Posted on by — Leave a comment

Do You Feed Your Cat Strictly Fish Based Food?

It’s crucial to choose the right diet for your fur baby. Their overall health and wellbeing depend on it. There are so many options available. Fish-based wet or dry cat foods are popular due to their taste appeal and nutritional benefits. There are pros and cons. Personally, I only give my little dudes fish-based food on a treat time basis. There are definite benefits and drawbacks. I’ve made these discoveries through extensive research (both on and offline) and experimenting with my own wee beasties.

BENEFITS

Highly Nutritious

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and shiny coat, reduce inflammation, and promote cardiovascular health.
  • Protein Baby! Fish is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle development and overall health.
  • Take Your Vitamins: Fish-based cat foods are packed with important nutrients, such as vitamin D, B vitamins, and minerals like selenium and iodine.

Is It Tasty?

  • Cats often find fish-based foods particularly tasty, which can be beneficial for picky eaters or cats with a reduced appetite.

Hydration

  • Wet Food: Fish-based (or chicken, or beef, etc.) wet food helps maintain your cat’s hydration levels due to its high moisture content, which is crucial for urinary tract health. I cannot stress to you enough how important it is to give them foods that keep them hydrated. Cats are notorious for not drinking enough water! My last little family member passed away from kidney disease. She WOULD NOT touch wet food and it was a constant struggle to get enough moisture into her. Lucky for me, my two newest minions eat wet food like crazy. They love the stuff and have a little bit morning and evening along with free feeding from their kibble bowl.

Skin and Coat Health

  • The omega-3 fatty acids in fish promote a healthy, shiny coat and can help reduce skin conditions like dryness and itching. I have a black boy cat (along with a Tortie girl). His coat is unbelievably shiny!

DRAWBACKS

There’s Toxins In Them Thar Floppers

  • Fish, especially the big boys like tuna, can contain higher levels of mercury and other environmental toxins, which can be harmful to cats over time if consumed in large amounts.

 Ah-CHOO! Allergies

  • Some cats may develop allergies or intolerances to fish proteins which leads to symptoms like itching, tummy upset, and skin issues.

Don’t Feed Fluffy A 100% Fish Diet!

  • Overreliance on Fish: Relying primarily on fish as their primary protein source can lead to nutritional imbalances. It’s imperative for them to have a varied diet that includes other protein sources (chicken, beef, liver, turkey, etc.)

Dem Bones

  • Fish bones (if you’re one of those clueless cat owners that feeds your cat a whole raw fish), if not properly processed, can pose a choking hazard or cause internal punctures. Reputable wet  cat food processors usually address this, but if you make your cats fish dinner from a fresh caught fish at home, consider it. PLEASE!

Wet Fish-Based Cat Food: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Hydration: The high moisture content in wet food helps keep your cat hydrated, supporting kidney function and urinary tract health.
  • Easy to chew: Wet food is softer and easier for older cats or those with dental issues to chew and digest.
  • Tastes and smells great! The strong aroma and flavor can be very appealing to cats, making it easier to encourage eating if you’re having issues in that sector.

Cons

  • Shelf Life: Wet food spoils more quickly once opened and must be refrigerated – don’t leave wet food out for more than a half hour or so! If your cat doesn’t finish – toss it!
  • Cost: Wet food is generally more expensive than dry food. Ain’t that the truth. I probably spend close to $100 a month just on wet food for my varmints.
  • Dental Health: Feeding your cat strictly a diet of wet food whether it’s fish based or not, can promote tooth decay. Whereas kibbles sort of scrap their teeth helping with plaque and tarter buildup. I’ve had Vets tell me that it really doesn’t matter one way or another, but that’s probably because they look forward to making a good buck on professional teeth cleaning! Oh – did I say that outloud?

Dry Cat Food – Fish Based Or Not

Pros

  • It’s Convenient: Dry food is easy to store, measure, and serve, making it convenient for busy pet owners.
  • It’s Cost-Effective: Typically, dry food is less expensive and can be bought in larger quantities.
  • Dental Benefits: The crunchiness of dry food can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth.

Cons

  • Hydration: Dry food has a low moisture content, which might not provide sufficient hydration, particularly for cats prone to urinary issues.
  • Palatability: Some cats may find dry food less appealing compared to the strong aroma and flavor of wet food.

What I Find Works Best (and my Vet agrees)

Keep It Balanced

  • Mix wet and dry foods or alternating between them. This approach can offer the benefits of both types while minimizing the drawbacks. I feed my babies a can of wet food (3oz.) each a day.

Quality and Variety

  • If you go for the fish, make sure to choose high-quality food from a reputable brand. Look at your labels – NO FISH MEAL!
  • Definitely include other protein sources, like poultry or beef, to keep nutrition balanced and reduce the risk of allergies.

Monitor Health

  • Regularly monitor your cat for any signs of allergies, upset tummy, or changes in behavior. If you notice any adverse reactions, consult your veterinarian to adjust your cat’s diet accordingly.

Feeding your cat fish-based food (but not strictly), whether wet or dry, can offer significant nutritional benefits. My vet says to feed ‘em a variety – like all the time just switch it up with brands, textures and the like. It keeps them from getting fussy and may prevent allergies and other health issues.

Choose quality products and your kitty will reap the benefits of fish based foods while minimizing potential health issues.

How much fish do you feed your cat and what have your experiences been? Let me know in the comments below.

Ciao,

 

 

 

Disclaimer: The information and opinions herein are based on personal research. My Blog posts are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a Licensed Veterinarian nor am I any sort of medical professional. I am merely a human who takes caring for my pets seriously. My goal is to share my research with other like-minded individuals with the hope that it will help others in some small (or perhaps large) way.

Let's hear it!