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Tuna

817 foods contain this ingredient

Protein Fish allergen group

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About Tuna

Tuna is an oily saltwater fish added to pet foods and treats mainly for its strong palatability and omega-3 content.

Tuna is commonly used in pet foods as a highly palatable animal protein and flavor enhancer, providing readily digestible protein and omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) along with B vitamins for both dogs and cats. While nutritionally beneficial, tuna can be high in mercury or sodium (especially canned), and feeding it exclusively or frequently may cause nutrient imbalances (including risks for thiamine or taurine issues in cats), so it should be offered in moderation as part of a complete, balanced diet.

Related ingredients

Skipjack Atlantic Tuna Natural Tuna Flavor Tuna Bone Tuna Broth Tuna By-Product Tuna Fillet Tuna Flavor Tuna Flavored Broth Tuna Loin Tuna Natural Flavor Tuna Oil Tuna Roe Yellowfin Tuna
Derived from
saltwater fish, often canned or meal form
Primary role
palatability enhancer and protein source

Why it's used

Cats and dogs are frequently drawn to tuna's strong smell and flavor, which is why it shows up as a topper, flavoring, or primary protein in wet foods and treats even in small quantities. It also contributes readily digestible protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Common concerns

  • Thiamine breakdown from raw fish The Merck Veterinary Manual states that raw fish contain thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys dietary thiamine, and that this is a documented cause of thiamine deficiency in cats causing neurological signs; cooking or canning destroys thiaminase.
  • Steatitis (yellow fat disease) A diet heavy in unsaturated fat from fish such as tuna, combined with insufficient vitamin E, has been documented as a cause of steatitis, a painful inflammation of body fat in cats.
  • Mercury accumulation Tuna is a larger predatory fish species associated with higher mercury accumulation than smaller fish, which is why veterinary sources generally recommend it not become a frequent or exclusive part of a cat's diet.
  • Sodium in canned forms Canned tuna packed in brine or seasoned for human consumption can carry added sodium not present in tuna formulated specifically for pet food.

Also relevant

Commercial cat foods that include tuna are formulated to also supply taurine and vitamin E, nutrients that plain tuna alone does not reliably provide in adequate amounts.

2 sources cited

Common Questions

What category is Tuna?

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

Is Tuna part of an allergen group?

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

Which foods contain Tuna?

817 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Tuna, including Made by Nacho, Meow Mix, Merrick.

Foods with Tuna

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

Made by Nacho
Flaked Tuna & Bonito Wet Cat Food
8.4
Made by Nacho
Flaked Tuna & Mackerel Wet Cat Food
8.4
Made by Nacho
Flaked Tuna & Rainbow Trout Wet Cat Food
8.4
Made by Nacho
Flaked Tuna & Sardine Wet Cat Food
8.4
Made by Nacho
Flaked Tuna & Sea Bass Wet Cat Food
8.3
Made by Nacho
Grain-Free Flaked Tuna Wet Cat Food Cup
8.5
Made by Nacho
Lickable Mousse Tuna Recipe Treat
8.0
Made by Nacho
Lickable Salmon & Tuna Mousse Treats
7.6
Meow Mix
Chunks in Gravy Ocean Whitefish & Tuna Wet Cat Food
6.6
Meow Mix
Chunks in Gravy With Real Salmon and Ocean Fish Wet Cat Food
6.5
Meow Mix
Chunks In Gravy With Real Tuna & Crab Wet Cat Food
6.4
Meow Mix
Chunks in Gravy With Real Tuna & Salmon Wet Cat Food
6.8
Meow Mix
Pate in Gravy With Real Chicken & Beef Wet Cat Food
7.4
Meow Mix
Paté in Gravy With Real Chicken & Tuna Wet Cat Food
6.8
Meow Mix
Pate in Gravy With Real Tuna & Salmon Wet Cat Food
7.4
Meow Mix
Tender Centers With Basted Bites Chicken & Tuna Flavors Dry Cat Food
6.3
Meow Mix
Tenders in Sauce With Real Chicken & Beef Wet Cat Food
6.6
Meow Mix
Tenders in Sauce With Real Chicken & Liver Wet Cat Food
7.2
Meow Mix
Tenders in Sauce With Real Salmon & Crab Wet Cat Food
6.8
Meow Mix
Tenders in Sauce With Real Tuna & Whole Shrimp Wet Cat Food
7.4
Meow Mix
Tenders in Sauce With Real Turkey & Giblets Wet Cat Food
6.6
Merrick
Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Tuna Pate Wet Cat Food
8.4
Natural Balance
Original Ultra Ocean Fish Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food
8.3
Natural Balance
Original Ultra Tuna & Shrimp Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food
8.4

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