Can you give cats canned tuna?

By Dr Anny Manrich (PhD)

Page last updated: 11/07/2022 | Next review date: 11/07/2024

Author bio

Dr Anny Manrich PhD is a food Engineer with expertise in Food Technology, Natural Polymers, Edible Films, Enzymes, and Nanotechnology. She writes and reviews content on these topics.

Dr Anny Manrich’s Highlights:

Research and Technology at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation
PhD in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Biochemistry at the Federal University of Sao Carlos/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
Bachelor of Food Engineering at the University of Campinas/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany

“To solve a problem, global vision and multifactorial understanding are necessary. Therefore, in addition to expertise, one should seek multidisciplinary thinking connected with science and reality” – Dr Anny Manrich, PhD.

Professional Experience:

Dr Anny Manrich’s Experience Joining the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, as soon as she completed her doctorate,

Dr Anny Manrich has worked on several projects, including the more than three-year partnership project with BRF, a major food producer in Brazil. As a postdoctoral fellow.

Dr Anny Manrich has also contributed to several business consultancies and research projects of the National Nanotechnology Laboratory System in areas such as food technology, fibres, films and coatings and Nanotechnology; in a very determined way, having a great team relationship, being creative and committed.

Growing concerns about the safe introduction of nanomaterials into today’s life emphasises the need to create regulatory documentation in front of characterising, using and testing them. Dr Anny Manrich worked for two years on a characterization project for nanoscale materials, with the aim of exploring their possible health effects.

Despite not having specific academic training in packaging or polymeric films, Dr Anny Manrich works at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation in areas of edible and biodegradable films produced from agricultural waste and in the development of films with greater resistance to water, having articles published in renowned scientific journals, which demonstrates her multidisciplinary understanding and creativity.

In addition, she worked for four years as a consultant to a food company to develop a line of snacks that are healthy and that add functional ingredients, physiologically active compounds that bring health benefits, made from fruits and vegetables, enabling diet improvement, disease prevention and reduction of nutritional deficiencies.

Dr Anny Manrich participated as a member of the examination board for two Master’s exams and one PhD exam at the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Federal University of São Carlos.

Education:

2001 Bachelor in Food Engineering at the State University of Campinas, Brazil
1999 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
2004 Master in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
2012 PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
2010 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich

The main publications of Dr. Anny Manrich are:

Articles

Manrich, A., Moreira, F. K., Otoni, C. G., Lorevice, M. V., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. (2017). Hydrophobic edible films made up of tomato cutin and pectin. Carbohydrate Polymers, 164, 83-91.

Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H. A., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Correlating emulsion characteristics with the properties of active starch films loaded with lemongrass essential oil. Food Hydrocolloids, 100, 105428.

Norcino, L. B., Mendes, J. F., Natarelli, C. V. L., Manrich, A., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Pectin films loaded with copaiba oil nanoemulsions for potential use as bio-based active packaging. Food Hydrocolloids, 106, 105862.

Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization of trypsin on chitosan gels: Use of different activation protocols and comparison with other supports. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 43.1 (2008): 54-61.

Manrich, Anny; Komesu, Andrea ; Adriano, Wellington Sabino; Tardioli, Paulo Waldir ; Giordano, Raquel Lima Camargo . Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by Multipoint Covalent Attachment on Agarose and on Chitosan Supports. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, v. 161, p. 455-467, 2010.

Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Neto, A. S., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Mattoso, L. H. C., & Martins, M. A. (2019). Development and physical-chemical properties of pectin film reinforced with spent coffee grounds by continuous casting. Carbohydrate polymers, 210, 92-99..

Milessi, T. S., Kopp, W., Rojas, M. J., Manrich, A., Baptista-Neto, A., Tardioli, P. W., … & Giordano, R. L. (2016). Immobilization and stabilization of an endoxylanase from Bacillus subtilis (XynA) for xylooligosaccharides (XOs) production. Catalysis Today, 259, 130-139.

Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Manrich, A., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Development, physical‐chemical properties, and photodegradation of pectin film reinforced with malt bagasse fibers by continuous casting. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(39), 49178.

Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Luchesi, B. R., Dantas, A. P. S., Vanderlei, R. M., … & Martins, M. A. (2021). Thermo-physical and mechanical characteristics of composites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) e spent coffee grounds (SCG). Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 29, 2888-2900..

Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Development of quaternary nanocomposites made up of cassava starch, cocoa butter, lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion, and brewery spent grain fibers. Journal of Food Science, 86(5), 1979-1996.

Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Manufacture and performance of peanut skin cellulose nanocrystals. Scientia Agricola, 79.

Nascimento, V. M., Manrich, A., Tardioli, P. W., de Campos Giordano, R., de Moraes Rocha, G. J., & Giordano, R. D. L. C. (2016). Alkaline pretreatment for practicable production of ethanol and xylooligosaccharides. Bioethanol, 2(1)..

Manrich, Anny, de Oliveira, J. E., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. Physicochemical and Thermal Characterization of the Spirulina platensis. J. Agric. Sci. Technol. B, v. 10, p. 298-307, 2020.

