Can Cats Eat Canned Salmon? (The Surprising Truth)

Can cats eat canned salmon? Is raw salmon worse or better for them, and what ingredients should you look out for when checking the label?

These are all questions you should ask before giving your cat anything packed and intended for humans to eat.

I know one thing for sure, I’ve never met a cat that wasn’t attracted to the smell of salmon. Or any fish for that matter.

So, let’s take a look at whether or not cats can eat tinned salmon (if you’re willing to share with them):

Can Cats Eat Canned Salmon?

The answer is similar to a lot of foods designed for us to eat (like rice and bread) – Cat’s can eat a small amount as a treat, but it’s not recommended.

This is because canned salmon contains preservatives to keep it good for a long time. Just check the shelf life of a can, you’ll see it stays good for months, even years.

This is because the manufacturers add salt, sodium, or other preservatives. Which are fine for us to eat (not great, ideally), but are not fine for cats.

Symptoms that a cat has been eating too much salt in their diet range from vomiting and diarrhea, to body tremors, seizures, and potentially death. So it’s something to keep a check on.

The occasional bit of canned salmon isn’t going to cause any of these issues. But my stance is why give your kitty something that isn’t good for them when there are loads of safe alternatives?

If it’s an emergency and it’s all you have in the house. Or, if you’ve noticed your cat has pulled a sneaky move and stolen some tinned salmon don’t stress.

They can eat a little as a treat as I said before. Just keep it to a small amount and an occasional treat.

But be warned. Once they get a taste for canned salmon they will be bugging you incessantly for more. I’ve never met a cat that didn’t adore having some tinned salmon!

Can Cats Eat Raw Fish?

It’s not recommended that you let your cat eat raw fish.

Raw fish and meats can contain harmful bacterias that cause cats anything from a tummy ache to some serious health issues.

There is an enzyme in raw fish that destroys thiamine. Thiamine is a vitamin found in food that is essential for cats.

A lack of thiamine or bacteria destroying this vitamin can cause some serious long-term issues such as neurological problems, sickness, and even be fatal.

For further reading check out – can cats eat tuna.

What Kind of Salmon Is OK for Cats?

The answer to this is a simple one. Salmon that’s been specially formulated for cats!

This can of savory salmon from Hill’s Science Diet is the best way to give your kitty their salmon fix.

First of all, I love Hill’s Science Diet cat food. I‘ve been using a few of their food mixes and tins for years and they have the perfect balance of healthy, nutritious food at a decent price, and cats love it.

I first came across Hill’s when my vet recommended it to me. So when you see the ‘Recommended by vets’ tag, it’s was certainly true in my case.

While this is not cuts of salmon like we’d eat. It’s packed with lots of the good stuff for cats. It has some salmon in it, tastes like salmon, and most importantly doesn’t have all salt, sodium, and other additives found in canned salmon intended for humans.

Can Cats Eat Cooked Salmon?

No. For all the same reasons as I’ve outlined about as to why cat’s should not be eating salmon.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after the short answers for your questions around can cats eat canned salmon, smoked salmon, or smoked salmon – the answers are only in small amounts as occasional treats.

I personally don’t give my cats any salmon or tuna from cans. Even though the look in their eyes when they catch the smell of an opened can burns through me and they start zigzagging through my legs begging.

I just don’t think it’s worth it. I have loads of treats that have been designed and specially formulated for cats, so I give them these.