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Ingredient file // Animal protein

Tuna

Real fish protein, with variable omega fats

Tuna is fish flesh used in dog food for protein and flavor. It contains EPA and DHA, but their amounts vary by species and cut. The ingredient name alone tells you neither the finished food's omega-3 content nor its mercury level.

Tuna
What it is
Tuna muscle used as a fish protein ingredient, sometimes including darker meat separated during processing.
Made from
Tuna muscle, including darker meat
Main job
Animal protein and flavor
Typical amount
Not published
Watch for
Unspecified species in a tuna-heavy food
Not the same as
Tuna meal or tuna oil

Straight answer

Is Tuna safe for dogs?

Read the species and the whole recipe

Tuna near the top of a wet-food list supplies fish protein, but its water weight makes that position hard to compare with dry ingredients. Check the nutritional adequacy statement and any stated EPA and DHA amounts. If tuna dominates the recipe, ask which species the maker uses and how it checks mercury.

Why it is in the food
Animal protein and flavor

Our read // In our catalog

In 1 of every 103 foods we track

Share of foods that list it

<1%

31 of the 3,205 foods with an ingredient list on file, from 15 brands. 16 wet dog food, 11 dog food topper, 2 frozen dog food.

Each square is 1% of the catalog

Where it sits on the label

Median position 4. In the top five of 25 foods, so it is usually a main ingredient.

Top five List position, heaviest first

Above the salt

100%

Almost always listed before the salt, so there is more of it than a pinch.

Price per lb

Foods with it $3.58
All foods $3.25

Median of the cheapest bag price across 3 priced foods, 10% above the catalog. The price is the food's, not the ingredient's.

Who leans on it

16%

of the foods that list it are from Nulo. 15 brands use it in total.

What it is

How it is made

Tuna processors separate meat from skin, bones and other parts for canning. Darker muscle is often removed from the lighter loins. Selling that usable meat for pet food gives processors another outlet for the catch.5

  1. 01 // Source Whole tuna Processors receive tuna and sort fish by size before preparing them for cooking and cleaning.
  2. 02 // Process Cooked and cleaned In a documented canning route, tuna is precooked, cooled, skinned and separated from the backbone.
  3. 03 // Process Meat separated Workers remove darker red muscle from the lighter loins; the red muscle has an outlet in pet food.
  4. 04 // Output Tuna meat Separated tuna muscle goes into pet food, while skin and bones follow other processing routes.

What is in it

Composition, dry matter

75

% protein

Approximate protein in the dry portion of USDA's raw skipjack entry. This describes tuna flesh, not a finished dog food.

Protein 74.8%7
Crude fat 3.4%7
Ash 4.4%7
DHA 6.3 g/kg7
EPA 2.4 g/kg7

These are dry-matter conversions of one raw skipjack entry, not ranges for all tuna. Species and cut matter: a study of cannery red muscle reported high protein, 80%, and moderate fat at 11% dry matter.4,7,8,9

Why it is in the bag

What the manufacturer gets

  1. 01

    Supplies fish protein

    Tuna muscle adds animal protein. Fresh tuna also brings substantial water, so its weight on the ingredient list overstates the dry protein it contributes.7,12

  2. 02

    Adds tuna flavor

    Tuna gives wet foods and toppers a recognizable fish flavor. Processors also use separated red muscle in canned pet food.5

  3. 03

    Uses processing trim

    Removing dark muscle from lighter loins creates a usable stream. Selling it for pet food recovers value from meat that does not enter the usual light-tuna pack.5

How much One surveyed dry-food label declared 16% tuna. That observation does not show a typical recipe amount or a tested feeding dose.3

Our read // The claims

What the evidence supports

Strong: controlled studies in dogs agree. Some: small or mixed dog data. Thin: mechanism or lab work only. None: nothing, or the evidence points the other way.

  1. Brands say

    Tuna raises a dog food's protein

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    USDA lists 22 g protein per 100 g raw skipjack, about 75% of its dry matter. Tuna contributes protein, but its wet weight on an ingredient list does not show how much remains in the finished food.7,12

  2. Brands say

    Tuna improves a dog's skin and coat

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    One trial fed an enriched commercial diet, not tuna itself, and lesion scores fell on it but not on a home-cooked fish and potato diet in 20 dogs. Tuna's EPA and DHA give a mechanism, not proof.1

  3. Brands say

    Every tuna ingredient is rich in omega-3s

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    USDA lists 0.49 g fat per 100 g raw yellowfin and 4.9 g in bluefin. EPA and DHA also differ. A tuna listing cannot substantiate an omega-3 claim for the finished food.8,9

  4. Owners say

    Tuna in dog food causes mercury poisoning

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    FDA measurements show substantial differences among tuna products. A survey found total mercury in 3 of 24 commercial dog diets, which were salmon-containing or nonsalmon-containing, not tuna-specific.2,10

Straight answers

What owners ask

  1. Q01

    Is it just filler?

