Why Too Much Tinned Tuna isn't Good for Cats

My cats get a treat of tinned tuna in spring water once every other day. If they had their way they’d get it all the time. Why do I resist…?

Tuna treats… My cats just adore tuna. No matter where they are in the house, the second I crack open a tin or tuna, or even just reach into the designated cupboard, they magically appear. Then they wait impatiently until I’ve served it up and they can gobble it down.

A highly regarded vet friend of mine once told me it wasn’t a good idea to feed cats too much tuna because tuna contains mercury, and in extremis, too much tuna could lead to mercury poisoning.

Since my cats love their tuna, and I was very reluctant to forgo their every-other-day treat, I decided to carry out some research of my own about this.

Here’s what I discovered. (You can find links to some of the materials I reviewed at the end of this article).

As pet owners, we love to spoil our furry friends with treats and delicious food. However, it's important to remember that not all human foods are suitable for cats. One food in particular that is often given to cats in excess is tinned tuna. While it may seem like a tasty and healthy snack, feeding too much tinned tuna to your cat can actually be harmful to their health. But why is this the case?

Cats need a balanced diet Firstly, it's important to understand that tinned tuna is not a complete and balanced diet for cats. While it does contain protein, it's not the only nutrient that cats require in their diet. In fact, a diet that is solely based on tinned tuna can actually be deficient in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fats.

Furthermore, tinned tuna is often packed in oil or brine which can cause digestive issues for cats. Consuming too much oil can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and even pancreatitis. In addition, the high levels of salt in tinned tuna can be harmful to cats, leading to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other health problems.

If you do feed your cats tinned tuna, make sure that it is packed in spring water. It’s relatively easy to source such tins.

Mercury poisoning Another concern with feeding cats too much tinned tuna is the risk of mercury poisoning. Tuna is a large predatory fish, which means that it accumulates high levels of mercury in its flesh. If cats consume too much tuna, the mercury can build up in their bodies and cause neurological problems and even death in severe cases.

Environmental concerns It's also important to consider the impact that consuming too much tuna can have on the environment. Tuna fishing is often associated with unsustainable fishing practices, such as overfishing and bycatch of other marine species. Choosing to feed your cat sustainable sources of protein, such as chicken or rabbit, can help to reduce your pet's carbon pawprint and support ethical and sustainable farming practices.

Other options So, if tinned tuna is not a healthy option for cats, what can you feed them instead? Firstly, it's important to provide your cats with a complete and balanced diet that meets all of their nutritional needs. This means feeding them high-quality cat food that is specifically formulated for their life stage and health requirements. Look for foods that contain high-quality protein sources, such as chicken or turkey, as well as essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fats.

If you do want to treat your cat to some human food, there are a few safe options that you can consider. Cooked chicken or turkey is a great option, as it is high in protein and low in fat.

Moderation is key When it comes to feeding your cat, it's important to remember that moderation is key. While it's okay to offer your cat the occasional treat, feeding them too much of any one food can be harmful to their health. If you're unsure about what to feed your cat, or if you have any concerns about their diet or health, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian for guidance.

Tuna never killed the cat if given sparingly In conclusion, while tinned tuna may seem like a tasty and healthy snack for your cat, feeding your feline loved one too much tinned tuna isn’t a recipe for the best of health. As with any “treat” tinned tuna should be administered sparingly.

But that’s not to say, you can’t give it to them at all.

For more information on whether it’s safe to feed cats tuna, please visit this article from Hill’s Pets or this article from PawTracks.