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We all want to provide our dogs with the best possible care, which includes healthy meals that will keep our dogs full and active throughout the day. While there are excellent dog food recipes that meet all nutritional and quality standards, some recipes can contain ingredients your canine does not need, or that may be undesirable in excess.
Is mercury one of them?
Not all dog food recipes contain mercury. However, fish and seafood ingredients such as salmon, tuna, and other marine species can contain trace amounts of mercury, which may be harmful for your furry friend if the exposure is excessive or prolonged. Keep reading to learn more about mercury in dog food and if this ingredient is a red flag or not.
What Is Mercury?
Mercury is a widespread chemical element, also known as quicksilver. It can be organic (including methylmercury) or inorganic. Organic mercury is the type most likely to cause health problems when it is consumed in food. Mainly, you can find mercury in:
- Thermometers
- Barometers
- Manometers
- Fluorescent light bulbs
- Electric switches
- Float valves
However, as mercury is toxic, many of these products now use different substances such as alcohol and galinstan. Because of its toxicity, mercury exposure can lead to several health issues in both humans and dogs.
Depending on the type and the amount of mercury your dog consumes, it could suffer from nerve problems, kidney damage, and in some cases liver issues, along with effects on the immune system.
Dog Food and Mercury
Fish based dog food recipes contain trace levels of mercury, and while not all recipes are dangerous, some studies have found higher mercury levels in certain pet food brands, especially those that use fish as a main ingredient.
Typically, dog foods with higher mercury levels are more likely to contain large fish that eat other fish, such as tuna, salmon, or trout. These fish naturally accumulate mercury from their environment and diet, which can then end up in pet food.
While there are no official limits set specifically for mercury in dog food, published research has shown that mercury levels can vary widely between brands and recipes. Some tested foods had higher-than-expected amounts, while others contained very low levels.
Most fish-based dog foods are still considered safe for dogs when fed in moderation, but feeding the same fish-heavy food every day for long periods may increase the risk of mercury buildup. This is why diet variety and ingredient quality are important.
The University of Nevada did a study on the amount of mercury in pet food,1 and their results weren’t satisfactory. Per their research, out of 10 foods they tested, four dog foods had alarming mercury levels.
Still, another study by the University of California states that the concentrations of mercury they detected through their testing are unlikely to cause health risks to adult dogs
.2
Should Mercury In Dog Food Worry You?
Now that you know that mercury in dog food may pose a risk in certain situations, you’re probably wondering if you should be worried or not. Opinions are divided, and research results vary, making it hard to know if the amount of mercury in dog food is really harmful for most dogs.
Our advice would be to limit long-term feeding of fish-based dog foods, especially those that rely heavily on fish as the main ingredient. However, if your dog loves fish recipes, you can look for products that include fish but are not among the first ingredients. If your dog is allergic to other foods, it might be best to consult your vet for advice on appropriate food options that are safe and balanced for your dog.
The Effect of Mercury on Dogs
If your dog consumes foods with mercury every once in a while, it’s unlikely to cause any problems. Mercury does not usually cause immediate damage, and it typically takes long-term or repeated exposure for signs of mercury poisoning to appear.
As mercury builds up in your dog’s body, over time, it can cause serious health issues, some of which can be life-threatening. Mercury is not an essential nutrient, meaning dogs do not need it at all in their diet.
As there are different forms of mercury, and each one can affect your dog’s body in different ways.on your dog.
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Dermatitis
- Muscle twitches
- Changes in mental functions
- Kidney failure
- Respiratory failure
- Death
- Issues with vision
- Coordination loss
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Ataxia
- Behavior changes
- Death
Mercury Poisoning In Dogs
Mercury poisoning is uncommon today and was frequent in the past. Thanks to safer materials and better regulations, cases have significantly decreased. However, your dog could get mercury poisoning from eating contaminated food, especially if it’s something your dog consumes for every meal.
Causes
Your dog can experience mercury poisoning when it ingests large amounts of mercury for extended periods of time. Besides food, there are a few different causes that could lead to mercury poisoning:
- Exposure to contaminated soil
- Breathing toxic fumes from burning waste or industrial sources
- Consuming latex paint, button batteries, glass thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs
The signs will only occur if your dog consumes these items or is exposed to contaminated soil and fumes for a long time, not brief contact.
One of the most significant issues of mercury poisoning in dogs is that it can take weeks or even months before signs become noticeable, making diagnosis more difficult.
Treatment
As it’s hard to get the diagnosis, you’ll first need to take your canine to the vet, explaining all the signs you noticed. Your vet will also ask about diet, environment, and possible exposure sources.
Your vet will perform exams and may run blood and urine tests to check organ function and mercury levels.
If your dog gets diagnosed with mercury poisoning, treatment will depend on how severe the exposure is. Hospitalization may be needed, along with IV fluids and supportive care. In some cases, special medications called chelators may be used.
Unfortunately, some signs may not fully go away, especially if exposure happened over a long time.
Should I Feed My Dog With Fish-Based Foods?
Fish makes an excellent source of protein for dogs, but some fish contain higher mercury levels than others, especially larger fish. You don’t have to completely avoid fish-based dog food, but it’s a good idea to rotate proteins and avoid feeding fish-heavy diets all the time if you’re worried.
Final Thoughts
Although not all dog foods contain significant levels of mercury, some fish-based products can contain more than others. While there’s no need to panic, you should try to lower the usage of fish-based products, especially the ones containing tuna among the first ingredients.
Featured Image Credit: Mumemories, Shutterstock
