Can cats eat tuna?
Rarely and in small amounts at most: some cats fed canned fish meant for people developed serious neurological disorders (Cornell), and large amounts of canned tuna have caused vitamin E deficiency (yellow fat disease, Merck).
How to serve it: in water, no salt or oil; never as a main diet
Good to know: iCatCare suggests the liquid from tuna in spring water as a way to encourage cats to drink.
Questions
Can dogs eat tuna?
Yes, but only a little. AKC says cooked tuna is OK occasionally in small amounts. Large species (albacore, yellowfin, bigeye, bluefin) accumulate high levels of mercury; choose skipjack or “light” tuna.
Sources
- Cornell Feline Health Center – Feeding Your Cat
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals
- International Cat Care – How to encourage your cat to drink
- Nutrition data: USDA FoodData Central (86 kcal per 100 g)
Last checked: October 2026