Post Date June, 26 2024
Everyone and their mother already knows that cats love... no, adore fish. If someone asked you what's their absolute favorite meal, what else would you pick? They just go hand in hand. And they gobble on most fish and seafood in general with definite gusto, provided it's boneless and never raw, otherwise they will have serious issues.
Having said that, there are certain caveats to consider before feeding your feline. This article will explore the topic of sardines, the nutrient-rich and quite fragrant sea snacks that people and cats enjoy with equal pleasure. Okay, the latter probably have a stronger penchant for it. And this is exactly why we need to be very cautious about balancing our cat's diet with sardines so they won't have any unwanted side effects. As with everything else, the golden rule of living applies here, too: everything in moderation.
When it comes to digestion, cats need sardines for taurine, a crucial amino acid they don't produce naturally. Without taurine, they won't have bile salts to digest fat. This acid is also beneficial for vision, heart function, and the immune system, and it helps treat serious conditions like fatty liver disease, epilepsy, and others.
Next, sardines are a wonderful source of protein that is low in calories and fat, and this is their main source of energy. Without enough protein, cats get sluggish and drowsy very fast. The low mercury level is another bonus. Many cat owners are not aware that, say, tuna is packed with this toxic metal, and it's best to serve it only occasionally if you want your pet to live a long and healthy life.
And let's not forget about the fat-soluble Vitamin D, essential for bone health and growth. Cats have tiny skeletons anyway, and to keep them sturdy and stable, they need a healthy dose of Vitamin D found in sardines, mackerel, salmon, and other fish.
Some cats are actually allergic to nutrients in fish, like protein, although this is not common. If your cat starts showing symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, it could be a result of an allergy. To prevent this, always consult your vet first before serving your cat sardines.
Another big issue with fish is, you guessed it – bones. No matter how irresistible seafood can be, a bone stuck in your throat is not my idea of a fun time. Even though sardines have quite soft bones that most cats can eat safely, bad chewing could lead to problems down the digestive tract, or even choking in a worst-case scenario. Your best bet is to buy boneless fish if canned or remove all bones if it's fresh.
While we're at canned sardines, they're usually very high in salt, and too much salt can be detrimental for cats. It could even lead to kidney damage or salt poisoning if you're not monitoring your cat's diet. Of course, it's always best to go fresh over canned, but both are fine as long as you know what you're doing.
Ideally, you should avoid serving your cat sardines in sunflower oil. While not toxic, it's quite fatty, and if your furball consumes it regularly, it might lead to diabetes, obesity, heart conditions, and other unwanted outcomes. The best options are probably fish oil and hemp oil. The latter is especially rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Other solid alternatives are olive, coconut, and cod liver oil.
If your pet is unfamiliar with sardines, they might throw it off at first. In that case, it's best to mix it up with other foods so the cat can accept it gradually. You probably won't have issues in this regard, but cats can be very suspicious and picky until they get used to a new flavor.
To minimize potential side effects, try to steer clear of preservatives, extra seasonings, etc. Food is always healthiest in its pure form. As already mentioned salt, it's wise to rinse your canned fish as much as possible to get rid of that unnecessary and harmful sodium.
Here's another tip: when introducing sardines to your feline, start small and see how it reacts. This is always the best approach when it comes to new foods. If it's well received, you can gradually increase the amount over time. If not, worry not: there's plenty more fish in the sea!
Having said that, there are certain caveats to consider before feeding your feline. This article will explore the topic of sardines, the nutrient-rich and quite fragrant sea snacks that people and cats enjoy with equal pleasure. Okay, the latter probably have a stronger penchant for it. And this is exactly why we need to be very cautious about balancing our cat's diet with sardines so they won't have any unwanted side effects. As with everything else, the golden rule of living applies here, too: everything in moderation.
Why are Sardines Beneficial?
