Picture this: it’s a hot summer day, and you’re lying in the sun, enjoying a cold can of tuna.
Suddenly, your French Bulldog comes bounding up to you, begging for a taste.
What do you do?
Like most people, you probably think that giving your dog a little bit of tuna is harmless.
So, can French Bulldogs eat tuna?
Yes, but only in moderation.
Tuna is tasty food, and your Frenchie will enjoy it.
Your pup will reap essential nutrients offered by this food, including protein, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and vitamin B12.
However, tuna is high in mercury, which can be dangerous for your dog if consumed in large quantities.
This article takes you through everything you need to know about feeding your French Bulldog tuna.
We will also give you some ideas on preparing it for them.
Read on to find out more.
Is tuna safe and beneficial for my French Bulldog?
Tuna is not only safe for your French Bulldog but can be beneficial to their health.
The nutrients and health benefits include the following::
- Protein helps build and repair your dog’s muscles, organs, and skin. Your French Bulldog will develop from improved muscle growth and appearance.
- Omega-3 fatty acids help to improve your dog’s coat and skin health. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the swelling of joints caused by arthritis. Your dog benefits from having a strong, healthy coat and flexible joints.
- Selenium is an antioxidant that can help to protect your dog’s cells from damage. It has also been linked with a reduced risk of cancer. This mineral contributes to a strong immune system and raises the longevity of your canine companion.
- Vitamin B12 helps to keep your dog’s nervous system healthy. It also aids in producing red blood cells, which carry oxygen—your pup benefits by having improved energy levels and a reduced risk of anemia.
- Tuna also help your French Bulldog to lower inflammation reactions. It does this by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines. In turn, this can help to reduce conditions such as arthritis and allergies.
Now that we know how good tuna is for our furry friends let’s look at how much they should be eating.
How much tuna can I give my French Bulldog?
You should only feed your French Bulldog tuna sparingly since it’s high in mercury.
Give your dog only small lean pieces.
Too much mercury can be toxic to dogs and lead to health problems such as kidney damage.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends that you should only give your dog tuna once or twice a week as part of their healthy diet.
If you are feeding your Frenchie tuna more often than this, it’s best to consult your vet first.
Are there any risks in feeding my French bulldog tuna?
Yes, feeding your French Bulldog too much tuna has risks and side effects.
Mercury in tuna is heavy metal toxic to dogs.
The health problems are:
Gastrointestinal problems: Too much mercury can cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Kidney damage: Mercury can damage your dog’s kidneys and lead to kidney failure. This occurs due to the strain that the accumulated mercury causes on your pup’s kidneys, eventually causing their inflammation.
Neurological problems: Mercury can also cause neurological problems such as tremors and seizures. Your dog could also go blind in the long term. Mercury will negatively impact your dog’s nerves, resulting in poor coordination.
Internal lesions: Mercury poisoning can cause internal lesions and organ damage in severe cases. Damage can occur to your dog’s cardiovascular system and digestive tract. It can also present as localized inflammations. These will cause severe pain to your dog and require critical hospitalization at the vet clinic.
How to prepare and serve your French bulldog tuna
While preparing tuna for your Frenchie, first ensure that it’s fresh.
Wash the fish and thoroughly debone.
Deboning is essential to ensure that your pup does not choke on the bones.
It also ensures that the dog will not suffer potential bruising by bone splinting and lodging in their internal linings.
Cut the fish into small chunks or slices to avoid choking hazards by your dog feeding on large pieces.
Next is to consider your cooking method.
Safe cooking methods include boiling, baking, and steaming.
Do not fry the tuna, which will add unhealthy fats and oils to the fish.
You also need to avoid smoking as this will add salt, making the food harmful to your furry companion.
Season the fish with healthy herbs and vegetables only, such as cabbages, broccoli, and carrots.
These will enhance the flavor of the fish while also adding extra nutrients.
While cooking, you must not add salts and spices to the fish.
These may lead to sodium poisoning in your Frenchie.
Enhance caution not to include some toxic ingredients to your dog in the food.
These ingredients include onions, garlic, avocado, and grape flavorings.
These are highly poisonous and can kill your dog.
Never serve your French Bulldog raw tuna.
Raw fish may contain harmful bacteria that can make your pup sick.
It may also have parasites that can cause disease.
After cooking, allow the tuna to cool before serving it to your pup.
You can then add some boiled water or chicken broth to make gravy.
This will help increase the moisture content of the meal and make it more appealing to your dog.
Serve the dish with healthy sides such as boiled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or carbs such as oats, brown rice, or quinoa.
Measures to observe before adding tuna to your dog’s diet
Several considerations will help you ensure your dog’s safety while boosting its health.
These are:
- Avoid giving your french canned or commercially prepared tuna. These products often have high sodium levels, which can be harmful to your dog.
- The ideal serving size for a French Bulldog is about one ounce per day. It can be given as a treat or mixed into their regular food.
- When storing leftover tuna, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will remain fresh for up to two days.
- Store the tuna in fresh water and not in oil. This is because the oil can go rancid and cause gastrointestinal upset in your dog. Excess oil will also lead to weight gain and pancreas inflammation.
- Tuna is great food and safe in moderation for your Frenchie, the puppies, pregnant, and even diabetic dogs. Ensure to follow the guides discussed as you feed these groups.
- Other fish types are safe and healthy for your Frenchie, such as salmon, herring, tilapia, sardines, and whitefish. Always consult with your vet when introducing these to your dog.
How can I detect mercury poisoning in my French Bulldog?
If you think your French Bulldog has mercury poisoning, it’s crucial to stop feeding them tuna immediately.
Mercury poisoning can be fatal if not treated quickly.
Conclusion
Feeding your French Bulldog tuna is perfectly fine if you do so in moderation.
Tuna is a healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which will benefit your dog’s health.
Cook the fish properly, thoroughly debone and avoid feeding the dog large pieces to prevent choking.
Following these tips will help you serve your French Bulldog a healthy and delicious meal that they will enjoy.
If your dog has a specific characteristic or condition, first consult your vet before giving them tuna, and always monitor your pup as you feed them.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
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