Best Fish for Cats: Top Choices They'll Love (And Why They’re Healthy)

TL;DR: Fish is an excellent, lean protein source for cats, packed with essential nutrients and healthy Omega 3 fatty acids. The best fish options, like salmon, cod, and redfish, promote overall health, but cats should avoid raw fish.

Every cat, from the fanciest felines to workaday barn cats, benefits from the protein-packed nutritional boost of seafood! It’s a lean, novel protein source that delivers a boatload of functional health benefits, helping cats live their best lives.

However, many pet parents ask: is every fish in the sea okay for cats to eat?

Not quite. Some types are healthier than others, and a few types should be avoided.

We’ve created this guide to help you choose the best fish for your cat. The fish on our list can support healthy skin and coat, joints, immune system, heart, and brain development. Including fish in your cat’s diet can help them live their longest, healthiest lives!

Keep reading to learn the best fish to give your feline friend for a healthy taste of the sea!

Should Cats Eat Fish?

The short answer is yes! Fish is a sustainable, premium quality source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that your cat needs to thrive. Here are a few reasons why you should choose this near-perfect protein for your pet:

Fish is a lean source of protein

Cats are obligate carnivores. As a reminder, fish does fall within a carnivorous diet. An adult cat’s diet should contain about 26% protein, though many vets agree that more is better. Fish is a lean protein source that gives your cat what they need to achieve optimal health without extra calories. This fights against excessive weight gain, which can extend your pet’s life. Certain fish, like salmon, are high in unsaturated fat, which are the healthy fats that both humans and pets need to thrive. More on this below...

Fish is a rich source of essential Omega-3s.

Your cat can’t naturally produce essential Omega-3 fatty acids in their bodies, so they must get them from their diet. These crucial “healthy fats” are naturally anti-inflammatory. They support healthy skin and coat, keep cats limber and active, boost immune and heart health, and support cognitive function and brain development.

Fish contains many vitamins and minerals

While the nutritional components of each type of fish vary, they contain a variety of vitamins and minerals that cats need to remain healthy. These include Vitamin D, Vitamin B2, Selenium, Calcium, and collagen.

The 3 Best Types of Fish for Cats

While many types of fish are good for cats, there are three main varieties that stand out above the rest. We recommend feeding your cat salmon, cod, and redfish for the biggest boost to your pet’s overall health and wellness. Here’s why.

1. Salmon

Salmon is a protein-packed source of the vital Omega-3 fatty acids felines need to live energetic and healthy lives! Salmon is also one of the rarest allergies in cats, making it a good option for many pets.

A salmon-rich diet can improve eye health, coat health, skin health, heart health, and even cognition and brain development! The Omega-3 fatty acids become even more beneficial as your cat ages. Its anti-inflammatory properties keep joints comfortable and may even prevent chronic disease.

An important note is that canned salmon is not ideal for cats. It’s high in sodium and may contain other oils. Choose a fish-first pet food formulated with your pet’s well-being in mind. However, giving your cat a bit of fresh, unseasoned salmon from your plate makes a great occasional treat!

2. Cod

Cod is an incredibly low-fat, low-calorie, high-protein option for your cat. It’s low in mercury compared to many types of seafood, making it a safer, healthier option overall.

It’s the most natural source of cod liver oil, which improves feline vision, skin, and coat health. Since it’s also a source of Omega-3 fatty acids, your cat will benefit from all the same health benefits we mentioned above.

Cod-based cat foods are tasty and easy for cats to digest. It’s a rare allergy in cats. Plus, it’s a stellar option for indoor cats, as it’s low in saturated fat and calories. That means less active cats can feast away with no influence on their waistlines.

3. Redfish

You might not have heard of redfish, but this seafood superhero has the power to transform your cat’s energy levels!

Redfish is known for its high content of lean protein. This carbon-efficient seafood option provides a boost to your cat’s growth, muscle maintenance, and immune system regulation. That’s why it’s one of the top picks for kittens, who need a ton of energy to grow, explore, and play the day away!

Like the other picks on our list, it’s rich in those healthy Omega-3s, which keep your pet’s coat looking shiny and their skin itch-free. Other vitamins in redfish include niacin, Vitamins B6 & B12, calcium, protein, phosphorus, and selenium. That makes it a great addition to a complete, nutrient-rich diet.

Cats and Mercury in Seafood

Each of these fish – salmon, cod, and redfish have extremely low levels of mercury, especially in comparison with the Selenium content in fish, which counteracts risks of mercury toxicity by binding with the elements, neutralizing any potentially harmful effects.

Certain wild, predatory species of larger fish such as Tilefish, Swordfish and Shark do contain higher levels of mercury. These fish are almost never used in pet food recipes.

Can Cats Eat…?

We get many questions what other types of fish are okay to feed cats. Here’s what pet nutrition experts say concerning everything from sardines to sushi.

Can Cats Have Sardines?

You can give your cat sardines in water as an occasional treat. Avoid sardines in oil, which adds too much fat to their diet.

Can Cats Have Crab?

Cats can have crab, but it is a fairly common food allergy. It’s crucial to remove all traces of the shell before giving crab to your cat.

Can Cats Have Raw Fish?

Cats should not eat raw fish. It comes with a high risk of food poisoning due to potential bacteria. Likewise, raw fish can cause a thiamine deficiency, which can have major health implications. Choose cooked fish instead or, ideally, a fish-first pet food formulated for cats.

Can Cats Eat Tilapia?

Cats can eat unseasoned, boneless tilapia that is fully cooked. Since, like raw fish, tilapia can cause a thiamine deficiency, it’s best fed in moderation.

Can Cats Eat Scallops?

Cats can eat fully cooked, unseasoned scallops, but they are best given in moderation.

The Best Fish for Cats from Boat to Bowl

Seafood can provide your cat with a number of health benefits, from healthy, shiny coats to improved digestion and so much more! Explore our full collection of fish-first cat food and order today.