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Skipjack

817 foods contain this ingredient

Protein Fish allergen group

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About Skipjack

Skipjack is a smaller tuna species used in pet food and treats as a palatable, protein-dense fish ingredient.

Skipjack (skipjack tuna) is used in dog and cat foods as a highly palatable fish protein and flavor source, supplying complete amino acids, omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) for skin, coat, joint and cognitive support, and trace minerals such as iodine. It is generally lower in mercury than larger tuna species but can still contribute to heavy‑metal exposure if fed in large amounts, may trigger fish allergies in some pets, and should be included as part of a balanced, properly processed diet (raw fish can contain thiaminase and pathogens if not handled correctly).

Related ingredients

Tuna
Derived from
skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis)
Primary role
palatability enhancer and animal protein source

Why it's used

Skipjack has a strong natural flavor that pets tend to find highly palatable, which is why it shows up often in treats and toppers as well as complete diets. It also contributes complete amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids typical of fish protein.

Common concerns

  • Mercury relative to other tuna FDA testing data from 1990 to 2012 lists canned light tuna (predominantly skipjack, though it can include yellowfin) with a mean mercury concentration around 0.126 ppm, notably lower than albacore tuna's mean of roughly 0.350 ppm in the same dataset.
  • Thiaminase if fed raw Some fish contain thiaminase, an enzyme documented by the Merck Veterinary Manual to degrade thiamine and contribute to thiamine deficiency, most often reported in cats fed largely raw fish diets; cooking inactivates the enzyme.
  • Fish allergy Fish is listed by VCA Animal Hospitals among the more common food allergens identified in cats, and appears less frequently among documented allergens in dogs.

Also relevant

Skipjack matures and is harvested younger than large, long-lived tuna species like bluefin, which is generally why it and other smaller tuna test lower for mercury in FDA sampling.

3 sources cited

Common Questions

What category is Skipjack?

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

Is Skipjack part of an allergen group?

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

Which foods contain Skipjack?

817 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Skipjack, including Farmina, FirstMate, Friskies.

Foods with Skipjack

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

Farmina
Cod, Shrimp & Pumpkin Stew Kitten Wet Food
8.3
Farmina
N&D Ocean Cod, Shrimp & Pumpkin Stew Wet Cat Food
8.5
Farmina
N&D Ocean Salmon, Cod & Shrimp Stew Wet Cat Food
8.3
Farmina
N&D Ocean Sea Bass, Sardine & Shrimp Stew Wet Cat Food
8.3
Farmina
N&D Ocean Tuna & Shrimp Stew Wet Cat Food
8.3
Farmina
Sea Bass, Squid & Shrimp Stew Wet Cat Food
8.3
Farmina
Trout, Salmon & Shrimp Stew Wet Cat Food
8.2
Farmina
Tuna, Cod & Shrimp Stew Wet Cat Food
8.4
Farmina
Vet Life Gastrointestinal Wet Dog Food
8.7
Farmina
Vet Life Recoup Feline Wet Food
8.5
Farmina
Vet Life Recoup Wet Dog Food
8.4
Farmina
Vet Life Urinary ST Management Wet Dog Food
8.4
FirstMate
Cage-Free Turkey & Wild Tuna 50/50 Formula Wet Cat Food
8.4
FirstMate
Limited Ingredient Wild Tuna Formula Wet Cat Food
8.4
FirstMate
Limited Ingredient Wild Tuna Wet Cat Food
8.3
FirstMate
Wild Salmon & Wild Tuna 50/50 Formula Wet Cat Food
8.6
Friskies
Extra Gravy Paté With Tuna In Savory Gravy Wet Cat Food
7.4
Friskies
Friskies Paté Ocean Whitefish & Tuna Dinner Wet Cat Food
7.2
Friskies
Gravy Sensations Ocean Whitefish & Tuna In Gravy Wet Cat Food
6.8
Friskies
Ocean Favorites Meaty Bits With Tuna, Crab & Brown Rice In Sauce Wet Cat Food
7.2
Friskies
Ocean Favorites Pate With Tuna, Brown Rice & Peas Wet Cat Food
7.4
Friskies
Pate Chicken & Tuna Dinner Wet Cat Food
7.4
Friskies
Prime Filets Chicken & Tuna Dinner in Gravy Wet Cat Food
7.4
Friskies
Prime Filets With Ocean Whitefish & Tuna in Sauce Wet Cat Food
7.5

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