Cats can have canned tuna as an occasional treat, but it shouldn’t be a regular part of their diet. Tuna is high in protein, but it doesn’t provide the complete nutrition that cats need to be healthy.
Ever pondered what to feed your furry friend? Fear not! This article will explore if canned tuna is a good choice for cats. Find out if it’s healthy and safe for your furry companion. Get the scoop with this handy guide!
Cats are carnivores, meaning they require animal-based proteins. Is canned tuna a good option? Here’s your guide to the pros and cons. So you can make the right choice for your feline friend!
Nutritional Benefits of Canned Tuna for Cats
| Fresh Tuna, Boneless | Canned Tuna, Packed in Oil | Canned Tuna, Packed in Water | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 31 | 56 | 24 |
| Total fat | less than 1 gram | 2 grams | less than 1 gram |
| Saturated fat | less than 0.5 grams | less than 1 gram | less than 0.5 grams |
| Omega-3s | DHA: 25 mg EPA: 3 mg | DHA: 29 mg EPA: 8 mg | DHA: 56 mg EPA: 8 mg |
| Cholesterol | 11 mg | 5 mg | 10 mg |
| Sodium | 13 mg | 118 mg | 70 mg |
| Protein | 7 grams | 8 grams | 6 grams |
Canned tuna can be a great nutrient source for cats. It is a protein-filled, low-cost food with many essential nutrients. These include vitamins A and D, calcium, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, selenium, zinc, and magnesium.
It also has the advantage of being made mostly of water, aiding hydration if your cat doesn’t drink enough. Cats need animal proteins, and lean meats such as canned tuna are great sources of amino acids and other important nutrients.
When introducing a new food like canned tuna, it’s best to do it gradually. This prevents digestive problems or illness. It’s also important to check with your vet, as some pets have specific dietary requirements.
Potential Risks of Feeding Canned Tuna to Cats
Cats may benefit from eating canned tuna, however, there are risks. Canned tuna is high in fat which can lead to weight gain. Plus, the bones pose a choking hazard and should be avoided. Sodium levels in canned tuna can cause hypernatremia, an electrolyte imbalance.
Cats are carnivores and should have a diet of lean poultry, beef, and not fish. Fish may not be a balanced nutrition source and can lack taurine which can cause vision & heart issues. Check with your vet before altering your cat’s diet.
How to Feed Canned Tuna to Cats?
Canned tuna can be a special treat for cats that typically eat dry or canned food. Pick quality tuna specifically made for cats. Don’t give your cat human-grade tuna, as it is high in mercury and may cause problems.
Start by offering a small portion once or twice a week. If they like it, gradually increase the amount of canned tuna while decreasing the size of their usual meals. Monitor their health and make sure their stools are healthy when transitioning to a new food.
When preparing the tuna, make sure there are no bones or other hazards. Find varieties without added salt, spices, flavors, and seasonings, which may cause allergies or bad health effects. Don’t buy too much at one time, as tuna can go bad quickly.
Types of Canned Tuna Suitable for Cats
When feeding your cat canned tuna, it is important to buy specifically-made products for cats. This type is processed and cooked differently than for humans. Canned tuna for cats contains no bones, skin, or extra seasonings. Examples of suitable tuna are white albacore, chunk light, chunk white, and skipjack.
Read the labels carefully to make sure water is the only ingredient. Never feed tuna as a regular meal due to potential mercury build-up caused by overfeeding fish-based proteins. White albacore has higher levels of mercury, so feed an occasional treat. Follow feeding guidelines on the packaging and store opened cans in the refrigerator for no more than four days. For variety, use other proteins like beef or poultry.
How to Store Canned Tuna for Cats
Store canned tuna for cats correctly to keep it fresh and safe. Unopened, it can stay at room temperature for 4 days. But, if opened, put it in the fridge, and use it within 2 days.
- For shredded or chopped tuna, put it in refrigerated containers with lids. Plastic bags or storage containers work best, not metal.
- Don’t reuse cans unless they’re washed out with warm water.
- And, store tuna away from other foods to avoid cross-contamination.
Alternatives to Canned Tuna for Cats
Do we really know if it’s a good idea to serve canned tuna to cats as a treat? Tuna isn’t part of a balanced diet for cats, so limit it in amount and frequency. Luckily, there are healthier alternatives. It may take patience and effort to get cats to eat different foods, but these options will give your cat physical and mental health benefits in the long run.
Replace most of the canned tuna with other proteins like chicken or turkey. These meats are easier to digest and don’t have parasites that can irritate the stomach. You can add a small amount of canned tuna occasionally for variety or as a reward. But, it shouldn’t make up the bulk of their meals.
Try other proteins such as beef, lamb, bison, or salmon. Combining fresh proteins gives more vitamins and minerals than canned tuna alone. Make sure the ingredients you buy are safe for cats with no added sugar or preservatives!
Not all cats love fishy flavors. If your cat likes the crunchy flakes – don’t worry! There are non-fish alternatives like cooked eggs, plain yogurt, and mashed vegetables. These are great sources of protein and other vitamins & minerals.
In conclusion: it’s okay to give canned tuna every now and then, but dry food and fresh proteins like chicken & turkey should be the main part of your cat’s diet. With all these options, you’re sure to find something they like – making variety in their diet easy!
Conclusion
Finally, canned tuna can be a great treat for cats sometimes. It should just be given in small amounts, not as their main meal, as mercury might be present. Owners should check labels to make sure there are no added ingredients like onion powder or garlic, which are bad for cats. Basically, caution and moderation are essential when giving cats canned tuna.
