases.
What Should I Do If My Schnoodle Eats Tuna?
If it’s a case where you’ve learned that your dog have managed to eat tuna without your approval, you don’t necessarily have to be worried because there’s a high chance that they’ll be fine. But if you’ve found out that they have eaten a large amount of tuna on a regular basis, then there is a high chance that they might develop mercury poisoning.
Here are several signs of symptoms of mercury poisoning that you’ll need to keep on eye out for:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting blood
- Tremors
- Hair loss
- Damage to kidney
- Blindness
We highly suggest that you keep an eye on your dog at all times and if you suddenly notice any of these systems, you should consult your veterinarian immediately for assistance.
If your dog is just in love with tuna or just the fact that it is fish, then you might want to substitute it by providing them with safer fish to eat, including salmon, flounder and arctic char.
Can Schnoodles Have Canned Tuna?
Canned tuna is small amounts shouldn’t be a problem for your dog, but we still don’t think it is worth the risk in general. However, if it is a case where you just want to feed your dog tuna, then you might want to get canned tuna in water rather than oil and it is also best to choose skipjack or albacore tuna rather than larger types since they are likely to have lower mercury content per serving.
It’s also best to know that high level of sodium in tuna as it can be an issue for dogs. It is also said to be toxic to dogs if consumed in large quantities, which is why you should check to make sure that there isn’t any added salt.
Another thing is that canned tuna can eventually contain spices and herbs which are safe for humans but can result in your dog being ill.
How Many Tuna Can My Schnoodle Eat?
Though it is said that tuna contains several nutritional benefits, the risk of your dog having mercury poisoning is still there. When feeding your furry friend make sure it is only about one tablespoon once a week. After feeding your dog make sure to monitor their reactions in case something bad is about to occur. If your dog is likely to experience allergy or other serious health issues, you are most likely to see it within 24 hours time frame.
Before feeding your dog we always recommend consulting your vet for advice regarding the amount of tuna that is suitable for them and how often they can be fed tuna.
Conclusion
If your schnoodles is a tuna fan then you give feed them a small amount just to be on the safe side since tuna is capable of providing your dog with nutritional benefits. However, if your furry friend shows any type of symptoms of mercury poisoning, then you should take them to the vet and avoid feeding them tuna in the future.