<\/span><\/h3>\nWhile tuna itself contains beneficial nutrients, it\u00a0does not contain all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients required in a dog\u2019s diet in the right proportions.<\/strong><\/p>\nAs a single ingredient, tuna lacks crucial nutrients like:<\/p>\n
\n- Calcium<\/li>\n
- Iron<\/li>\n
- Copper<\/li>\n
- Manganese<\/li>\n
- Iodine<\/li>\n
- Vitamin E<\/li>\n
- Vitamin C<\/li>\n
- Sufficient vitamin A levels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Without a steady intake of all these nutrients in balance, dogs can develop deficiencies over time negatively impacting their health.<\/p>\n
Commercial complete and balanced dog foods meet AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles, unlike single ingredients like tuna. They blend animal proteins, fats, carbohydrate sources, and micronutrients in optimal ratios to give dogs all the nutrition they require.<\/p>\n
<\/span>4. High Sodium Content<\/span><\/h3>\nThe canning process for tuna utilizes quite a bit of sodium and salt to help preserve shelf life. Just a 3 oz can of tuna can provide over 350 mg of sodium – far above the maximum AAFCO recommendation for adult dogs:<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/th>\n | Sodium mg\/100 kcal<\/th>\n | 3 oz (85g) Can<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n |
\n\nTuna<\/td>\n | 180 mg<\/td>\n | About 350 mg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nAAFCO Max<\/td>\n | 69 mg<\/td>\n | N\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Consuming very high sodium levels can cause issues like:<\/p>\n \n- Increased thirst and urination<\/li>\n
- Vomiting\/regurgitation<\/li>\n
- Diarrhea<\/li>\n
- Abdominal pain\/bloating<\/li>\n
- Even sodium ion poisoning in extreme excess<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Dogs with pre-existing health conditions like pancreatitis, kidney\/liver disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, or sodium ion sensitivity face higher risks. The sodium load from tuna can exacerbate these issues.<\/p>\n For healthy dogs, minimizing tuna intake is key to avoiding adverse effects from excess sodium.<\/p>\n <\/span>5. Allergies and Intolerances<\/span><\/h3>\nFinally, some dogs may have allergies or intolerances to tuna itself or additives like onions, garlic or preservatives added during manufacturing and canning.<\/p>\n Possible reactions could include:<\/p>\n |