What kind of fish can you feed a cat?

If you ask children at school what cats like most, most will definitely say milk and fish. To be honest, many adults...

A little about the cat menu

One of the prerequisites for good health and long life is proper feeding of the animal.
Чем кормить кошку – кормом промышленного производства или домашней едой – выбор каждого хозяина в зависимости от его образа жизни и возможностей. Удобнее всего кормить кошку качественными готовыми сухими кормами. Он имеет несколько преимуществ. Во-первых, еда может долго лежать в контейнере и не портиться. Во-вторых, его удобно хранить. Он также превосходит другие корма с экономической точки зрения. Сегодня развивается не только наука о питании человека, но и рынок кормов для животных постоянно развивается и меняется. В последнее время производители все чаще отказываются от зерновых в кормах, заменяя их корнеплодами, такими как картофель, свекла, или бобовыми – горохом, фасолью, чечевицей. Причина может быть как в том, что у животных развиваются различные аллергии, так и в том, что зерна дорожают, а кроме того, при их выращивании используются химические средства защиты растений, которые хоть и уничтожают сорняки и повышают урожай, но в то же время могут вызывать нежелательные воздействия на живой организм. Конечно, вы можете кормить кошку и консервами, но они содержат до 70 процентов влаги, поэтому консервов вам понадобится гораздо больше, и они будут дороже. Кроме того, большинство консервов не содержат всех необходимых витаминов и минералов, поэтому их необходимо давать дополнительно, что для владельца излишне. Еще один вид кормления — свежие, сырые продукты. Кошка по своей природе хищник, и большую часть времени мыши, птицы и другие мелкие животные попадают в ее когти. Кошка поедает их со всеми внутренними органами – это полноценный свежий корм для этого хищника, обеспечивающий всю необходимую пищевую ценность. Если у вас есть возможность обеспечить своего питомца таким питанием, можно подумать. Однако желательно посоветоваться с ветеринаром – нужно ли и в каком количестве и какие дополнительные минералы или витамины давать кошке.

About fish

For a long time, cat owners believed that the most suitable food for cats was fish. It must be said right away that in their natural environment cats do not hunt fish. However, fish can be given. But you need to know a few prerequisites. Sea fish can also be given to your cat raw, uncooked, but freshwater fish should be offered only thermally processed (boiled, stewed, steamed).

Freshwater fish are more likely to contain harmful salmonella and listeria bacteria, and there is also a risk of parasites.

The fish may contain tapeworms, roundworms and flatworms, which will die after heat treatment of the fish, but vitamins and other valuable nutrients will not be preserved in such fish. If you do not want to give thermally processed fish, you can avoid infection by freezing the fish at a temperature of minus 20 degrees before giving it to pets. It is recommended to give heat-treated fish also because fresh fish contains the enzyme thiaminase, which causes the breakdown of vitamin B1. When boiled, the enzyme breaks down and is no longer dangerous for the cat’s body.

Fish that can be bought in stores. Yes or no?

Tuna and canned tuna

It's no secret that cats are attracted to the sound of a can of tuna being opened. However, the use of this fish in pet food is controversial. Long-lived tuna can contain heavy metals such as mercury and accumulate chemical and toxic contaminants. A little tuna every now and then probably won't do your cat any harm. But if canned human-grade tuna is almost the only thing your cat eats, this can lead to nutritional deficiencies because the tuna does not contain all the nutrients a cat's body needs. It is wiser not to give your cat tuna at all.

Salmon and trout

Salmon sold in stores is mostly raised in captivity and may contain residues of hormones, antibiotics and other harmful substances. You can treat yourself to a small piece of minced salmon or trout from time to time, and nothing bad will happen, but you shouldn’t get carried away with it, no matter how much your cat likes it. And under no circumstances should you give salted or smoked salmon, as it contains a large amount of salt.

Shrimps

Shrimp is a very popular delicacy for humans, but are they good for cats? Short answer: yes! They contain many valuable nutrients that have a beneficial effect on the health of the animal. This seafood contains sodium, potassium, iron, phosphorus and even omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which have a beneficial effect on your pet's immunity. Shrimp is considered a low-calorie food because it contains almost no carbohydrates. On the contrary, they contain a large amount of protein, which is very good, because this organic substance is important not only for human health, but also for the health of animals. But there is one important thing to remember. If you want to treat your cat to this delicacy, the shrimp are fresh, not frozen. Since this product is perishable, manufacturers treat shrimp with chemical additives to make them last longer. Also, sellers often add antibiotics, which is not very good. If you can't afford fresh shrimp, don't buy frozen shrimp from a cheap supermarket. Be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer. It is better to choose a brand that is popular all over the world and is in high demand among people.

How often can you feed shrimp?

Since shrimp is an excellent source of protein, you should not give it to your cat every day. This product is not suitable as a main dish. Therefore, it is best if you treat your cat to one large shrimp or two small ones no more than twice a week. And remember that you should not give your cat raw shrimp. Before giving them to your cat, peel them and boil them. Do not add spices or salt to the water.

Canned and dried fish

They are harmful because they add a lot of salt. The same goes for dried and salted fish.

sea ​​fish

Sea fish - hake, pollock, herring, bream, sardine, etc. – an excellent source of healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which have both anti-inflammatory and other valuable properties. They provide animals with the necessary energy, ensure normal cell functioning and allow them to absorb vitamins A, D, E and K. Fatty acids also strengthen joints and the heart, and also promote healthy skin and coat. From time to time, you can include sea fish in your cat's menu, but not too often.

Squid

Squid, like fish, has a fairly high level of phosphorus - 250 mg of phosphorus per 100 g of product. And, as you know, excess phosphorus in a cat’s diet can cause urolithiasis in minks. Therefore, many veterinarians do not recommend including squid and other seafood in a cat’s diet. However, opinions on this matter are divided. Squid also contains proteins that are very beneficial for a growing body. You can only give your cat squid that has been cooked without salt. Never smoked or fried. If your cat is crazy about boiled squid, give it as a treat no more than twice a month. Then you can be sure that they will not cause any harm to your cat’s health.

Dried fish

On the shelves of pet stores you can find dehydrated and freeze-dried fish, which are an excellent treat because they have different tastes and smells, and dried fish skins help clean your pet’s teeth and maintain oral health. They also retain valuable fatty acids, which is why dried fish is perhaps even more recommended than cooked fish.

How often should I feed fish?

Preferably no more than once a week. And don’t be surprised that when you feed your cat fish, his urine will begin to smell much stronger, especially for cats, which are not recommended to be given fish too often, also because they contribute to the formation of the urinary tract. stones.

Remember!

• Under no circumstances should you give fish to pregnant cats. Even substances contained in boiled fish pass through the placenta into the body of the unborn baby and inhibit its development.
• Too much is bad, so when caring for your pet's health, it is important not to overdo it - any nutrients consumed in too much quantity can throw the body out of balance and cause unnecessary problems.
• Fish is an easily digestible source of protein. It is best to offer cats small, fatty fish - sprats, sardines, mackerel, anchovies.
• When introducing your pet to fish and any new food in general, you should start with a small portion to ensure that he is not allergic to a specific fish or develops gastrointestinal problems.