Feeding your kitty homemade cat food with tuna can be a great way to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients while still providing a tasty meal.
Unfortunately, most commercial brands of tuna cat food contain artificial additives and preservatives that can harm your pet’s health.
But you can easily make homemade cat food with tuna that is safe and nutritious. You can create a delicious meal your cat will love by using canned tuna in water with no added salt.
However, it is important to only feed your cat in moderation, as tuna can contain high levels of mercury and other toxins. This post will give you step-by-step instructions for making a simple and delicious tuna cat food.
Let’s get started!
#1 – Tuna & Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 canned tuna in water (no added salt)
- ⅓ cup of cooked white rice
- ¼ cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped carrots (cooked)
Preparation:
- Drain the tuna and flake it into a bowl.
- Add cooked white rice and mash sweet potatoes until blended.
- Stir in olive oil, chopped carrots, and mix all ingredients together until thoroughly combined.
- Serve at room temperature in a bowl for your cat.
- Store all leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
This simple tuna and rice recipe is a great way to add variety and nutrition to your cat’s diet. Not only will this dish give them the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates they need, it also provides essential vitamins and minerals for healthy skin, coat, and eyesight.
#2 – Tuna & Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna in water (no added salt)
- ½ cup cooked deboned chicken thigh
- ¼ cup chopped broccoli (cooked)
- 1 tablespoon chicken broth (no added salt)
Preparation:
- Drain the tuna and flake it into a bowl.
- Add the cooked deboned chicken thigh, chopped broccoli, and chicken broth in a blender.
- Blend until you get a homogeneous mixture.
- Add tuna into the mixture and mix until well combined.
- Serve at room temperature in a bowl for your cat.
- Store all leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a maximum of three days.
This delicious tuna and chicken recipe will give your cat tons of protein and essential vitamins and minerals your pet needs to stay in top shape.
Benefits of Tuna for Cats
In moderation, tuna is rich in protein, which is essential for your cat’s growth and development. It also contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids that keep their skin and coat looking shiny and healthy.
- Proteins: The proteins found in tuna also help maintain muscle mass and bone strength, aiding digestion.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Not only is tuna rich in protein, but it also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B12, B6, Niacin (B3), calcium, potassium, and Selenium.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The healthy omega-3 fatty acids found in tuna can help reduce inflammation and bolster your pet’s immune system.
Is tuna bad for cats?
Tuna contains high levels of mercury, which can be toxic to cats if consumed in large amounts. Therefore, feeding tuna as a staple of your cat’s diet is generally not recommended.
However, occasional treats in small amounts can be beneficial and enjoyable for cats. Tuna should never be the only source of nutrition in a cat’s diet; other proteins such as chicken, beef are better options.
Signs of mercury poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures, loss of coordination and balance. In severe cases, death can occur.
If you notice any unusual behavior in your cat after eating tuna, seek immediate veterinary care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Canned Tuna Should I Give my Cat?
Before feeding tuna to your cat, always check with your veterinarian. They can advise on how much tuna is safe for your cat based on their size and overall health.
Generally speaking, cats should only be given canned tuna in water as an occasional treat and in small amounts.
Do not feed your cat canned tuna in oil or brine, as these can be high in fat and salt.
Can Cats Eat Raw Tuna?
Feeding your cat raw tuna is not recommended as it can contain parasites and bacteria that may harm them.
Furthermore, the flesh of raw tuna may contain enzymes such as thiaminase, which can cause Vitamin B1 deficiency.
This can lead to neurological issues in cats. If you want to feed your cat tuna, it is best to give them canned or cooked fish.
Why do Cats Like Tuna?
Cats love the smell of tuna which is why they may be drawn to it. The taste and texture of canned tuna can also be very appealing to cats.
Can I Feed my Cat Tuna Every Day?
No, it is not recommended to feed your cat tuna every day. Cats require other nutrients that are not found in tuna alone.
Moreover, the high levels of mercury in tuna can be toxic if consumed in large amounts. Therefore, tuna should only be given as an occasional treat in small amounts as part of a balanced diet.
Can I Mix Tuna with Dry Cat Food?
Yes, you can mix small amounts of canned tuna with your cat’s dry food, which can help increase the flavor and interest in their meal.
Be sure to check with your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s diet.
Summary
Tuna can be part of a balanced and nutritious diet for cats in moderation. However, tuna should never be the only source of nutrition your cat consumes, as other proteins such as chicken, beef are better options for their overall health.
Always check with your veterinarian before feeding tuna to your cat, as they can advise on how much is safe based on your cat’s size and overall health.