Cats can eat sardines in tomato sauce, yes. They can benefit from eating sardines because sardines are an excellent resource of Omega-3 fatty acids. While sardines are fine for cats, there’s one exception to watch out for, and that’s onion powder and garlic powder. These ingredients can poison your pet.
Canned sardines in tomato sauce makes up a right flavor combination. However, for cats, tomato sauce might not be a good idea.
Although cats can tolerate tomato in small amounts, I’d still not recommend feeding it to your cat.
If you wish to feed your cat some sardines in tomato sauce, it’s best to wash it first.
Let’s get into it more!
Contents
Is sardines in tomato sauce good for cats?
Although the sardines itself is safe and can even benefit your cat, the tomato sauce that comes with it is not.
Tomatoes aren’t that toxic for cats. In fact, they rarely suffer from eating tomatoes.
Further, experts say that it’s only the green or unripe tomatoes that are toxic. The green parts of the tomato contain solanine, which proves itself as the problem. Still, tomatoes are acidic and can cause digestive issues.
What makes such sardines worse is that people usually garnish or saute it with garlic and onions. Both of which are toxic even in small amounts.
Thus, if you have leftover sardines in tomato sauce and added garlic and onions, do not give it.
Related – Can cats eat canned sardines?
What is in sardines in tomato sauce? (Ingredients)
One famous brand, King Oscar, has these ingredients for canned sardines in tomato sauce.
Let’s take a look at what’s inside:
- Sardines
- Tomato sauce
- Water
- Tomato Paste
- Soybean oil
- Sugar (Not essential)
- Salt (Huge Red Flag)
- Carob Bean Gum
- Citric Acid (Toxic)
- Hot Paprika & Paprika flavoring (Cats can’t handle much spice)
Most sardines, such as the one above, contains ingredients that are not suitable.
Thus, if you wish to spare some sardines, the best thing you can do is wash the tomato sauce off. Or, you can offer sardines packed in water or olive oil.
You May Also Read – Can cats eat smoked fish?
Can cats eat tomato sauce?
Cats should have any issues eating tomato sauce, so long as it’s only a few licks.
Still, I recommend that you prevent your pet from eating tomato sauce.
Even though it’s already processed, it still contains tomato’s acidity, which is toxic.
According to ASPCA, tomato plants contain solanine, which can be toxic if ingested. Although such a component isn’t present in ripe tomatoes, there are still risks involved.
Further, tomato sauce may contain garlic, dairy, and onions, all of which can be harmful even in small amounts.
Thus, if you wish to give your feline friend sardines in tomato sauce, there are better alternatives.
Let’s get into it.
What canned fish can cats eat?
Since fish plays a big part in a cat’s diet (at least for some), there are many alternatives to sardines in tomato sauce.
There exists a variety when it comes to sardines. Still, your best bet would be canned sardines in olive oil or the ones packed in water.
The sardines in water offers the safest sardine treat. On the other hand, the one in olive oil helps maintain a shiny and healthy coat.
Aside from sardines, you can also go for canned tuna and salmon. Be mindful, though. Some canned fish still has fish bones attached.
Remove these bones before feeding it to avoid problems.
Now, a lot of people also ask if sardines in brine are suitable. Although it looks like a better option than the one in tomato sauce, it’s still bad for our feline pets.
The reason is that sardines in brine may have too much salt content.
What you can do is to make a separate sardine without salt. It would be much better and healthier that way.
Lastly, although fish meals give cats healthy oils, it still lacks the nutrients they need.
It’s alright to give some fish as a treat, but don’t make it a part of their regular diet.
Do you want to know if cats eat cookies or biscuits? Check it out!
Can I give my cat mackerel in tomato sauce?
A mackerel is a good treat for cats, as it is rich in protein and nutrients the same as other fish.
What gives mackerel a plus compared to other fish is that your cat may enjoy the healthy oil it brings.
However, it’s best to give one packed in springwater, and not in tomato sauce.
A couple of treats once in a while should provide a healthy diet.
Indeed, a mackerel is beneficial. Still, it’s combination with tomato sauce isn’t a promising one.
Keep mackerel in tomato sauce away from your cat’s diet as much as possible.
What about mayonnaise with tuna or lemon pepper tuna? Can cats eat that? Check it out!
Summary
Sardines make a great source of protein and other healthy nutrients for cats.
Still, as much as all sardines have that potential, the one mixed with tomato sauce can go wrong with cats.
Indeed, tomato sauce may not be lethal for cats. But then again, there are other alternatives, all of which are safer and much more beneficial for your cat.
Resources
King Oscar’s sardines in tomato sauce ingredients
ASPCA study about the toxicity of tomato plants for animals
Image credits – Photos by Luiza Sayfullina and catrina farrell on Unsplash
