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My 10 lb dog got into an open can of tuna left out overnight — is it safe if it smells okay?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Even if it smells fine, toss it. Bacteria multiply fast on fish at room temperature, and a 10 lb dog can get sick from just a few bites. Watch for vomiting or diarrhea over the next 12 hours. Keep the tuna away from the back corners of counters where small dogs reach up. If he starts shivering or won't stand, call your vet.

Tuna (canned) — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Occasional small amounts in water (not oil, not seasoned) are okay. Mercury builds up — do not feed regularly, especially to cats.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Tuna (canned) is not poisonous to dogs, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

Tuna (canned) can turn up now and then, but not as a daily habit: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Tuna (canned) food facts page.

Open the full food page: Tuna (canned) food facts →