Cats love tuna. The smell, the taste, even the sound of a can opening can send your feline racing to the kitchen. But many pet parents still wonder: Is tuna bad for cats?
The short answer? Not when you choose the right kind. Tuna can be a healthy, flavorful part of your cat’s diet when it’s responsibly sourced and properly balanced.
Let’s dive into types of tuna and why Weruva tuna cat food sets a higher standard.
The Truth About Tuna's Bad Rap
Concerns about mercury levels, overfishing, and the quality of fish used in some cat foods have left tuna with a bit of a reputation.
But the truth is, tuna itself isn’t the problem. It’s all about how it’s selected and sourced. When you choose high-quality tuna from a trusted brand, it can be a flavorful, nutrient-rich part of your cat’s diet.
Why Does the Type of Tuna Matter?
Not all tuna is the same. With more than 15 different species, the type of tuna you choose matters. Weruva primarily uses skipjack and bonito tuna.
Skipjack tuna and bonito tuna are small, fast-growing fish that live near the ocean’s surface. They reproduce quickly and have lower mercury levels. In fact, they reproduce so quickly they’re often called the bunny rabbits of the sea!
Larger species like albacore live longer and swim deeper, accumulating more mercury over time. While mercury poisoning in cats is very rare, choosing low-mercury fish helps reduce long-term risk. According to the FDA:
- Skipjack/light tuna: 0.13 ppm mercury
- Albacore/white tuna: 0.35 ppm mercury
That's nearly three times more mercury in albacore tuna.
You’ve probably seen those terms at the grocery store — “Chunk Light” (skipjack) and “Chunk White” (albacore). For people, it might come down to flavor. But for cats, skipjack is the safer, smarter choice.
So, Is Tuna Good for Cats?
Yes, tuna can be good for cats when it comes from a trusted source and is part of a complete and balanced diet. Tuna offers several nutritional benefits for cats, including:
- Lean animal protein
- Omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health
- Essential vitamins and minerals like selenium, niacin, and vitamin B12
That said, the quality of the fish matters just as much as the type.
The Hidden Risk of Low-Quality Tuna
Some brands use tuna that’s ground whole with bones, scales, and all. This raises the levels of phosphorus and magnesium, which can contribute to urinary health issues like crystals.
Crystals form from the same minerals found in bone. That’s why it’s important to choose recipes made with boneless, skinless tuna, not leftovers or byproducts.
Weruva uses clean cuts of tuna. No bones, no scales, no filler. Just premium muscle meat for better nutrition and urinary support.
How Often Should Cats Eat Tuna?
Tuna is a tasty, nutritious option, but it shouldn’t be the only protein in your cat’s diet.
We recommend rotational feeding, which means switching between different proteins like chicken, beef, lamb, and fish throughout the week. Rotating helps:
- Keep mealtime exciting
- Promote a balanced intake of nutrients
- Reduce the risk of picky eating or sensitivities
Weruva makes it easy to rotate proteins without sacrificing quality. Our wide variety of recipes give you options to support your cat’s health.
What to Look For in Tuna Cat Food
When choosing tuna cat food, look for small, low-mercury species like skipjack and bonito. Choose recipes made with boneless, skinless cuts of tuna, not by-products or ground-up leftovers. It's also important to pick brands that source their ingredients responsibly.
Weruva offers a variety of flavorful cat food with tuna, including:
- Mack & Jack
- Asian Fusion
- Mediterranean Harvest
- Several flavors from BFF Best Feline Friend and Cats in the Kitchen
All are made with real cuts of fish and crafted for taste, safety, and quality.
What Makes Weruva Tuna Different?
We go beyond just using good fish. Our tuna cat food is made to meet the highest standards for safety and quality. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Dolphin-Safe Sourcing: We source tuna from suppliers certified by the Earth Island Institute’s Dolphin Safe program.
- Third-Party Audits: BRCGS audits our facilities to make sure our fish are high quality and responsibly sourced.
- Quality Testing: We follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and check that all ingredients meet a high safety standard.
When you choose Weruva, you’re choosing tuna cat food that meets high standards for both nutrition and sourcing.
Tuna Done Right
Tuna isn’t bad for cats, but species, sourcing, and quality matter. At Weruva, we put in the work so you don’t have to. Every can is made with high-quality tuna that’s responsibly sourced and 100% delicious.
So go ahead, let your cat love tuna. Just make it Weruva.
Explore our tuna recipes today and give your cat the flavor they crave with the quality they deserve.
