15 Best Tuna Cat Foods

Reviews

Overall winner: Wellness CORE
 

Tuna appears to be the main source of protein in this meal. It is a pate-style multi-protein wet food formula produced with tuna, mackerel, and salmon.

The main source of additional fat is sunflower oil. The food contains 884 kcal/kg, which is approximately 70 kcal/oz.

Your cat requires a protein-rich diet, and as much of that protein as possible should come from animal sources. The principal ingredient in this pate canned food is fresh tuna, which is supplemented by fresh mackerel and salmon.

Aside from vitamin and mineral supplements, the ingredient list is rather modest, with only three extra carbohydrates. Tapioca starch and guar gum thicken the pate, while sunflower oil adds a healthy dose of fat.

We’d prefer to see salmon oil or herring oil here, but sunflower oil is high in vitamin K, a substance that promotes bone and blood health.

On a dry matter basis, this meal provides more than 66% protein, and the moisture content is slightly greater than the normal wet food.

Most cats should be able to digest the formula well, and the total carbohydrate level is minimal.

Pros

• Contains a lot of high-quality animal protein
• Low carbohydrate content and easy digestion
• Contains moisturizing moisture
• Animal byproducts and fillers are not used.

Cons

• Some starchy thickeners are present.
• Only the extra fat is made from plants.

 

Blue Buffalo is a good value
 

Tuna appears to be the main source of protein in this meal. It is a multi-protein mix that includes fresh tuna and chicken, as well as chicken liver and dried egg.

The main source of additional fat is fish oil. The food has 902 kcal/kg, which equates to around 140 kcal every 5.5 oz can.

Premium cat food can be pricey, but if you want to feed your cat properly without breaking the bank, Blue Buffalo’s Tastefuls formula can be a decent option.

The initial ingredient is tuna, which is complemented with protein from fresh chicken, chicken liver, and dried egg. While this is not a single-protein dish, it does have a few advantages.

Four of the first five ingredients (excluding water) are derived from animals, as is the principal source of added fat.

It’s also a high-moisture wet food, which helps your cat stay hydrated and may improve digestion, reducing hairball development.

The carbohydrate level of this formula is a disadvantage. Thickeners such as potato starch and guar gum are used, while brewers dried yeast adds plant-based protein and B vitamins.

Brown rice provides little nutritional value to cats and is most likely included to bulk up the food.

Fillers like rice are frequently used in lower-cost cat diets to keep the company’s costs low so that the savings can be passed on to customers.

Cat owners love the low price per ounce of this food, which is available in 3-ounce and 5.5-ounce cans.

Some cats appear to prefer this formula to fish-only diets, and several customers reported a notable improvement in coat health after feeding this food.

Pros

• Priced at less than $0.30 per ounce
• Four of the first five elements are derived from animals (excluding water)
• Moisture-rich to aid hydration
• Ingredients free of maize, wheat, and soy

Cons

• Several plant components are included.
• Carrageenan added to thicken

 

Tiki Cat has the best variety pack
 

Tuna appears to be the main source of protein in this meal. It is a wet food formula based on tuna and tilapia.

The main source of additional fat is sunflower seed oil. The food has 700 kcal/kg, or approximately 60 kcal each can.

Cats that are fussy feeders are fairly frequent. Because their systems may not react well to certain components, some cats prefer one food over another.

However, in many cases, a cat just becomes accustomed to eating the same food and is uninterested in anything different.

A rotational diet for your cat can help round out his nutrition. Tiki Cat’s Aloha Friends canned food variety pack is an excellent choice for rotational diets.

Tuna with Tilapia and Pumpkin, Tuna with Shrimp and Pumpkin, Tuna with Ocean Whitefish and Pumpkin, and Tuna with Calamari and Pumpkin are all included in this variety pack.

All four start with flaked tuna and tuna broth, giving them high-protein and moisture-rich wet foods. Most significantly, these dishes use dolphin-friendly and mercury-tested tuna.

All four recipes are grain, gluten, and GMO-free. They’re relatively low in carbs, though the pumpkin does help. Pumpkin is high in fiber, which aids digestion, and it is also high in antioxidants.

The diet appears to be popular with older cat owners who want soft food yet prefer gravy-based recipes over pates.

Pros

• Choose between four tuna-based dishes.
• A delicious, moisture-rich gravy with a soft texture
• Made from mercury-free tuna
• Gluten-free, grain-free, and GMO-free ingredients

Cons

• Carbohydrate content exceeds 10%.
• Plants are the primary source of extra fat.