Book Chapter

Terra, I. A. A., Aoki, P. H., Delezuk, J. A. D. M., Martins, M. A., Manrich, A., Silva, M. J., … & Miranda, P. B. (2022). Técnicas de Caracterização de Polímeros. Nanotecnologia Aplicada a Polímeros, 614.

Conference Papers

Ferreira, L. F., Luvizaro, L. B., Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., Júnior, M. G., & Dias, M. V. (2017). Comparação da estabilidade de suspensões poliméricas de amido/tocoferol e quitosana/tocoferol. In: CONGRESSO BRASILEIRO DE POLÍMEROS, 14., 2017, Águas de Lindóia, SP.

Manrich, A., Hubinger, S. Z., & Paris, E. C. (2017). Citotoxicidade causada por nanomateriais: avaliação do micronúcleo. In: WORKSHOP DA REDE DE NANOTECNOLOGIA APLICADA AO AGRONEGÓCIO, 9., 2017, São Carlos. Anais… São Carlos: Embrapa Instrumentação, 2017. p. 655-658.

Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by multipoint covalent attachment on Glyoxyl Agarose Support. The 31st Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2009.

Manrich, Anny, et al. Application of immobilized xylanase on hydrolysis of soluble wood hemicelluloses after using microwave and organosolv pre-treatments. The 32nd Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2010.

You can view some of Dr Anny’s work below and links to her professional profile.

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anny-Manrich-2

Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=23103497100

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Ea9qpr0AAAAJ

Linkedin: https://br.linkedin.com/in/anny-manrich-20693129

Dr Anny Manrich (PhD)

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In this article, we will answer the question “Can you give cats canned tuna?”, and what kind of tuna can cats eat?

Can you give cats canned tuna?

Yes, you can give cats canned tuna but only as a treat. We understand the appeal of tuna for cats because of the unique flavor and the pleasant fishy smell of canned tuna. But canned tuna is unreasonably high in calories. Therefore, it should only be fed scarcely to your cat.

Between canned and fresh tuna, fresh tuna is a healthier option for your cat. This is because canned tuna(in brine) contains high concentrations of sodium and phosphorus. If you do decide to feed tuna to your cat, opt for the canned tuna that does not contain any added fats, salts, or flavorings.

For a 9lb cat under 14 years of age, ½ ounce of tuna per week is recommended. This is equivalent to 1 tbsp of tuna per week. Only 10% of the daily caloric needs of your cat should come from supplemental treats like tuna.

On a positive note, tuna is a good source of protein, selenium, and some vitamins and minerals. It contains a decent level of moisture. So, you do not have to feel guilty about feeding tuna to your cat as a treat occasionally.

How can tuna affect cat nutrition?

The ideal diet of your diet should consist of a balanced amount of protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Tuna itself is not nutritionally balanced as it is jam-packed with unsaturated fats and lacks the essential antioxidants and Vitamin E.

Your cat can become sick if given such nutritionally imbalanced foods on a daily basis. So, if your cat does not look well, consider a regular vet checkup to ensure everything is under control.

Not all cats can stomach tuna

Some cats are allergic to fish and lead to itching, hair loss, red or swollen skin, and red bumps upon consumption. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, fish is one of the most common allergens for cats.

If your cats show any of the aforementioned allergic symptoms or diarrhea, vomit, or loss of appetite, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Tuna is high in mercury

Mercury is a toxic metal for both humans and cats. Tuna, unfortunately, are commonly contaminated with mercury. The most common symptoms of mercury poisoning are dizziness and loss of coordination and balance.

Among all the tuna varieties, albacore tuna is more likely to be contaminated with high concentrations of mercury. Therefore, pet parents should particularly beware of this type of tuna.

Why do cats eating tuna may gain weight?

Indoor cats are not very physically active. Therefore, they require fewer calories for maintenance. Your cats can become obese if given more calories than their body demands. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends giving no more than 290 calories per day to a cat that weighs 11 pounds.

Humans are big species and require more calories to function. That is why human food contains a lot of calories. A few ounces of canned tuna in water is sufficient to fulfill more than a third of the daily caloric intake for many cats.

Therefore it is so important to watch out for the caloric intake of your pet cat. Just like humans, obesity in cats also increases the risk of diabetes, urinary disease, arthritis, and inflammation, and other health complications.

What kind of tuna can cats eat?

Both canned and fresh tuna can be given to your cats occasionally. If you opt for canned tuna, always go with the canned tuna packed in water and not the one that is packed in oil, added salt, and other flavorings.

Since Albacore tuna is high in mercury, you should give Chunk-light tuna to your cat. Make sure that you cook the fresh tuna before treating your cat with it. This is because the fresh tuna may be contaminated with parasites and pathogenic bacteria that may harm your pet cat.

In addition to this, fresh fish is packed with an enzyme called thiaminase. This enzyme functions to break down the essential Vitamin B. When consumed regularly, this can lead to a condition called Thiamine deficiency in your cat. Cooking temperatures are enough to destroy parasites, bacteria, and thiaminase enzymes.

Safe ways to feed tuna to your cat

Always consult your veterinarian before including certain food in your pet cat’s diet. If the vet gives the green signal, feed your cat with tuna sparingly like you would with any other treat. The ideal diet of your cat should consist of 90% quality, complete-and-balanced cat food and only 10% supplemental treats like tuna.