Do you have a curious kitty at home who always wants to taste whatever you’re cooking? If you’re like many cat owners, you may have wondered if it’s safe for your feline friend to munch on some cod.
In this article, we will answer your question: Can cats eat cod? and discover some safe ways you can incorporate fish into their diet.
Can You Feed Cats Cod?
Cats love the smell of meat, which is why they try to claim a piece for themselves, and they might want to have a piece for themselves.
You might not need to worry, as cats are obligate carnivores. Their stomachs are built to consume 40% protein, making it safe for cats to eat fish.
Why is Cod Good For Your Cat’s Nutritional Needs?
Eating cod is nutritionally beneficial for your cat as it is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for the skin and coat. Cod also contains vitamins, selenium, calcium, and amino acids, and the best part is that it is high in protein and low in fat
fish oil also has lots of benefits. It promotes healthy skin in cats and helps with their joints. Giving your cat some fish also reduces inflammation.
Why Raw Fish Isn’t Safe For Your Cat?
Even though cats prefer raw food, it isn’t safe for domestic cats to eat raw meat or seafood as they might contain parasites. Although they may not pose any danger to adult cats, they could harm kittens or older cats, which may cause them ascariasis.
Symptoms of this gastrointestinal infection are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bloody stool, and weight loss.
Preparing Cod For Your Feline Friend
When preparing cod, keep it plain. Do not add any spices, as they are harmful to your cat. Just boil it till it’s tender. This will ensure it is easy for your cat and parasite-free.
The Right Portion Size
Cod should be given as a treat and not a full meal, as giving it too often may lead to overconsumption of protein and fats.
If older cats eat fish often, they may get mild diarrhea, or if they have kidney issues, consuming too much protein and fat may negatively affect them.
Fishes That Your Cat Can Eat
Well, now you may wonder which type of fish is best for your cat during treat time. Below is the list of types your cat can eat.
Fish are good for your cat because they contain high levels of protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and low fat.
Tuna
Salmon
Anchovies
Sardines
Herring
white fish
Prawn
Fishes Your Cat Cannot Eat.
Some fishes have higher levels of mercury and can pose a threat to your kitty’s health. Those fishes are listed below.
Salmonella
King Mackerel
Shark
Swordfish
Bluefin tuna
Final Thoughts
So, the answer to whether you can give cod to your cat is simple: yes, you can, but make sure that it is cooked.
Pet food also contains the same nutrition as cod, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and protein, which can lead to overconsumption, so make sure to provide your cat with a balanced diet.
