Shirasu

1 food contains this ingredient

Protein Fish allergen group

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About Shirasu

Shirasu is the Japanese name for tiny whitebait, the immature young of fish like sardines or anchovies, used as a fish protein source.

Shirasu (Japanese whitebait) is a small juvenile fish used in pet foods as a lean animal protein and palatability ingredient that can supply digestible protein, omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) and, when whole fish are used, additional minerals like calcium. It can support skin, coat and joint health in dogs and cats but may pose allergy risks, and owners should prefer products from reputable suppliers to avoid excessive salt, spoilage/histamine, or contaminant concerns.

Derived from: juvenile whitebait fish (young sardines or anchovies)
Primary role: animal protein and palatability ingredient

Why it's used

Because whole small fish like shirasu are eaten bones and all, they can contribute calcium and other minerals along with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and their strong fish flavor is often used to improve palatability. Being a shorter-lived, lower-trophic-level fish, shirasu is generally grouped with other small forage fish rather than long-lived predatory species.

Common concerns

Fish allergy Fish is identified by VCA Animal Hospitals as one of the more common food allergens in cats, and it appears less commonly among documented allergens in dogs.
Thiamine breakdown if raw Some fish contain thiaminase, an enzyme that degrades thiamine (vitamin B1) and is linked to thiamine deficiency in cats when raw fish makes up a large part of the diet; cooking deactivates this enzyme.

Also relevant

Because it comes from small, short-lived forage fish rather than large predatory species, shirasu is generally discussed as lower on the trophic scale for mercury accumulation than tuna or swordfish.

2 sources cited

Common Questions

What category is Shirasu?

Shirasu is categorized as a protein ingredient in the KibbleLab database.

Is Shirasu part of an allergen group?

Yes. Shirasu is grouped under the Fish allergen group in the KibbleLab database.

Which foods contain Shirasu?

1 food in the KibbleLab database contain Shirasu, including Weruva.

Foods with Shirasu

Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.

Weruva

Asian Fusion Tuna & Shirasu In Gravy Wet Cat Food

8.6

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