 

Canidae is the best dry cat food
 

Tuna appears to be the main source of protein in this meal. It is a dry food formula with only three ingredients: fresh tuna, salmon meal, and menhaden fish meal.

The main source of additional fat is canola oil. The food contains 1,542 kcal per pound, or around 435 kcal each cup.

If your cat likes kibble, or if you simply prefer it over wet food, this Canidae restricted ingredient formula is a fantastic tuna-based option.

However, no dry meal contains the moisture your cat requires, so you should supplement your cat’s water intake with a wet food topper or by adding some water or broth to the dry food.

The first ingredient in this dish is fresh tuna, followed by salmon meal and menhaden fish meal. Unfortunately, these are the recipe’s only animal-based ingredients.

Lentils and chickpeas are both starchy carbohydrates that cats may find difficult to digest.

Although sweet potatoes are complex carbohydrates with a lower glycemic load, suncured alfalfa is frequently utilized as a source of plant-based protein, which is less physiologically important for cats than animal protein.

The only source of added fat is canola oil, while fresh tuna undoubtedly contains a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

This formula is touted as a healthy weight recipe for cats with sensitive stomachs. This could explain the high fiber content.

While a little extra fiber might benefit cats with some digestive conditions and keep your cat feeling full on a low-calorie diet, too much fiber can be harmful to some cats.

Pros

• The first three ingredients are concentrated animal protein sources.
• Low in calories, it may be beneficial to overweight cats.
• Artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives are not used.

Cons

• No dry food contains the moisture that your cat requires.
• Some cats may be sensitive to high fiber content.
• Contains a variety of starchy carbs

 

Solid Gold Canned Cat Food
 

Sardines appear to be the main source of protein in this meal. It is a wet canned fish food mix created with fresh sardines and tuna.

The main source of additional fat is canola oil. The food has 792 kcal/kg, or approximately 135 kcal per 6-ounce can.

While many cats prefer dry food, canned food is typically a better alternative for the species.

Obligate carnivores, such as your cat, require a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, and wet food meets these requirements more frequently than dry food.

This Five Oceans recipe from Solid Gold is one of the best tuna-based wet cat food options. While tuna isn’t the first source of protein, it is one of two options.

The only added carbohydrates are tapioca and xanthan gum, however the main source of additional fat (canola oil) is plant-based.

This canned food entrée is an excellent choice for cats that are sensitive to other common proteins such as chicken or beef. It’s a basic, highly digestible dish that’s also tasty and easy to chew for elderly cats.

Several cat owners have commented that even their picky eaters appreciated it, especially the sardine bits.

Others have noted that the cuisine has a rather strong stench, which may be just what picky eaters require to convince them to sample the food.

Pros

• The ingredient list is led by two animal-based proteins.
• Moisture-rich to help your cat stay hydrated
• The use of fewer ingredients improves digestion.
• Cat-friendly and simple to chew

Cons

• It has a strong fishy aroma.
• Contains a number of starchy plant components.

 

Weruva is the best for kittens
 

Tuna appears to be the main source of protein in this meal. It is predominantly a fish-based composition that includes fresh tuna and salmon as well as dried egg.

The main source of additional fat is sunflower oil. The food has a calorie content of 697 kcal/kg, or around 59 kcal per 3-ounce can.

Kittens require a high-protein diet with higher levels of fat than adult cats to support rapid growth. Kitten food should meet both of these requirements and be manufactured from high-quality, animal-based components.

Weruva’s kitten recipe calls for fresh tuna and salmon as the major ingredients, with dried egg serving as a supplemental protein.

Sunflower oil is the primary source of added fat, while three starchy components assist thicken and texture the product. With only a few plant ingredients, this meal is high in animal protein.

It does, however, have a low fat content. It satisfies AAFCO’s basic requirements, although kittens that are having difficulty growing may require additional fat in their diet.

Overall, it’s a moist, digestible meal that kittens appear to appreciate.

Some cat owners report that their kittens prefer beef or chicken flavors, whilst others report that the fragrance of this fish recipe entices picky eaters.

Pros

• Contains high-quality animal protein
• Moisture-rich to help your kitty stay hydrated.
• With a soft, chewable texture, it is easily digestible.

Cons

• For a kitten recipe, it’s relatively low in fat.
• A few starchy thickeners are present.

