Can cats eat cooked salmon?
Quick verdict
In moderation
Recommended amount
A small amount of plain cooked, boneless salmon occasionally.
Why
Plain cooked salmon is a tasty treat for cats.
Can cats eat cooked salmon, and why?
Plain cooked salmon is a tasty treat for cats. Cook it fully and remove all bones; it should not replace a balanced cat food.
Cats are obligate carnivores: they must get most of their nutrition from meat and need nutrients such as taurine that only animal products provide. They lack some enzymes for processing plants and carbohydrates, so fruit and veg offer little benefit and can upset their stomach; many cats are also lactose intolerant.
How to feed cooked salmon to cats
- •How much: A small amount of plain cooked, boneless salmon occasionally.
- •How often: An occasional treat, not a daily food. Any treat should be occasional and tiny — no more than about 10% of daily calories — and never replace a balanced cat food.
- •Young pets: Kittens have sensitive digestion and high growth needs, so introduce new foods cautiously and ask your vet.
- •Preparation: Always wash fresh produce, remove any pips, stones, seeds, peel or tough skin where relevant, and serve it plain — never with salt, sugar, oil, butter or seasoning.
More foods cats might eat
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding cats well:
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat cooked salmon?
In moderation. Plain cooked salmon is a tasty treat for cats.
How much cooked salmon can a cat have?
A small amount of plain cooked, boneless salmon occasionally.
Can cats eat cooked salmon every day?
It’s best as an occasional treat rather than a daily food. Any treat should be occasional and tiny — no more than about 10% of daily calories — and never replace a balanced cat food.
Can kittens eat cooked salmon?
Kittens have sensitive digestion and high growth needs, so introduce new foods cautiously and ask your vet.
Check cooked salmon for another pet