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