Did you know that some cats think canned tuna is the best treat ever?
Tuna is just a treat. It smells delicious but it doesn’t have much nutrients to keep a cat healthy. Some people wonder, is tuna cat food bad for cats? It is not bad in small amounts, but too much of it can cause health problems. The question appears in mind “Can cats eat tuna in water every day?” The answer to this simple question is “No” because it has too much mercury and not enough essential nutrients.
Luna and Milo love food that smells strong and tastes rich. That’s why they go wild for tuna. As a good pet parent, I should choose best cat food with proteins and fats. The best wet cat food helps with strong bones and happy tummy. I’ve noticed that when Luna eats proper cat food, she has more energy to chase her toys. On the other side, the skin of the Milo gets healthy and shiny.
Contents
What makes a Cat Food Special?
Luna and Milo love the smell of tuna, but it is not their main meal. Their main meals come from the proper cat food. A cat food has a right balance of protein and vitamins. This is the reason why cat food is made with all the nutrients they need. Cats can develop serious health issues without these qualities in cat food. I have seen a big difference in the energy level of Luna when she eats a high-quality food.
Cat food is also designed to support cats at every stage of life. A playful kitten needs a food with high protein deficiency. While a senior cat needs best senior cat food with completely balanced protein content. You should also know why a senior cat needs a soft cat food. Milo needs food that keeps his joint strong and his digestion full.
Is Tuna Good for Cats?
Tuna is like treats for cats. It is tasty but not healthy as completely balanced cat food. You should check before feeding if the tuna is completely cooked. Avoid using oils and spices while preparing tuna for them. Overfeeding tuna to cats can cause them to get food poisoning.
Tuna is high on protein but low in carbohydrates. It is also rich in omega fatty acids. This quality makes cat to improve health and helps your cat to maintain a thick skin. Tuna contains vitamins and minerals that are very beneficial to a cat. Tuna is deficient in vitamin E and can cause serious issues when overfed.
Can Tuna Be Bad for Cats?
Tuna can be bad for the health of a cat. It can cause several health problems.
- Tuna is very high in mercury. Especially the kind named albacore tuna. It can cause mercury toxicity because of the high mercury levels.
- It is rich enough in calories that too much can lead to common food allergies in cats.
- Cat scan be allergic to fish. In this condition you should know about the best dry cat food without fish.
Tuna made specifically for cats can be fed to cats with additional ingredients to make it more balanced. This can help them to maintain their health and diet.
Can Cats Eat Canned Tuna?
A small bite of tuna doesn’t harm a kitten. But making it a habit can create picky eaters. Milo got a taste of tuna as a kitten and started ignoring his regular food. He preferred the strong fishy smell, a classic example of cat food vs tuna taste. I had to slowly switch him back to proper kitten food since tuna lacks everything, he needed to grow strong.
Kittens are much more sensitive in their diet. They rely on a careful balance of nutrition. It helps to grow their bones and internal organs. It is best to wait until your cat is at least 1 year old before offering treats like tuna.
How Much Tuna Can I Give My Cat?
Cats will overeat tuna because they are addicted to the smell and taste of it. This can result in significant health issues which includes myopathy and inflammation of fat. It is very important to limit tuna to the occasional snack. Cats should not be offered more than 1 tablespoon of plain cooked human-grade tuna. Overfeeding can cause weight gain and joints problem. You should always know how long can a cat go without food.
How To Prepare Tuna for Cats
Feeding tuna to your cats is not a tough job. You should know about some common key points while cooking tuna for your cat.
- You should avoid using oils and spices. These spices can cause stomach problems.
- Allow it to cool and cut it into bite-sized pieces when completely cooked.
- Restrict the amount to 1 tablespoon or less.
Final Thoughts
Cats need specific diet that must meet their need to stay active. A cat nutrition requirements chart shows that cats need protein to thrive. Tuna lacks taurine and other essential nutrients. You can feed small amount of cooked chicken and plain pumpkins besides cat food. Cat food vs canned tuna is a common debate among pet owners looking to feed their feline friends the healthiest option.
These foods should never replace a complete diet. That’s why I make sure their main meals always come from high-quality cat food.
FAQ’s
Is canned tuna better than cat food?
Canned tuna is not better than cat food. A balanced diet of high-quality cat food is the best choice.
Can I replace cat food with tuna?
You should not replace cat food with tuna. Feeding only tuna can lead to serious health problems including stomach issues.
Is it okay for my cat to only eat tuna?
It is not good for your cat to only eat tuna. It can be bad for them and can cause long term health problems.
Cat food and cat treats; What is the difference?
The main difference between cat food and treats is nutrition. Cat food is designed to provide all the essential nutrients.