First of all, it's no secret that fish is chock-full of nutrients. In fact, the AHA (American Heart Association) recommends that people eat fish at least twice a week. We can apply the same principle for cats; daily fish intake is not a good idea because of fatty acids, or Omega 3s, which can be harmful in large doses. So if you're feeding your pet sardines or some other seafood too often, it's best to cut down and mix it up with meat, milk products, fiber sources, and so on.
Fatty Acids, Protein, Vitamins
Along with salmon, anchovies, and mackerel, sardines are packed with Omega 3s. And why do these fatty acids receive so much attention? Among other things, they keep the joints healthy, reducing stiffness and inflammation. Also, they are great for your furball's coat, making it nice and shiny. When you spot a cat with a shaggy-looking coat, they probably don't have sufficient Omega 3s in their diet.When it comes to digestion, cats need sardines for taurine, a crucial amino acid they don't produce naturally. Without taurine, they won't have bile salts to digest fat. This acid is also beneficial for vision, heart function, and the immune system, and it helps treat serious conditions like fatty liver disease, epilepsy, and others.
Next, sardines are a wonderful source of protein that is low in calories and fat, and this is their main source of energy. Without enough protein, cats get sluggish and drowsy very fast. The low mercury level is another bonus. Many cat owners are not aware that, say, tuna is packed with this toxic metal, and it's best to serve it only occasionally if you want your pet to live a long and healthy life.
And let's not forget about the fat-soluble Vitamin D, essential for bone health and growth. Cats have tiny skeletons anyway, and to keep them sturdy and stable, they need a healthy dose of Vitamin D found in sardines, mackerel, salmon, and other fish.
Taking Precaution
Now that we're aware of the advantages of eating sardines, we need to secure the safety of our favorite pets. No matter how delicious or healthy any food is, you should avoid all risks that might endanger your feline in any way.Some cats are actually allergic to nutrients in fish, like protein, although this is not common. If your cat starts showing symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, it could be a result of an allergy. To prevent this, always consult your vet first before serving your cat sardines.
Another big issue with fish is, you guessed it – bones. No matter how irresistible seafood can be, a bone stuck in your throat is not my idea of a fun time. Even though sardines have quite soft bones that most cats can eat safely, bad chewing could lead to problems down the digestive tract, or even choking in a worst-case scenario. Your best bet is to buy boneless fish if canned or remove all bones if it's fresh.
While we're at canned sardines, they're usually very high in salt, and too much salt can be detrimental for cats. It could even lead to kidney damage or salt poisoning if you're not monitoring your cat's diet. Of course, it's always best to go fresh over canned, but both are fine as long as you know what you're doing.
Keeping Fats in Check
The way seafood is packed is very important. Typically, fish is kept in water or oil. Health experts agree that water is a much healthier option than oil, as extra fat is very unhealthy and can even lead to obesity. We know how fat felines are cute and all that, but we must their of their well-being first.Ideally, you should avoid serving your cat sardines in sunflower oil. While not toxic, it's quite fatty, and if your furball consumes it regularly, it might lead to diabetes, obesity, heart conditions, and other unwanted outcomes. The best options are probably fish oil and hemp oil. The latter is especially rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Other solid alternatives are olive, coconut, and cod liver oil.
Serving it the Right Way
It's not just what food you provide – it's how you provide it. Since cats are delicate creatures, we must ensure their food is nutritious and served properly.If your pet is unfamiliar with sardines, they might throw it off at first. In that case, it's best to mix it up with other foods so the cat can accept it gradually. You probably won't have issues in this regard, but cats can be very suspicious and picky until they get used to a new flavor.
To minimize potential side effects, try to steer clear of preservatives, extra seasonings, etc. Food is always healthiest in its pure form. As already mentioned salt, it's wise to rinse your canned fish as much as possible to get rid of that unnecessary and harmful sodium.
Here's another tip: when introducing sardines to your feline, start small and see how it reacts. This is always the best approach when it comes to new foods. If it's well received, you can gradually increase the amount over time. If not, worry not: there's plenty more fish in the sea!
