Can cats eat tuna?

Updated 12/05/2023

It’s no secret that our feline friends go bonkers for fish, and the health benefits of the stuff is pretty unanimous for us humans. But what about our pets? Can cats eat tuna, or is it really junk food for felines? Let’s find out…

Can cats eat tuna?

The simple answer is yes, in moderation, tuna is safe for cats. Cats will go mad for the stuff - it’s high in protein and fat, so they’ll go crazy for it as soon as you crack open a can. It’s filled with essential nutrients your kitty needs, and in fact, lots of commercially available cat foods use tuna as a key ingredient.

Can cats eat tinned tuna? Unfortunately we can’t give you a straight answer here. It’s a definite no if it’s sitting in brine, oil or with other ingredients, particularly onion or garlic. If you buy canned tuna packed in fresh water however, it should be less upsetting for your kitty’s stomach. The solution? Run any dietary changes by your vet, just to be sure that the brand you’re using isn’t known for causing poorly feline tummies.

Health benefits of eating tuna

When fed in moderation (and in the right forms), tuna can have some fab health benefits for our feline friends. Cats are carnivores, so will go mad for anything high in protein and low in carbohydrates - which tuna fills the criteria for, of course. Also find omega 3 essential fatty acids in tuna which can help to keep their skin and coat healthy.

Feeding your cat tuna

Can cats eat canned tuna?

Yes, cats can eat some canned tuna, but only if it’s packaged in fresh water. Why? Well lots of canned tuna sits in liquids that will seriously upset your kitty’s stomach. Some other ingredients in flavoured cans of tuna may even be toxic to them. Otherwise, opt for cooked, fresh tuna, steering clear of any seasonings. Or even better, go for a cat-safe tuna just to have the peace of mind that your kitty won’t be getting an upset stomach any time soon.

Can cats eat tuna in brine?

Is tuna safe for cats if it’s sitting in brine? It’s a straight-up no for this one. Brine is seriously high in sodium, which can cause serious salt imbalances in your cat’s body and brain. Unfortunately, this can lead to serious neurological symptoms, so steer clear of tuna in brine, for your kitty’s sake!

Can cats eat tuna in oil?

Steer clear of tuna in oil - by nature, it’s seriously high in fat, and will add a huge number of unnecessary calories onto your kitty’s diet. Even without the additional oil, tuna is a high calorie treat for cats. One small tin contains over a third of their daily calorie requirements, so stick to giving small amounts as an occasional treat.

Meet our veterinary expert, Alexandra

This article has been checked by veterinarian Alexandra Lucy Warner BVMS. After graduating from Glasgow in 2010, Alex returned home to Lancashire and to rural mixed practice. In search of new challenges and experiences, she left Lancashire in 2014 and has since worked in a wide variety of veterinary practices across New Zealand, Australia and the UK, as well undergoing volunteer work in Fiji and the Greek islands. She enjoys communicating with people from all walks of life about their animals.

Foods that are safe for cats

There are quite a few foods safe for humans that can also be enjoyed by our feline friends. Before welcoming a kitty into your home, be sure to find out what is and isn’t safe for cats because sometimes, it’s not always a simple yes or no.

• Cereal
• Pumpkin
• Eggs
• Pears