Fish Contamination in Canned Cat Food

Fish-based cat foods are popular, largely due to the fact that fish is a favorite of our feline friends. However, a discerning cat owner will want to ensure that her pet has a healthy diet that is not compromised by fish contamination.

  1. The Facts

    • Salmon, a common ingredient in many brands of canned cat food, carries a relatively low risk of contamination.

      Canned cat food is generally recommended over dry food for cats by the American Veterinary Medical Association, according to CatInfo.org, due to the higher water content and digestibility. Fish is a popular ingredient in canned cat food, as it is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients.

    Mercury

    • Mercury from industrial pollutants can build up in lakes and streams, where it is then passed on to fish.

      According to the FDA, the most common fish contaminants come from industrial chemicals and pesticides. The foremost among these is mercury, and it can be much higher in some types of fish than in others. Methylmercury, which is the form in which mercury is commonly found in water, is the type of mercury contaminant of fish that can be harmful to you or your pet.

    Effects

    • Industrial contaminants like mercury can harm a developing nervous system. The levels of contaminants are directly related to the amounts of fish ingested and types of fish. Almost all fish and shellfish have some mercury content. Common types of fish that have low levels of mercury include salmon, shrimp and tuna, according to the EPA.

    Prevention/Solutions

    • Canned cat food typically contains species of fish that contain lower levels of mercury, such as salmon and tuna. To ensure that your cat's diet is relatively fish contamination free, choose canned cat food that uses either tuna or salmon as the main ingredient. Additionally, other animal-based proteins such as chicken and beef can also be integrated into the feline diet, making a problem from fish contamination less likely.