How to Cook Salmon for Your Feline Friends

As cat owners, we all want to pamper our furry felines with tasty treats every now and then. And when it comes to fish, salmon is a great option to add some variety to your cat’s diet. Salmon is packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein that can promote your cat’s skin, coat, heart, joint, and immune system health.

But before you fire up the stove, there are some important things to know about preparing salmon for cats. In this article, we’ll cover how to choose the right salmon, prep and cook it properly, serve appropriate portions, and avoid potential mistakes. Let’s dive in!

Choosing Salmon for Cats

When you cook salmon for your cat, try to find high-quality fish that is good enough for sushi. This ensures the salmon will be as fresh as can be. Some good options include:

• Wild-caught Pacific salmon like sockeye and pink salmon
• Sustainably farmed Atlantic salmon
• Canned salmon made for human consumption

Avoid giving your cat raw salmon or lower quality farmed salmon. Raw salmon may contain parasites and farmed salmon can have higher contaminant levels.

No matter the source, the salmon should look and smell fresh. Pass on any fish that has an unappealing odor or slimy texture.

Prepping the Fish

Before cooking up salmon for kitties, be sure to prep the fish properly:

• Rinse thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
• Remove all bones. Bones can splinter and pose a choking hazard or internal puncture risk.
• Cut away any fatty belly sections. Too much fat can cause GI upset.
• Remove skin, which is difficult for cats to digest.
• Cut into bite-sized chunks for easy eating.

Also resist adding any seasonings, herbs, oil, salt, or pepper. Flavorings and spices can upset your cat’s stomach. Go for plain, unseasoned salmon.

Cooking Methods

When it comes to safely cooking fish for felines, aim for thorough cooking without overdoing it. Some healthy prep methods include:

• Baking Bake salmon fillets or chunks at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until flaky

• Steaming: In a steamer basket, steam fillets for 10 to 15 minutes until opaque and cooked through.

• Poaching: Gently simmer chunks or fillets for 10 to 15 minutes in lightly salted water.

• Grilling: Grill fillets on a preheated grill for about 8 to 12 minutes per side.

Cook until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Overcooked salmon can become tough and unappetizing.

Serving Tips & Portions

When your salmon is cooked, there are some important guidelines for serving it safely:

• Let the salmon cool completely before serving. Cats can burn their mouths on hot fish.

• Store any leftovers promptly in the fridge and use within 2 days. Toss if you notice any bad odors.

• Start with small portions of 1-2 tablespoons max per meal. Too much can upset your cat’s tummy.

• Serve as an occasional treat no more than once or twice a week.

• Always supervise your cat while eating to be sure they chew thoroughly.

What Not to Do

Lastly, here are some safety mistakes to avoid when cooking salmon for cats:

• Don’t feed raw salmon or undercook the fish. This risks parasites and foodborne illness.

• Avoid seasoning with garlic, onion, chives, or other toxic ingredients.

• Don’t give salmon every day. Variety is important for balanced nutrition.

• Don’t add bones, skin, fat, or oil, which can cause GI problems.

• Don’t leave cooked salmon out for more than 2 hours before refrigerating.

The Bottom Line

Salmon can make for a tasty and healthy occasional treat for your feline friend. Just be sure to select high-quality fish, remove all bones, skin, and fat, and cook thoroughly without seasonings. Feed only small portions a couple times per week along with your cat’s normal diet. With safe handling and prep, salmon can be a delicious way to give your cat some extra omega-3s and protein. Just use caution and talk to your vet before introducing any new food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some questions about cooking salmon for cats? Here are answers to some common queries:

Is it safe to give my cat raw salmon?

No, raw salmon is not recommended for cats. Raw fish may contain harmful parasites or bacteria that can make your cat sick. Always cook salmon thoroughly before feeding it.

Can I season the salmon with spices, herbs, garlic, etc?

Avoid seasoning salmon with anything before serving it to your cat. Flavorings, herbs, garlic, onion, and other spices can cause gastrointestinal upset. Plain, unseasoned salmon is best.

Is canned salmon okay for cats?

Yes, high-quality canned salmon made for human consumption can be fed to cats in moderation. Look for varieties packed in water with no added salt or oil. Rinse before serving.

How often can cats have salmon?

Salmon should only be an occasional treat for cats, not a regular part of their diet. Feed a few tablespoons no more than 1-2 times per week. Too much can lead to nutritional imbalance.

What’s the best way to store cooked salmon for cats?

Refrigerate any leftovers promptly in a sealed container. Use within 2 days for safety and quality. Discard any salmon that smells unpleasant.

Are the bones in salmon safe for cats?

No, you should always remove all the bones when cooking salmon for cats. Fish bones can splinter and pose a choking hazard or internal injury risk. Boneless salmon is safest.

Can I feed my cat leftover salmon from my own dinner?

Only do so if the salmon is completely unseasoned. Avoid giving cats salmon cooked with garlic, oil, herbs, pepper, or other flavorings that can cause stomach upset. Plain, cooked salmon is best.

What if my cat is allergic to fish?

If your cat has a fish or salmon allergy, avoid feeding it to them. Signs of allergies can include itchy skin, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. Check with your vet before introducing any new food.

So there you have it – everything you need to know to safely cook delicious, nutritious salmon for your cats! Let us know if you have any other salmon-cooking tips or questions. Here’s to happy, healthy kitties!