    No

    Tuna contributes animal protein and flavor. To judge its share of the recipe, remember that ingredients are ranked by weight before cooking and fresh fish brings water along with its protein.7,12

  2. Q02

    Is tuna the same as tuna meal?

    No

    Tuna names fish flesh with much of its water still present. Fish meal is cooked, pressed, dried and milled before use, making it a different, more concentrated ingredient.6,7

  3. Q03

    Should mercury make me avoid it?

    Not automatically

    Species and amount matter. FDA measured lower average mercury in canned light tuna than in canned albacore or bigeye. A small dog-food survey found low estimated risk but did not settle the question for tuna-heavy recipes.2,10

  4. Q04

    Can I add canned tuna?

    As a treat

    Plain canned tuna is an extra food, not a complete meal. Keep all extras below 10% of daily calories, and avoid making higher-mercury tuna a routine addition.10,13

Who uses it

Brands, best sellers and the company it keeps

Top brands, by foods that list it

  1. Nulo 5 / 117
  2. INABA 5 / 11
  3. Fromm 3 / 67
  4. AvoDerm 3 / 25
  5. Wellness 2 / 118
  6. Simply Nourish 2 / 44
  7. Tiki Dog 2 / 30
  8. Purina 2 / 186
  9. Dr. Marty 1 / 6
  10. Dave's Pet Food 1 / 22

Foods that list it / all the brand's recipes we track.

Plus 5 more brands.

Usually listed with, share of the foods that list it

  1. Carrots 48%
  2. Tapioca Starch 42%
  3. Chicken 42%
  4. Sunflower Oil 42%
  5. Pumpkin 39%
  6. Salmon 32%
  7. Guar Gum 26%
  8. Sweet Potatoes 23%
  9. Water Sufficient for Processing 19%
  10. Chicken Fat 19%
  11. Tuna Broth 19%
  12. Tricalcium Phosphate 19%

On the shelf

Foods that list Tuna

31 foods in our catalog list it, highest on the label first.

