Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can Cats Eat Smoked Salmon? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Written by: Jordin Horn

Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

sliced smoked salmon

Can Cats Eat Smoked Salmon? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

VET APPROVED

Dr. Paola Cuevas Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Paola Cuevas

MVZ (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

To cut to the chase: yes, cats can eat smoked salmon, but not as their main source of food. Some worry that what’s in the smoked salmon (large amounts of salt, potential heavy metals, spices, excessive fat) could be harmful to your cat if given in large quantities. But the nutritional benefits might just make feeding your cat a little bit worth it.

divider-catclaw1

What Is Smoked Salmon?

Smoked salmon is a delicacy enjoyed by many people. The first step in preparing smoked salmon is curing it, which turns it into lox, then putting it through either a hot or cold smoking process. Smoked salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats can improve heart health, brain function, and could potentially have anti-inflammatory effects.

But is it safe for cat consumption? Let’s find out.

hanging smoked salmon
Image Credit: Pixabay

Is It Safe for Cats to Eat Smoked Salmon?

Some pet owners are too scared to give their cats smoked salmon due to its high sodium content, high fat content, and potential for housing heavy metals. As long as you give your cat a small amount every once in a while, read the nutrition label, and share concerns with your vet, you should have a green light.

Are Smoked-Prepared Foods Bad for Cats?

Foods that are cooked using smoke may potentially harbor carcinogens. If your cat is at higher risk for cancer, it’s probably best to steer clear of smoked salmon. However, discuss with your vet whether this is cause for concern or not in your cat’s situation.

3 cat face divider

The Sodium Debate

Most likely due to the recent concern for what goes in our pet’s food and the rising concern for too much sodium in our human diets, it makes sense why many pet owners want to know more about the proper amount of sodium in a cat’s diet. There’s a lot of information on the Internet telling you to limit your cat’s sodium intake to a very small amount because it could harm your cat if you feed him too much.

Each cat has different health needs, so first talk to your vet about how much sodium is okay for your cat. Next, take a look at what this vet has to say about cats and sodium intake. In this particular research study, cats were given three times the daily recommended amount of sodium with no ill effects.

It’s true that smoked salmon is very high in sodium. Fish is okay for cats to eat in moderation, and your cat may benefit from having a little extra sodium to help them want to drink more water. One cubic inch of salmon has 130 milligrams of sodium, which is about double than the daily minimum requirement for cats. One-hundred grams of smoked salmon has about 1,210 milligrams or 1.2 grams of sodium.

From the research we just outlined, we know that this amount in one day likely does not affect healthy cats. Actually, a little extra sodium could help your cat drink more water, which will stave off UTIs that cats so commonly get.

The fatal dose of salt for cats would be around 4 grams of salt per kilogram of body weight, and that is a lot more salt than normally found in cured salmon. But keep in mind that salt toxicosis could appear with 2-3 grams of salt per kilogram of body weight; therefore, be mindful of the amount of cured salmon you feed your cat.

If you’re concerned about too much sodium being fed to your cat, but you still want to give them smoked salmon, consider buying a brand that makes theirs with less sodium, or making your own smoked salmon.

wooden spoon and salt
Image Credit: mkupiec7, Pixabay

The Fat Debate

One cubic inch of smoked salmon contains 0.7 grams of fat. The fat the fish contains is mostly healthy fats (0.5 grams), which have numerous health benefits for your cat. The saturated (“bad”) fat content of this serving is about 0.2 grams, which is unlikely to have lasting bad effects when given in small amounts.

What should be more concerning for cat parents with obese cats is caloric intake vs activity. Indoor cats only need about 20 calories per pound per day to maintain their weight. A cubic inch of smoked salmon contains 20 calories, so depending on what else your cat is eating in a day, it should be okay to give them a small chunk in one day, calorie-wise.

Again, if you are concerned, talk with your vet about feeding smoked salmon to your cat if you are worried about fat.

The Heavy Metal Debate

Some information on the Internet warns that too many heavy metals lie in salmon meat for cats. This debate says that human systems can handle what small amounts lie in the meat, but cat’s systems are much smaller and the heavy metals can harm them much more easily.

The best thing to do in this situation is to read your labels and make sure you are buying salmon that’s been screened for heavy metals. Check the labels of your store-bought fish and talk to your veterinarian.

smoking salmon
Image Credit: Pixabay

3 cat face divider

What Fish Is Best for Cats?

The best kind of fish for cats is fish tinned in water with no bones. Make sure the fish is not high in heavy metals, like tuna, swordfish, and king mackerel. Cats also like pollock.

Just be sure not to give your cat fish if they are known to be allergic to it (which can happen), and not to give it to them all the time.

What Cats Shouldn’t Eat

You might wonder what other foods might be harmful to your cat.

Here’s a short list of foods that cats can’t eat:
  • Chocolate
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Alcohol
  • Milk

Hepper 360 Cat Feeder, Stainless Steel, Anti-Chew...
  • NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...
  • WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...
  • CHEW-SAFE MATERIALS - Kittens and cats love chewing on silicone and soft rubber - but it's a choking...

Learning about what your cat can and cannot eat is a crucial part of keeping them happy and healthy! Choosing a bowl to serve cat-friendly foods in is another important decision pet owners face. Satisfy the specific needs of your cat with the innovative design of the Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl. Learn why it’s our (and our cats!) favorite food and water dish here.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

cat + line divider

Conclusion

Smoked salmon, in small amounts, can be a great source of healthy fats and protein for your cat. Assess what their health is and what they already are eating to see if they could use the benefit of smoked salmon in their diet.

The best way to do this is to talk to your vet. They will have the best idea of what’s healthiest for your cat.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Pixabay

Get Catster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Catster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.