Tuna might be a favourite fishy snack for some dogs, but for dogs with kidney disease it's a big no-go. Tuna contains high levels of phosphorus, which is damaging for a dog that needs to be on a renal diet.
Tuna canned in springwater can be a good addition to renal diets. It is low in phosphorus, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has a strong flavour, which can be used to increase the appeal of the carbohydrate component of the diet.
Increased Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Dogs with Kidney Disease
Foods with higher levels of omega-3 often contain salmon and other fish which many dogs enjoy, or your pup's food can be supplemented with fish oil, or flaxseed oil.
In addition to feeding a lower protein diet, you also need to avoid giving high protein treats such as meat, jerky treats, cheese, rawhides, pig ears, etc. High salt (sodium) diets may increase blood pressure and may worsen kidney damage, so diets designed for pets with kidney disease are low in sodium.
Yes, dogs can eat a small amount of tuna. The best kind to offer your pup is tuna canned in spring water. However, you should never feed your dog tuna regularly to prevent them from ingesting large quantities of mercury.
Can dogs have tuna? Yes, you can feed your dog canned tuna, as long as you do so in moderation and infrequently. Choose the version that's packed in fresh water instead of oil or salted water. Also check the label to make sure there is no extra salt added to the canned tuna.
Canned tuna in small amounts can be a safe and healthy protein-infused snack for your canine friend. Opt for tuna canned in water rather than oil and choose albacore or skipjack tuna rather than larger types of tuna (like bigeye or bluefin tuna) for a lower mercury content per serving.
For dogs with renal health issues, feed them a diet of high-quality protein with low phosphorus and sodium, and added omega-3 fatty acids, such as a mix of good quality meat, veggies like bell peppers, and either a supplement of omega-3's or fish, flax, sardines, or anchovies.
Watermelon, apples, bananas, green beans, baby carrots, broccoli, zucchini, and blueberries all make the cut. (But don't feed grapes, raisins, or onions, which are toxic to dogs.) You can also add sweet items like maple syrup or honey to your pet's kibble.
Supplement your dog's vitamin intake with pet-safe fresh produce; carrots, green beans and broccoli are some of the best vegetables for dogs with kidney disease.
Healthy dogs can safely enjoy some table scraps like lean meats, bland rice or pasta, and some fruits and vegetables.
Dogs cannot eat tuna. In severe cases, feeding tuna to your pooch can result in mercury poisoning. In addition to high amounts of mercury, canned tunas also have oils and additives that can harm your dog's health.
Tuna contains high levels of phosphorus, which is damaging for a dog that needs to be on a renal diet.
Canned tuna (in water) has 104 mg of phosphorus (14% of recommended daily intake) in a 2.5-ounce serving. Canned tuna can be used in place of fresh tuna in most recipes so do not feel limited by tuna salad.
Beef has less phosphorus than chicken, lamb and turkey are in between. whole-milk yogurt), cottage cheese, ricotta, etc. Use kinds with the most fat when fed but feed in moderation because they are high in phosphorus.
Are eggs good for dogs with kidney disease? Eggs are a great source of protein for dogs, but make sure they are cooked. For dogs with kidney failure, this protein should be fed in moderation and with care as the yolk has high amounts of phosphorus.
“A low protein diet is recommended to slow the progression of renal disease in pets,” says Dr. Grzyb, as is a diet that is low in phosphorus, calcium, and sodium. Diets lower in protein and these minerals can help stabilize and even improve kidney enzymes—leading to a healthier pet with a longer life span.
It's best if some treatments are started when the pet is at a specific stage of chronic kidney disease. Median survival time for dogs in Stage 1 is more than 400 days, while Stage 2 ranged from 200 to 400 days and Stage 3 ranged from 110 to 200 days.
Can Dogs Eat Tuna? Yes. Tuna is rich in lean protein and Omega 3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and improve cardiovascular and skin health. Tuna also contains healthy minerals (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium) and vitamins (B3, B6, and B12).
The short answer is yes, in moderation. While canned fish can provide many health benefits for your pup, it should not be the primary protein source in their homecooked diet.
Safe Fish for Dogs
They also provide rich omega 3's and plenty of antioxidants. Whitefish such as flounder and cod can help a dog with a need for cooling proteins. Canned wild-caught sardines, mackerel, and canned tuna fish (not albacore) in water with no salt added will definitely make your puppy happy.