Unconditional Air-Dried Topper: Skin & Coat Dog Food TopperUnconditionalUnconditional Air-Dried Topper: Skin & Coat Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 1 on the labelWeruva Dogs in the Kitchen Classic Dog Cirque de la Mer Tuna & Veggies in Soup Wet Dog FoodWeruvaWeruva Dogs in the Kitchen Classic Dog Cirque de la Mer Tuna & Veggies in Soup Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 1 on the labelSimply Nourish Grain Free Adult Wet Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Grain Free Adult Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 1 on the labelFromm Gold Nutritionals Digestive Support Low Fat Pâté Complete Wet Dog FoodFrommFromm Gold Nutritionals Digestive Support Low Fat Pâté Complete Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 1 on the labelWellness Core Simply Shreds Tuna, Beef & Carrots Dog Food Mixer or TopperWellnessWellness Core Simply Shreds Tuna, Beef & Carrots Dog Food Mixer or TopperTopper // No. 1 on the labelNulo Gently-Cooked Meals Lamb & Apple Recipe Frozen Dog FoodNuloNulo Gently-Cooked Meals Lamb & Apple Recipe Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 2 on the labelInaba Churu Meal Tuna with Beef Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food TopperINABAInaba Churu Meal Tuna with Beef Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 2 on the labelNulo FreeStyle Signature Stews Small Breed Tuna, Pollock & Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNuloNulo FreeStyle Signature Stews Small Breed Tuna, Pollock & Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelTiki Dog Aloha Petites Flavor Booster Tuna Bisque Dog Food TopperTiki DogTiki Dog Aloha Petites Flavor Booster Tuna Bisque Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 2 on the labelPurina Beyond Pacific Tuna Recipe Dog Food TopperPurinaPurina Beyond Pacific Tuna Recipe Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 2 on the labelNulo Gently-Cooked Meals Small Breed Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Frozen Dog FoodNuloNulo Gently-Cooked Meals Small Breed Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 3 on the labelDr. Marty Nature’s Blend Radiant Select Dog Food TopperDr. MartyDr. Marty Nature’s Blend Radiant Select Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 3 on the label
Show 19 more
Dave’s Pet Food Restricted Diet Low Phosphorus Tuna Paté Dog Food TopperDave's Pet FoodDave’s Pet Food Restricted Diet Low Phosphorus Tuna Paté Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 3 on the labelAvoDerm Grain Free 12 Cans- Stew Beef & Veggies Recipe In Gravy Wet Dog FoodAvoDermAvoDerm Grain Free 12 Cans- Stew Beef & Veggies Recipe In Gravy Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelJinx Grain Free Chicken Tuna Homemades Wet Dog FoodJinxJinx Grain Free Chicken Tuna Homemades Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelInaba Churu Sprinkles Chicken and Cheese Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food TopperINABAInaba Churu Sprinkles Chicken and Cheese Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelInaba Churu Sprinkles Chicken and Beef Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food TopperINABAInaba Churu Sprinkles Chicken and Beef Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelInaba Churu Sprinkles Chicken and Vegetables Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food TopperINABAInaba Churu Sprinkles Chicken and Vegetables Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelInaba Churu Sprinkles Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food TopperINABAInaba Churu Sprinkles Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelFromm Four-Star Pâté Seafood Medley Pâté Wet Dog FoodFrommFromm Four-Star Pâté Seafood Medley Pâté Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelTiki Dog Whole Foods Chicken & Tuna Recipe in Chicken Consommé Wet Dog FoodTiki DogTiki Dog Whole Foods Chicken & Tuna Recipe in Chicken Consommé Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelSimply Nourish Grain Free - Shreds & Flaked, Chicken & Tuna Stew Wet Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Grain Free - Shreds & Flaked, Chicken & Tuna Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelNulo Land & Sea Paté Chicken & Halibut Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNuloNulo Land & Sea Paté Chicken & Halibut Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelWellness Core Mini Meals Chicken & Tuna Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWellnessWellness Core Mini Meals Chicken & Tuna Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelNulo Land & Sea Paté Lamb & Herring Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNuloNulo Land & Sea Paté Lamb & Herring Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelArtemis Osopure Grain Free Turkey & Salmon Wet Dog FoodArtemisArtemis Osopure Grain Free Turkey & Salmon Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 7 on the labelAvoDerm Grain Free 12 Cans- Chicken & Veggies Recipe In Gravy Wet Dog FoodAvoDermAvoDerm Grain Free 12 Cans- Chicken & Veggies Recipe In Gravy Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 8 on the labelNutriSource Seafood Select Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNutriSourceNutriSource Seafood Select Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 8 on the labelAvoDerm Grain Free 12 Cans-Whitefish, Salmon & Veggies Recipe In Gravy Wet Dog FoodAvoDermAvoDerm Grain Free 12 Cans-Whitefish, Salmon & Veggies Recipe In Gravy Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelFromm Four-Star Salmon Tunalini® Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodFrommFromm Four-Star Salmon Tunalini® Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 9 on the labelPurina One True Instinct Formula with Real Salmon & Tuna Dry Dog FoodPurinaPurina One True Instinct Formula with Real Salmon & Tuna Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 11 on the label

Sources

What we read

Checked October 1, 2026.

  1. 1 Efficacy of an essential fatty acid-enriched diet in managing canine atopic dermatitis: a randomized, single-blinded, cross-over study Veterinary Dermatology (record at University of Edinburgh Research Explorer), 2008 // Journal
  2. 2 Determination of Total Mercury and Methylmercury Concentrations in Commercial Canine Diets Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 2019 // Journal
  3. 3 Determination of the in vitro digestibility and nutrient content of commercial premium extruded foods with different types of protein content for adult dogs Veterinarni Medicina, 2020 // Journal
  4. 4 Valorization of By-Products from Commercial Tuna Cannery for New Formulation of Pet's Food Product: Physicochemical Characterization and DLC Determination Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, 2020 // Journal
  5. 5 Processing Tuna, Scombridae, for Canning: A Review Marine Fisheries Review, NOAA, 2021 // Journal
  6. 6 Fish meal Feedipedia (INRAE, CIRAD, AFZ, FAO), 2026 // Database
  7. 7 Fish, tuna, fresh, skipjack, raw USDA FoodData Central, 2019 // Government
  8. 8 Fish, tuna, fresh, yellowfin, raw USDA FoodData Central, 2019 // Government
  9. 9 Fish, tuna, fresh, bluefin, raw USDA FoodData Central, 2019 // Government
  10. 10 Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish and Shellfish (1990-2012) U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d. // Government
  11. 11 Scombrotoxin Poisoning and Decomposition U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d. // Government
  12. 12 Labeling & Labeling Requirements AAFCO, n.d. // Regulator
  13. 13 Feeding treats to your dog World Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2024 // Nonprofit
An ingredient on its own tells you very little. What matters is how much of it there is and where it sits in the list. That is why we weigh the top five rather than reacting to any single name further down. Back to the wiki

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