Are you a cat owner who loves to share meals with your feline friend? If yes, you might have wondered if canned tuna in water is safe for your pet.

While tuna is a healthy and tasty source of protein, it’s crucial to know whether feeding it to your cat is a good idea.

Cats can eat canned tuna in water but as an occasional treat. Tuna shouldn’t be a primary food source due to its lack of essential nutrients and potential high mercury content.

Your furry friend’s health and well-being should be your top priority as a pet parent.

You want to ensure your cat’s food is safe, healthy, and nutritious. But with so many options available on the market it can take time to choose which one is right for your pet.

So, let’s dive deep into the world of canned tuna and find out if it’s safe for your kitty to eat!

Is Canned Tuna Safe For Cats?

This is a fundamental question. Cats are carnivores and require a high-protein diet. So when you feed your cat tuna, it must be the right kind of tuna.

There are over 20 species of tunas, each with its own nutritional value. The tuna safe for cats is albacore (also called white) tuna.

But not all canned albacore tuna are created equal. For example, some canned tuna brands contain additives or preservatives that could harm your cat.

Cats shouldn’t have tuna in the first place!

While it’s true that cats shouldn’t have tuna in excessive amounts or regularly, a small amount of canned tuna in water can be a great source of protein for your furry friend.

However, remember that tuna shouldn’t be the primary component of your cat’s diet, and there are potential risks associated with feeding tuna to your cat.

When tuna is cooked, its mercury levels increase significantly. Mercury poisoning can lead to serious health problems in cats, including damage to their kidneys and nervous systems.

Nutritional Value of Canned Tuna in Water for Cats

Your cat can enjoy canned tuna as a healthy treat as long as it is given in moderation. It’s packed with nutrients your cat needs to stay healthy, including protein, vitamin E, and selenium.

One serving of canned tuna in water has about 15 grams of protein, more than half of what a cat needs daily.

While tuna is a tasty and nutritious cat treat, there may be better food options due to its relatively low-fat content. Fats are crucial in a cat’s diet, providing the necessary energy and nutrients to maintain their health and well-being.

Protein content

Tuna contains a significant amount of protein essential for healthy cat growth and development.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that cats consume 25 grams of protein daily. In comparison, kittens require up to 50 grams daily.

A 3-ounce canned tuna contains about 21 grams of protein, providing nearly two-thirds of the recommended daily value for an adult cat.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Tuna is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for maintaining a healthy coat and skin. In addition, omega-3s help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system, which can prevent or treat many health conditions.

Vitamins and Minerals

There’s no doubt that tuna is a nutrient-dense food that contains high amounts of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, niacin, and selenium.

Vitamin D is vital for maintaining strong and healthy bones and muscles in cats. At the same time, niacin (also known as B3) helps regulate normal blood sugar levels.

Selenium, on the other hand, collaborates with vitamin E to safeguard against cell damage caused by free radicals, which could potentially lead to severe health conditions like cancer.

Yet, despite these beneficial nutrients, tuna may not be the most optimal food choice for cats. It may only give them some of the necessary dietary requirements to thrive.

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Potential Risks of Feeding Canned Tuna in Water to Cats

Who would have thought that a can of tuna could cause trouble for your furry friend? As much as cats adore the taste of canned tuna in water, there are potential risks associated with feeding it to them. Awareness of these risks is essential to ensure your kitty stays healthy and happy.

Mercury Poisoning

Cats are more susceptible to mercury poisoning than humans because of their small size. Mercury is present in most types of fish. Still, tuna has a higher concentration of the toxin than other types of seafood.

Tuna contains about 0.5 parts per million (ppm) of mercury, much higher than other species like salmon or cod, with only trace amounts (0.02 ppm).

Cats are susceptible to neurotoxins (the effects of mercury), which can cause neurological damage.

Mercury poisoning in cats causes symptoms like:

Ataxia (drunken/wobbly gait)
Loss of coordination and dizziness.
Tremors or seizures.
Abnormal behavior.
Hypermetria (involuntary body movement)
Nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movements)
Depression of the central nervous system.
Paralysis.

drooling, weakness, loss of coordination, muscle tremors, and seizures.

The toxicity of mercury also increases when it is methylated. Methylmercury, the form of mercury found in fish, is more toxic than other forms of mercury.

Thiamine Deficiency

Thiamine is an essential vitamin for cats, and thiamine deficiency can lead to a dangerous disease called Wernicke’s encephalopathy.

