Many nutritionists suggest eating salmon for its high source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. That’s why many watchful cat owners contemplate, can cats eat salmon?
Luckily, salmon is a healthy treat for cats too. It can promote a healthy condition in their body. Most importantly, salmon has omega-3 fatty acids that can do wonders to keep your cat’s skin and fur look healthy.
If you are concerned about your cat’s internal and external health, salmon is a good option to feed them. It only requires some considerations which we will discuss here.
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All About Salmon
Salmon is a firm fish that holds a buttery rich flavour. It is a good source of iron, protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iodine, biotin, potassium etc. with low saturated fats. These nutrients make salmon a healthy alternative to include in our diet.
Whether it is about maintaining blood pressure, reducing heart risks, or reducing inflammation, salmon can help in treating many health issues. Besides, salmon is a primary dish in most diets as it helps with bone density and building muscles.
Can Cats Eat Salmon?
As cats are obligate carnivores and seek animal protein, salmon would be a good treat for them. It is a good source of protein, vitamin A, vitamin B, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, etc.
Cats need protein, carbohydrates, fats, and many micronutrients, so you can’t entirely rely on salmon for your cat’s daily meal intake. Feeding them salmon in a small portion can be nutritious enough along with other foods. Besides, there is a definite amount of serving for salmon to give your cat, we will come to that later.
Benefits Of Eating Salmon For Cats
Since salmon holds so many essential nutrients, it is inevitable to have health benefits by eating it, especially for cats. Well, you can expect these benefits if you feed salmon to your cat in moderation. Now let’s jump into the merits.
Promotes Joint Health
When cats reach their golden years, their bones and joints become fragile which can lead to joint stiffness or arthritis. Luckily, the omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties in salmon can help cats to have perfect joint health.
Improves Immune System
The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in salmon include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) which help in various aspects of cat health. For instance, the DHA helps in maintaining eye health and the EPA reduces triglyceride levels. Besides, these fatty acids will promote a healthy coat and skin with smooth cognitive function in cats.
Helps With Overall Body Growth
Salmon can ensure mammals’ muscle development, tissue repair, and overall body growth with its high-protein quantity and essential nutrients. Again, the B vitamins with selenium and potassium in salmon can maintain your cat’s metabolism, energy production, and other bodily functions.
Can Cats Eat Raw Salmon?
Raw salmon won’t leave any side effects on your cat if she instaked it in a small quantity. According to experts, raw salmon has Nanophyetus salmincola, which is a fluke and Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which is a bacterial. Cats can resist them if the quantity is less. But if your cat intakes raw salmon in more than a moderate quantity of raw salmon, she will go through a poisonous disease.
It is better to avoid raw salmon for cats as the pathogen inside it can be transmitted to human beings when their pets eat it.
Can Cats Eat Cooked Salmon?
Cooked salmon is the best way to feed salmon to cats. You just need to remove the fins, head, and bones of the salmon so that your furry friend doesn’t get any choking hazard.
Can Cats Eat Smoked Salmon?
You can let your cat eat smoked salmon if it is not prepared with spices, salts, or other flavours. It is better to avoid smoked salmon for cats as it can have ingredients that can be toxic to cats.
Can Cats Eat Canned Salmon?
Your vet may not allow you to feed canned salmon to your cat as it has added flavours, spices, and additives. These all can be toxic to cats, especially those who have digestive issues. Cats require very little sodium which they will surely get from other foods, so it is not necessary to feed them canned salmon. It is because the extra salt of canned salmon can be harmful to cats.
Can Cats Eat Salmon Skin?
If you serve one-twentieth of a salmon fillet to your cat, it won’t be harmful to cats even if you serve it with the skin. Your cat will still benefit from the salmon’s nutrients.
Side Effects Of Eating Salmon For Cats
Eating salmon can bring side effects to your cat if she eats more than the required quantity. Again, canned, smoked, and raw salmon can also be toxic to some cats, especially when they eat it too much.
The phosphorus and potassium found in salmon can lead to kidney problems if the dosage is high. If your cat is already suffering from kidney problems, the condition can get worse after eating salmon.
Some cats give allergic reactions to fish including salmon. In that case, eating salmon can cause skin irritation to them.
How To Give Salmon For Cats?
As said before, cooked salmon is the safest way to feed salmon to cats. Besides, make sure to cook the salmon after removing its head and bones.
Most vets recommend letting cats take 10% calories from their daily diet. Meanwhile, cats should have 270 to 290 calories every day. Since a half-fillet salmon contains 356 calories, you can feed it to your cat. You can give one-tenth of the half salmon fillet to your cat, which is 30 calories. And of course, she will gain calories from her other foods also.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Cats Eat Salmon?
What is good for cats, tuna or salmon?
Both tuna and salmon are safe for cats unless they intake them in large quantities. However, salmon has more nutrients than tuna. If your cat eats in a moderate quantity, she can have health benefits from both of these fishes.
What do cats like, chicken or salmon?
Most cats like eating cooked chicken compared to salmon. Salmon has many essential nutrients, unfortunately, it contains some elements that can be allergic to cats. Whereas, cooked chicken is loved by almost all cats.
Which fish is the safest for cats?
Fishes like trout and prawns are the safest options for cats. Along with a delicious taste, they contain protein, selenium, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, etc. Hence, your cat can get health benefits too.
Final Verdict
After browsing the benefits and side effects, you may still wonder, can cats eat salmon? Well, there is nothing wrong with feeding salmon to cats if it is properly cooked. You can bake it, grill it, or poach it to serve your cat.
If you don’t serve the brined, smoked, or raw salmon to your cats they won’t face any major side effects. Just make sure to cook the salmon properly after removing its bones and without adding any toppings. Also, the quantity should be one-tenth of a half salmon fillet.
