While not all cats enjoy fish and some may have a fish allergy, the majority of cats do enjoy it. Some simply go crazy for it. When it comes to canned tuna for humans, it is okay once and a while but should be avoided for the most part as it contains high levels of mercury. But what about sardines? Are sardines a good treat for cats, are they even safe?
Nutritional Value of Sardines
Canned or tinned sardines are one of the most nutritionally dense food items you can find on the market. Because this type of fish has a lower life-span and hangs out in lower levels of water, they also contain far less mercury and other toxic metals compared to fish like tuna or salmon. On can of sardines (in water, no salt added) contains over 1,300 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). These omega-3 fatty acids coupled with the vitamin B-12 (8 mcg) content found in sardines is a winning combination for heart health. Per 92 grams or one 3.75 ounce can, sardines provide 22 grams of protein, 250 IU of vitamin D, 350 mg of calcium, 35 mg of magnesium, 2.5 mg of iron, and almost 2 mg of vitamin E. They are also fairly low in calories (for human consumption) coming in at under 200 calories per 92 grams.
Are Sardines Safe For Cats?
For the most part, sardines are safe for cats. In fact, most cats go crazy for them. They offer some amazing benefits for your cat as well. It is important to speak to your vet before adding sardines to their diet as some medical conditions may be worsened by the sodium and phosphorous content found in sardines. They should only be given as a treat in small quantities and never fed as a staple diet item. Avoid giving kittens under the age of 6 months sardines as it may cause diarrhea which can be fatal for young kittens.
Sardine Benefits For Cats
Thanks to the amazing nutritional value in sardines, they not only benefit humans but also our cats. Since cats are carnivorous and require high levels of animal protein in their diet, feeding sardines as a snack is a great way to add additional protein to their diet. The top benefits of sardines for your cat include…
How Many Sardines Can My Cat Have?
Cats can safely consume 1 to 2 ounces of sardines per week. Giving a 1.5 ounce serving divided into 7 daily servings is a good portion for most cats. You can also feed them a bit more at a time and offer it every other day or once per week. Just make sure to keep the total amount under 2 ounces per week. While sardines are a low-calorie food for us, they are not for cats and contain a lot of fat so it is important not to overdo things, especially if your cat is already overweight.
Can Kittens Eat Sardines?
Kittens can benefit from the nutrition packed in sardines but you have to use caution with feeding. Most kittens don’t handle new foods well and introducing sardines can cause diarrhea that can be fatal in young kittens. It is best to not feed them to a kitten under 6 months of age to avoid any risk. Bone and skin free varieties are best for kittens.
What Type of Sardines Are Best For Cats?
The only kind of canned or tinned sardines that is safe for cats come in water with no salt added. You never want to give your cat sardines that are stored in oils, juices, or sauces and it is best to get “zero salt added” varieties as they naturally contain around 130 mg of sodium per can. Some sardines also include soft bone and skin. This is safe for cats to eat but needs to be cut up small. Bone and skin-free varieties are best for kittens but work fine for adults too.
We like the Season Brand sardines as they are higher quality and packed with flavor but also have a skin and bone free variety.
How to Feed Cat Sardines
The best way to include sardines into your cat’s diet is by opening the tin and cutting up the fish into bite size pieces. One tin will provide 2 to 3 weeks worth of daily allowances depending on the size of the tin and the amount you choose to feed.
How to Store Unused Sardines
Sardines must be refrigerated after opening but go bad two days. The easiest way to keep sardines fresh is by portioning the tin and freezing it. You can take out smaller portions as needed and allow to thaw in the fridge to be used that day. Making use of condiment cups makes it easy to freeze and portion control for daily feeding for your cat. Just be sure to store them upright in a freezer bag.