 

PureBites is the best food topping
 

Tuna appears to be the main source of protein in this meal. It is a low-fat, single-protein cat food formula created with fresh skipjack tuna and water.

The food has 600 kcal/kg, which equates to around 30 calories per tray. Cats of all life stages require a nutritious and species-appropriate diet.

Even though you want the best for your cat, not everyone can afford premium cat food. If you can only afford middle-of-the-road canned or dry food, consider supplementing your cat’s diet with a protein-rich meal topper.

PureBites cat food trays are properly proportioned for scooping on top of your cat’s usual food twice a day. This variety pack includes meals made with tuna and salmon, both of which have roughly 30 calories per tray.

Only 100% pure skipjack tuna and water are used in the featured recipe.

As previously stated, skipjack tuna has lower mercury levels than albacore, making this food topping a much better choice than canned tuna intended for human consumption.

Pros

• Skipjack tuna contains less mercury than albacore.
• Made with only fresh fish and water
• Low in calories (about 30 calories each tray).

Cons

• Only for supplementary feeding.
• It’s a little costly, roughly $1.50 each tray.

Is Tuna a Healthy Protein for Cats?

Cats go crazy over fish in cartoons and comic comics all the time. There’s no disputing that cats enjoy a great stinky fish-based meal, but tuna may not be the best option for cats.

Your cat’s DNA is still genetically close to that of his wild ancestors, at least in terms of nutritional requirements.

Wild cats usually prey on birds and small mammals, while giant cats can take down larger prey.

Fish isn’t a large part of a wild cat’s diet, and you should consider if it’s a worthy addition to your own cat’s diet. Having said that, there are numerous nutritional benefits of eating tuna.

Fresh tuna contains approximately 32 calories per ounce, less than 14 grams of fat, and approximately 7 grams of protein.

Tuna is high in omega-3 fatty acids, yet the amount of fat varies depending on the variety of tuna. It also has high levels of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and B vitamins.

While tuna is high in animal proteins and healthful fats, it may also be extremely addictive. Because of the powerful perfume and enticing flavor, some cats may reject other foods.

If your cat tolerates the food well, this may not be a concern, but many veterinary nutritionists recommend a diversified diet for cats to reduce the possibility of food allergies.

In addition to species appropriateness, it is critical to address the question: Is tuna safe for cats? If your cat has food allergies, the type of protein is a crucial consideration when selecting a meal.

Fish is a common food allergen, and if your cat is sensitive to one type, such as salmon, he may also be allergic to tuna. Perhaps more importantly, feeding your cat tuna and other seafood poses a risk of mercury poisoning.

Tuna is more likely to contain mercury than salmon, tilapia, oysters, and lobster. However, it is dependent on the type of tuna.

Mercury levels will be lower in smaller species like skipjack than in larger species like albacore. Essentially, fish that feed on smaller fish absorb more mercury over time.

If you feed your cat tuna-based chow, alternate it with land-based proteins like fowl and pork.

Cats can develop mercury poisoning if they eat primarily fish-based diets, just as giant fish collect higher levels of mercury as a result of their staple diet.

If your cat isn’t sensitive to other proteins, you might try a recipe that uses tuna as a protein supplement instead.

Always read the nutritional information on the packaging carefully. Before feeding several varieties of fish to your cat, study the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Consumer Guide to Mercury in Fish.

It ranks mercury levels in fish from lowest to highest, which may help you make an informed decision about feeding fish-based cat food to your cat.

Conclusion

Whether you choose tuna or another protein as the mainstay of your cat’s diet, it’s critical that the food fits his nutritional needs.

Adult cats require a minimum of 26% crude protein and 9% crude fat in their diets, according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Kittens require 30% more protein than adults, but their fat requirements are the same. However, keep in mind that these are minimum criteria; your cat deserves more than that, doesn’t he?

Keep your cat’s carnivorous demands in mind when selecting for cat food. He needs a high protein diet that is balanced with healthy fats.

It should have a low carbohydrate level and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives on the ingredient list.

Consider a brand that uses human-grade ingredients and manufactures its products in human food facilities.

Wet food is generally more species-appropriate than dry food, yet if you can afford it, consider freeze-dried or fresh food.

Cat foods containing tuna as a single source of protein are uncommon, although there are numerous recipes that utilize it as a component.

Given the potential of mercury poisoning, it may be preferable for your cat if you add tuna as a supplemental protein in his diet.

We at BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hope that you’ve found our roundup of the best tuna cat foods to be useful in your quest for the best product for your cat.