Many people like sushi, and since cats are supposed to like fish, you might be wondering if it’s okay to give your cat sushi. The short answer is no. Your cat should not be offered sushi. Your cat could get stomach problems if it eats it, and there are other health risks that come with eating raw fish.
Do you like sushi? If so, keep reading to learn about the risks and safe ways to give it to your pet. We talk about the food’s nutrition, risks, and serving sizes to help you decide if this food is safe for your cat.
Sushi grade fish has become increasingly popular in recent years, both for human consumption and as a potential treat for cats. But is raw sushi grade fish actually safe and healthy for cats to eat? As a responsible cat owner, it’s important to understand both the potential benefits and risks before feeding sushi grade seafood to your feline friend
What is Sushi Grade Fish?
The term “sushi grade” is not an official grading system, but rather refers to seafood of high quality that is suitable for consuming raw in dishes like sushi and sashimi. Sushi chefs look for fish that is extremely fresh, free of parasites, and handled properly from catch to plate.
Some common sushi grade fish are:
- Tuna (maguro)
- Salmon (sake)
- Yellowtail (hamachi)
- Sea bass (suzuki)
- Albacore (binnaga maguro)
- Flounder (hirame)
These fish are safe for humans to eat raw because they have either been flash frozen to kill any parasites, or they are saltwater fish that do not carry the same parasite risks as freshwater varieties
Is Raw Fish Safe for Cats?
While humans can safely enjoy raw sushi grade seafood, the same is not necessarily true for cats. There are a few factors to consider:
Risk of Parasites
Cats can be prone to parasitic infections from eating raw fish, even sushi grade. The flash freezing process used to kill parasites in sushi grade fish targets species that affect humans. But it does not kill all parasites that can infest cats, like certain tapeworms.
So there is an increased risk of parasitic infection when feeding raw fish to cats. Thoroughly cooking fish helps kill any potential parasites.
Bacteria and Foodborne Illness
Raw seafood always carries a higher risk of transmitting foodborne pathogens like salmonella and E. coli. While humans may tolerate sushi fish due to our strong stomach acid, cats have a higher chance of gastrointestinal upset when ingesting contaminated raw meat or fish.
Thiaminase Content
Many fish contain an enzyme called thiaminase that breaks down thiamine (vitamin B1) in the body. A thiamine deficiency can cause neurological issues in cats.
Cooking helps deactivate thiaminase, making the fish safer. But raw fish still contains high levels of this enzyme.
Allergies
Some cats may have allergies to certain proteins found in seafood. An allergy can develop from the cat eating fish for the first time or after repeated exposure over time. Feeding a novel protein source like raw fish could trigger an allergic reaction.
Nutritional Balance
From a nutritional standpoint, sushi grade fish fed occasionally as a treat poses little risk. But a diet of exclusively raw fish could lead to nutrient imbalances and deficiencies over time. It’s important cats receive complete and balanced nutrition from their regular diet, not just protein from one food item.
So while raw sushi grade seafood provides a good source of protein and healthy fats for cats, it also comes with potential health hazards that must be considered. It should only be fed in strict moderation.
Healthier and Safer Fish Options for Cats
The good news is there are safer options for letting your cat enjoy the flavor and nutritional benefits of fish:
- Canned or pouched fish cat food formulas (like tuna or salmon)
- Cooked fish prepared without seasoning, bones, or oils
- Dried fish treats and kibble made with fish meal
The cooking drying and manufacturing process helps kill parasites and pathogens, deactivating thiaminase while retaining key nutrients. Look for reputable cat food brands that follow quality standards for safe ingredients.
Canned fish made for human consumption, like tuna or salmon, can also be fed occasionally but may lack ideal nutrition balance. Check that it is packed only in water without added salt. Introduce new fish foods slowly and in small amounts to watch for any allergic reactions.
Can Cats Eat Sushi Grade Fish? The Bottom Line
Sushi grade seafood is designed to be safe for humans to consume raw. However, it may not meet the same safety standards for our feline friends. There is a higher risk of parasites, bacteria, thiaminase toxicity, and allergies associated with feeding raw fish to cats compared to giving cooked fish or cat foods containing fish.
While the occasional sushi or sashimi scrap from your plate is unlikely to harm a healthy cat, it is safest not make raw fish a regular part of your cat’s diet. For a tasty fish treat that avoids the risks of raw seafood, look for high-quality cat foods, dried treats, or well-cooked fish made without seasoning. With some precautions, you can safely share the flavors of fish with your cat.
Is Sushi Good for Cats?
There are no real benefits to giving sushi to your cat. They need a high-quality complete and balanced diet that suits their life stage and specific needs. If you think you should add protein or vitamins to your cat’s food, go to the vet and get professional advice.
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Is Sushi Bad for Cats?
Let’s break down this popular dish by ingredients.
- As strange as it may seem, cats can be allergic to some types of fish. It can result in gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea. Allergies can also cause itchy skin and inflammation. Itchy skin can cause over-grooming, leading to hair loss.
- Parasites—Your cat may run away at the smell of raw fish, and wild cats often hang out at fishing docks. However, raw fish can contain several parasites that are harmful for your cat to eat.
- Mercury—Heavy metals like mercury can be found in fish and are bad for the brain, kidneys, and lungs. Bigger fish can hold more mercury, which makes eating them more dangerous.
- Bacteria: Raw fish can have harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Clostridium, and Listeria, as well as parasites. These bacteria can make your cat sick.
- Thiaminase— Thiaminase is an enzyme found in raw fish that breaks down thiamine (vitamin B1) in your pet. Thiamine is important for your pet’s carbohydrate metabolism. If it isn’t there, your cat could have serious problems like shaking, circling, pupils getting bigger, and seizures.
Your cat is a strict carnivore, and they have no specific requirement for carbohydrates in their diet. To make sushi, the rice is bleached and stripped of its nutrients. It’s mostly empty calories that will be quickly turned into sugar in your pet’s stomach.
How Much Raw Salmon Can Cats Eat?
Can cats eat sushi?
The varieties of sushi can vary widely and may include octopus, eel, crab, seaweed, wasabi, and soy sauce. There are a lot of ingredients that can cause problems for cats, but let’s start with raw fish. Though cats are obligate carnivores and may enjoy fish, fish should always be cooked.
Is sushi considered as healthy food?
Sushi is a healthier choice, but it depends on which variety of fish is used to make sushi. Fatty fishes like tuna and salmon adds much omega 3 fatty acids to the dish. Fish is high in protein and sushi is prepared with plant based proteins like tuna and other vegetables, so sushi is regarded as a high protein food. It also contain more vitamin D, B12, than other foods, provides a source of essential minerals like selenium, zinc and iodine, it is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. Hence sushi is considered as a wholesome food with a store house of all the essential nutrients.
Can cats eat sushi without soy sauce?
Even if you don’t use the soy sauce dip, it’s often included in the ingredients in sushi and difficult to avoid. Excess sodium intake can cause hypernatremia in cats, which can lead to increased thirst, confusion, coma, and seizures. Sushi may also have toxic ingredients, such as vegetables or spices from the allium family, like onions or garlic.
Can cats smell sushi?
A cat’s sense of smell is 14x that of a human’s. Not only can cats smell things from further away, but cats can also smell a broader range of chemicals through millions of odor sensors in their nose. It makes sense that your cat is ready to come begging; as soon as you open up a container of fresh sushi, they can smell it!