In the meantime, go enjoy your sushi roll in solitude! Tuna contains small amounts of mercury, eating large amounts or frequently eating tuna can lead to mercury poisoning in cats. Can cats eat raw tuna? Hard to say. According to The Merck Veterinary Manual, yellow fat … Tuna is not nutritionally balanced and should not be fed as a large part of your cat's meal plan. However, as is always the case when feeding your cat foods from your own dish, you have to be careful. Yes, they can. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. Can cats eat raw tuna? However, though not on the list of toxic foods for cats, tuna that's meant for people can cause health issues for cats. Canned fish tends to be very high in sodium and oil-packed varieties will be too high in fat for your cat. As most cat owners would have witnessed, canned tuna is something that most cats love to eat. To ensure your feline friend is getting the balanced nutrition they need without extra calories or toxic metals, choose a healthy cat food that uses tuna in a way that still meets their nutritional needs and satisfies their taste buds. You've probably seen or heard countless stories of cats loving fish, but as far as cats eating tuna goes, is it really a good idea? On the face of it you would think yes, cats enjoy fish therefore feeding your cat tuna would be good for them. They love the powerful smell and the robust flavor of this fish, and a spoonful of tuna has been known to make the medicine go down easily. Every time you are choosing the food to feed your cat with, you should consider the taurine level in it. The safest option for tuna to give your cat is 100 percent real tuna, as some types of tuna contain artificial fish flavors that are not healthy for cats and may be linked to hyperthyroidism. Even giving canned tuna as a treat can lead to health issues, especially if it is given in large amounts or frequently. Tuna in itself does not provide your cat with all the nutrients she requires. Tuna has healthy antioxidants that eradicate free radicals from the blood stream. Fresh tuna is best served cooked. ANSWER: Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Chunk-light tuna is a better choice for your cat than albacore, which is higher in mercury. Cats with food allergies may also vomit and experience diarrhea, gas and a loss of appetite if they encounter an ingredient they're sensitive to. It’s always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian before adding any new foods to your cat’s diet. Fresh tuna or tuna from a can designed for people to eat are both not suitable as a major part of your cat’s diet. In moderation, tuna can be a healthy treat for most cats. The most preferable option is going for the cooked one. So, can cats eat tuna? Read to learn about what people foods cat can’t eat as a part of a healthy and well balanced feline diet. A well-balanced meal plan for cats includes protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Most of the canned ones are cooked or smoked before they are stored in water, brine or vegetable oil. In cats, this enzyme can break down an essential B vitamin called thiamine, potentially leading to dangerous condition called thiamine deficiency, which is very dangerous. But if you love too much fish and give cat disease, the cat and the owner will feel painful. Foods like tuna can provide high-quality protein, needed moisture (dry-food only diets often leave cats dehydrated), and nutritional diversity that can effectively supplement their normal diet. When your kitty eats too little or too much of certain nutrients, health complications can arise. Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce. Of all the types of tuna, you have to steer clear of albacore tuna when it comes to your cat. Cats can eat tuna, but you will probably be surprised that they should not be served in large quantities. Trademarks owned by Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. They need other kinds of meat too. Cats should primarily eat cat food that is specifically made for feline health and digestive needs. Tuna in oil should be an occasional treat. Though tuna and salmon are both excellent sources of protein for cats, the type of canned fish intended for human consumption is generally not the best choice to feed your cat. Understand how feeding your cat human snacks can be dangerous to your cat and lead to significant weight gain. You can also cook a fresh one at home and remove bones. Tuna contains a number of beneficial nutrients from protein to omega-3 fatty acids. Here's why you may want to reconsider sharing your favorite canned tuna with your feline friend. How Much Water Does an Adult Cat Need to Drink? In turn, eating too much tuna can cause your cat to gain significant weight, especially when fed in addition to their normal cat food. In fact, many commercial cat foods contain tuna as an ingredient. Kittens grow a lot in their first year, so it is important to provide them with the proper nutrients early, so they grow up healthy and strong. And if so, should it be something we will be adding to our regular shopping basket along with their normal cat food? Make sure that the ingredients do not include added chemicals. Can Cats Eat Tuna? While cats can eat tuna, it should be done in moderation as too much tuna is bad for your cat’s health. Tuna is not bad – it’s a great source of protein, selenium, and a few select vitamins and minerals. Healthy measures for feeding your cat with tuna in oil. If you want to cook for your cats, cooking tuna will kill bacteria and make the tuna safer for your cat to eat than feeding it raw. In fact, they like it so much that they are likely to get addicted to it and only want to eat canned tuna. Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur. However, if your cat has dry skin, you can treat them occasionally with tuna in oil. It lacks important nutrients like iron, sodium, vitamins B and E, copper and calcium which are necessary to keep your cat healthy. There is a lot of mixed opinion out there regarding cats and tuna. Tuna is an excellent treat for our cats, and it provides many health benefits. Many human foods are dangerous to cats. It is rich in those proteins and amino acids essential for your cat's growth and development. Some experts claim that fresh food in a cat’s diet is like raw food in a human’s menu, which brings plenty of risks, including bacterial infections such as salmonella and campylobacter. Pay attention to other sources of tuna your cat might be eating. For example, tuna has too much unsaturated fat and is not supplemented with Vitamin E or other antioxidants. Feeding a kitten -- or adult cat -- sizable amounts of canned tuna can be potentially very dangerous, so take note. Tuna that comes in oils or brine is a definite no. The safest option for tuna to give your cat is 100 percent real tuna, as some types of tuna contain artificial fish flavors that are not healthy for cats and may be linked to hyperthyroidism. The 8 Best Cat Foods for Weight Loss in 2020, The 6 Best Wet Foods for Your Kitten in 2020, Best Diabetic Cat Foods and Tips on Feeding. Cats love seafood, and most cats are especially fond of canned tuna and tuna juice. The cats can consume a small quantity of tuna just as a treat, however, stick to the suggested guidelines. As is true for most vegetables, however, carrots should be cooked before feeding them to your cat. 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