Thiamine is found in food containing high protein levels, like tuna. Cats who develop thiamine deficiency will experience symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, and coordination problems.

They may also show signs of anxiety or aggression due to the brain damage caused by thiamine deficiency.

Dehydration

Tuna, like many other fish, is naturally high in sodium. As a result, cats who eat tuna daily may also develop dehydration, which can be severe in cats.

Dehydration occurs when your cat’s body loses more fluid than it takes in, and it can cause symptoms like lethargy and loss of appetite.

The sodium in tuna may also cause your cat to increase thirst and urination.

The USDA recommends that cats eat a diet low in sodium and potassium, as this helps maintain the proper balance for their kidneys.

If you give your cat tuna daily (which you shouldn’t), it may develop kidney problems due to dehydration or too much sodium.

The best way to prevent dehydration is by making sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times.

Cats may suffer from vomiting after eating canned tuna

Cats may suffer from vomiting after eating canned tuna because canned tuna is not a nutritionally balanced diet for cats.

While tuna may be a tasty treat for cats, it is not a complete and balanced source of nutrition for them.

They do not have a nutritional requirement for fish; instead, they need a diet high in protein and fat but low in carbohydrates.

When cats eat tuna, they can develop an imbalance of minerals and electrolytes. This can lead to vomiting as well as other symptoms like diarrhea.

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How To Feed Canned Tuna In Water To Your Cat Safely?

If you’re still set on feeding your cat canned tuna, do so cautiously.

Follow these tips to safely feed canned tuna in the water:

Do not feed your cat tuna regularly. Instead, opt for other protein-rich foods, like chicken or lean beef.
If you want to give your cat canned tuna as a treat, do so sparingly and only once every week or two.
Use small cans of tuna packed in water, the lowest-sodium type available.

Moderation

Cats can eat tuna, but you should only give it to them in small amounts.

The recommended amount is around 5-10 grams per serving. This is approximately one teaspoonful or less canned tuna once or every other week.

Alternatives to canned tuna

Give your cat other protein sources, such as cooked chicken, turkey, or lean beef, as an alternative to canned tuna.

Choosing the right brand

If you give your cat a diet, use high-quality canned tuna that’s been canned within the last year and stored correctly in a cool, dry place.

So, read the label and only buy canned albacore tuna with no ingredients other than water and tuna!

The best canned tuna for cats

If you’re looking for safely canned tuna for cats, we recommend a few brands. Here are our top three picks:

1. Pet Promise Albacore Tuna: This top-rated canned tuna for cats is perfect for your picky feline. It’s made from 100% pure albacore tuna with no added ingredients or preservatives. In addition, the cans are BPA-free and come in 4-ounce and 10-ounce sizes.

2. Safe Catch Wild Albacore Tuna: Safe Catch Albacore Tuna boasts the strictest mercury limit among all Albacore brands, and is also the lowest salt option from the same brand, containing only 20mg of naturally occurring sodium and no added salt. This pure and wild tuna contains no added oil, water, fillers, preservatives, or broth.

The cans are BPA-free and come in 4-ounce and 10-ounce sizes.

3. Wild Planet Albacore Pink Tuna: This is a delicious brand of pink tuna that cats love! It’s made from wild Pacific albacore packed in its own juices (not water), so it contains all the nutrients of fresh fish without any additives or preservatives.

The cans are BPA-free and come in 4-ounce and 10-ounce sizes.

4. Fancy Feast Elegant Medley’s Tuna Feast: This product is another excellent canned tuna for cats that contains 85% tuna and 15% vegetables in a savory sauce.

5. Nature’s Greatest Foods Cat Food: Nature’s Greatest Foods Tuna & Albacore Wet Cat Food is the perfect solution to your cat’s dietary needs, no matter their stage in life. Bursting with vital vitamins, minerals, and essential taurine, this 24-pack of 5.5-oz cans is a cornucopia of nourishing goodness. Boasting over 95% of meaty goodness, every bowl is a perfectly balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, feeding your cat canned tuna has a few pros and cons. Ultimately, your decision will come down to preference.

However, we think it’s important to also be aware of the potential dangers – and know how to potentially avoid them.

While there may be better choices than tuna, small quantities, on occasion, won’t likely cause any serious problems.

Still, it’s essential to remember this to make an informed decision for your cat.

Thank you for passing!

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