Fish sticks (also known as fish fingers) are a popular frozen food made of fish fillets that are coated in breadcrumbs or batter and then deep fried or baked. Since fish is a common ingredient in many cat foods some cat owners wonder if fish sticks are safe for cats to eat. This article will examine whether cats can eat fish sticks, the potential benefits and risks, and tips for feeding fish to cats.
Can Cats Eat Fish Sticks?
The short answer is yes, cats can eat fish sticks, but there are some important caveats.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat in their diet to survive. Fish can be an excellent source of protein for cats and many commercial cat foods contain fish ingredients. However, fish sticks made for human consumption may contain seasonings, added oils or fats, and other ingredients that are not ideal for cats.
The biggest concern with fish sticks is the outer breading or batter. Cats have difficulty properly digesting grains and carbohydrates. The breading can also be high in salt, which can cause health issues for cats if consumed in large amounts.
So while an occasional fish stick won’t harm your cat, fish sticks should never make up the main part of your cat’s diet. It’s best to remove the breading and only feed your cat the fish filllet inside fish sticks.
Health Benefits of Fish for Cats
Fish can be a nutritious part of your cat’s diet. Here are some of the advantages of feeding fish to cats in moderation:
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High-quality protein: Fish provides complete, easy-to-digest protein that contains all the essential amino acids cats need. This helps maintain muscle mass and an ideal body weight.
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Omega-3 fatty acids: Fatty fish like salmon are high in omega-3s like EPA and DHA. Omega-3s support skin/coat health, brain function, eye health, and immune response in cats.
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Vitamins and minerals: Fish contain important nutrients for cats like vitamin D, vitamin B12, phosphorus, magnesium, and more. However, fish alone is not a complete diet.
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Moisture: The high moisture content in fish helps cats stay hydrated. This is especially helpful for cats who don’t drink enough water.
So in moderation, fish can provide great nutritional value as part of a balanced homemade or commercial cat diet.
Risks of Feeding Fish to Cats
While fish can benefit cats, there are some potential risks to keep in mind:
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Mercury or other toxins: Long-living, predatory fish accumulate heavy metals like mercury. Feed cats smaller fish varieties and limit tuna.
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Bones: Fish bones can pose a choking hazard or damage the digestive tract. Remove all bones before feeding fish.
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Imbalanced diet: Fish alone doesn’t provide all nutrients cats need long-term. Rotate fish with other proteins and feed a balanced diet.
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Allergies: Fish allergies or intolerances are uncommon but possible in cats. Discontinue feeding if you see signs like itching or digestive upset.
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Hyperthyroidism: Some sources link excessive fish consumption to increased hyperthyroidism risk in older cats. This is inconclusive but limiting fish is a good idea for senior cats.
As long as you take some basic precautions, the benefits of fish typically outweigh potential risks for healthy cats. Monitor your cat’s reaction when introducing fish and feed fish in moderation as part of a complete and balanced diet.
Tips for Feeding Fish to Cats
If you want to feed fish to your cat, follow these tips for safety:
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Choose local, wild-caught fish whenever possible since they contain less mercury and other pollutants found in large predatory fish. Good choices are haddock, flounder, salmon, tilapia, herring, and mackerel.
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Canned fish made for human consumption, like tuna or sardines, is very high in sodium. Look for low-sodium varieties packed in water and limit to an occasional treat.
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Never feed raw fish at home due to disease risks. Lightly cook fish before feeding by steaming, baking, or boiling. Check internal temperature reaches at least 145°F.
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Always remove all bones, which can splinter and pose a choking hazard or internal injury risk. Also remove skin which cats have difficulty digesting.
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To minimize exposure to environmental toxins, limit fish to no more than one or two times per week as a meal or treat. Rotate with other proteins.
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When changing your cat’s diet, transition fish and other new proteins slowly over one week. Watch for signs of food intolerances.
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For homemade diets, consult with a vet nutritionist to formulate a complete, balanced recipe. Commercial foods make balancing nutrients easier.
Following these precautions when feeding fish can help avoid potential downsides while allowing your cat to benefit from the nutrition in fish. Monitor your cat’s health and reactions when introducing fish. Overall, fish can be a healthy part of your cat’s diet in moderation.
Healthy Fish Recipes for Cats
If you want to prepare homemade fish dishes for your cat, here are a couple healthy recipes to try:
Simple Steamed Fish and Veggies
- 1⁄2 cup diced carrots
- 1⁄2 cup chopped green beans
- 3 oz white fish fillet (salmon, cod, etc), chopped
- 1 tsp fish oil
Steam carrots and green beans until soft. Add fish fillets and steam 2-3 more minutes until fish is cooked through. Let cool and mix in oil. Store unused portion in fridge for up to 3 days.
Tuna Kitty Treats
- 1 (5 oz) can tuna in water, drained
- 1 egg
- 1⁄4 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 tbsp grated cheddar cheese
Preheat oven 350°F. Mash tuna with egg, flour, and cheese. Form into spoon-sized bites and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until lightly browned and firm. Cool before serving. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days.
The Verdict on Fish Sticks for Cats
For a nutritious fish treat, sticking to plain cooked fish or a high-quality commercial cat food containing fish is a better choice. Fish can offer great protein, omega-3s, and other nutrients. Feed fish in moderation as part of a complete and balanced cat diet for the best health benefits. Monitor your cat for any signs of intolerance and ask your vet for their fish feeding recommendations. With some common-sense precautions, fish can safely be included in your cat’s dietary rotation.
