Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require certain nutrients found only in animal flesh to survive and thrive. As cat owners, we want to provide the best diet possible. Canned tuna and salmon seem like convenient, tasty options to add variety to our cats’ meals. But are these fish healthy and safe for our feline companions? Let’s take a closer look.
The Benefits of Fish
Fish can be an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for cats. Animal protein provides essential amino acids cats cannot synthesize on their own. Omega-3s support skin health, reduce inflammation, and benefit heart, brain, and vision. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) approves both tuna and salmon as feline feed ingredients.
Both canned tuna and salmon are cooked, which kills potentially harmful bacteria and parasites. The canning process also softens bones, making small bones safe for cats to ingest. Canned fish comes flaked or chunked in broth or water for easy eating. It’s a handy food for senior cats who have trouble chewing kibble. The strong scent and flavor appeal to even finicky felines. Fish provides much needed moisture for cats who don’t drink enough water.
Reasons for Concern
Despite the advantages, there are some reasons why feeding too much canned tuna or salmon may be problematic:
Mercury Exposure
Fish absorb mercury from polluted waters. In humans, mercury consumption above the recommended limits may cause neurological damage. Cats are smaller than people, so mercury poisoning from fish poses an even greater risk. Albacore (white) tuna contains three times the mercury level of skipjack or chunk light tuna. Salmon, herring, and sardines tend to have lower mercury levels.
Nutritional Imbalances
While fish provide protein and fat, they lack appropriate amounts of key nutrients cats need. Vitamins like A, B, C, and E are present only in trace amounts. Fish contain minimal fiber and phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables. Feeding tuna or salmon as the sole or main diet could lead to deficiencies over time.
Hyperthyroidism
There is some controversy over a possible link between canned fish and feline hyperthyroidism. This condition of overactive thyroid glands often leads to irritability, weight loss, increased appetite, and heart problems in older cats. One theory speculates flavor enhancers like magnesium and phosphoric acid in canned fish may influence thyroid hormone levels. But the cause is likely multifactorial.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Eating spoiled fish can cause food poisoning in cats. And new kinds of fish may irritate the digestive tract until cats adjust to the change in protein source. Feeding too much oily fish like salmon may lead to loose stools, gas, or diarrhea. But these symptoms often resolve once the cat adapts.
Allergies
Fish allergies are uncommon but possible in cats. Symptoms like itchy skin, ear infections, and facial rubbing could signal an allergy. A veterinarian can perform a food elimination trial or blood test to check for fish hypersensitivities.
Addiction
Some cats become hooked on tuna and salmon because they love the taste. Repeated feedings may lead to fish cravings. Cats might refuse other foods or overeat to obtain more fish. It’s best to keep canned tuna and salmon an occasional treat, not a daily meal.
Guidelines for Feeding Fish
The good news is cats can enjoy tuna and salmon safely in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here are some tips:
- Limit fish to no more than 10% of the total weekly diet
- Serve chunk light tuna in water, not albacore tuna in oil
- Choose wild caught salmon for less mercury risk
- Supplement with a complete and balanced cat food
- Don’t feed the same protein source every day
- Watch for signs of allergies or gastrointestinal upset
- Consult your vet on safe fish frequency and amounts for your cat
The Bottom Line
Canned tuna and salmon can provide healthy nutrition for cats when served in moderation. Limit tuna due to mercury concerns, and favor fish preserved in water over oil. Balance occasional fish servings with a complete cat food. Consider individual health status, preference, and tolerance. Check with your veterinarian for personalized feeding recommendations. With sensible precautions, your cat can safely enjoy the flavors of tuna and salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats eat tuna everyday?
No, cats should not eat tuna everyday. Tuna contains higher mercury levels that can accumulate over time and lead to mercury poisoning. Tuna also lacks balanced nutrition and its high sodium content could contribute to kidney problems. Limit tuna to no more than once a week.
Is canned tuna good for cats?
In moderation, canned tuna can be an occasional healthy treat for cats. Choose tuna canned in water without added salt. Chunk light tuna has lower mercury levels than albacore white tuna. Avoid tuna packed in oil, as the high fat content can cause digestive upset.
Can cats have salmon everyday?
No, salmon should not be fed daily. While salmon provides protein and omega-3s, too much may lead to nutritional imbalance, diarrhea, weight gain, and mercury exposure over time. Feed salmon no more than twice a week as a treat alongside a complete cat food.
Is it OK to give cats canned salmon?
Yes, it’s fine to feed cats canned salmon in moderation. Opt for wild caught salmon with bones removed. Balance the occasional serving with a complete cat food. Limit to a couple times a week to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Discontinue feeding if diarrhea or allergies develop.
Can kittens eat canned tuna?
Kittens under 1 year old should not eat tuna because it does not meet all their nutritional requirements for growth and development. Kittens need higher amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals. After 1 year, tuna can be an occasional treat. Feed just 1-2 teaspoons at a time.
Summary of Key Points
- Canned tuna and salmon provide protein and omega-3s but lack balanced nutrition for cats.
- Limit tuna due to higher mercury content, especially albacore white tuna.
- Feed tuna or salmon as a treat no more than twice weekly in small amounts.
- Always pair fish servings with a complete and balanced cat food.
- Stop feeding fish if cat has diarrhea, allergies, or addiction.
- Consult your vet on safe fish frequency and serving sizes for your cat.
Nutritional Comparison of Tuna, Salmon, and Cat Food
This table compares the basic nutritional breakdown of canned chunk light tuna, canned salmon, and a typical complete dry cat food:
| Nutrient | Chunk Light Tuna | Canned Salmon | Dry Cat Food |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 25% | 20% | 35% |
| Fat | 1% | 5% | 15% |
| Fiber | 0% | 0% | 5% |
| Vitamin A | 0% | 2% | 100% |
| Vitamin B | 2% | 6% | 100% |
| Vitamin C | 0% | 2% | 100% |
| Vitamin E | 0% | 4% | 100% |
This table illustrates that while tuna and salmon provide protein, they lack balanced amounts of other key nutrients cats require. A complete cat food formulated to meet feline nutritional requirements is needed to balance out any fish fed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating the occasional tuna or salmon serving into your cat’s diet can add flavor and valuable protein. But relying solely on fish is unwise due to concerns over mercury exposure, nutritional deficiency, and diet imbalance. Follow the feeding guidelines provided here, partner fish with a complete cat food, and consult your veterinarian to ensure your cat’s unique needs are met.
With sensible precautions, cats can enjoy the savory tastes of tuna and salmon as part of a varied, nutritionally balanced diet. Monitoring health and limiting fish intake will help keep your feline companion happy while avoiding the pitfalls of overindulging in tuna or salmon.