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The 7 Best Tuna Cat Food Formulas

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When you open up a can of tuna, it probably won’t take long for your cat to come twining around your ankles, meowing up a storm.

Canned tuna has a strong, fishy aroma that cats simply can’t get enough of, but fresh tuna is much different. Both contain high levels of protein balanced with healthy fats, but that doesn’t mean tuna is the best option for your cat.

Tuna certainly isn’t unhealthy – at least in any major way – but there are certain risks you should be aware of before feeding your cat a primarily tuna-based diet.

At A Glance: Best Cat Foods With Tuna To Buy

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Want a quick look at the best cat foods reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Best Overall
10.0
Picked by 31 people today!

Wellness CORE Signature Selects Flaked Skipjack Tuna & Wild Salmon Entrée in Broth Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

  • Rich in high-quality animal protein
  • Low carbohydrate content, easily digestible
  • Packed with hydrating moisture
Budget Pick
9.8
Picked by 31 people today!

Dave’s Pet Food Tuna & Salmon Dinner in Aspic Canned Cat Food

  • Contains over 61% dry matter protein
  • Rich in hydrating moisture from flavorful tuna broth
  • Simple recipe is easily digestible for most cats
Best Variety Pack
9.5
Picked by 25 people today!

Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Variety Pack Grain-Free Wet Cat Food

  • Choose from four tuna-based recipes
  • Soft texture in a flavorful, moisture-rich gravy
  • Made with mercury-tested tuna
Best Dry Cat Food
9.4
Picked by 21 people today!

CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Indoor Tuna Formula Dry Cat Food

  • First three ingredients are concentrated sources of animal protein
  • Fairly low-calorie, may be good for overweight cats
  • Free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
Best Canned Cat Food
9.3
Picked by 18 people today!

Solid Gold Five Oceans Sardines & Tuna Recipe in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

  • Two animal-based proteins top the ingredient list
  • Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
  • Appealing to cats and easy to chew
Best For Kittens
9.2
Picked by 18 people today!

Weruva Tuna & Salmon Formula in Hydrating Puree Wet Cat Food

  • Packed with high-quality animal protein
  • Rich in moisture to support your kitten’s hydration
  • Easily digestible with a soft, chewable texture
Best Food Topper
9.1
Picked by 18 people today!

PureBites Mixers 100% Wild Tuna in Water Grain-Free Cat Food Trays

  • Skipjack tuna has lower mercury levels than albacore
  • Made only with fresh fish and water
  • Low in calories, about 30 calories per tray

Why Should You Trust Us?

Over the last several years, we’ve spent countless hours testing the most popular pet products on the market, including cat food, cat treats, cat litter, and more. We’ve written in-depth reviews of our favorite brands as well as dozens of roundups to help you choose the right product for your cat.

Having reviewed 230 of the world’s most popular cat food brands and hundreds of formulas. We spent hours researching, contacting pet food companies, and analyzing labels. With the help of our cats, we also got hands-on experience with many popular cat foods.

Is Tuna An Appropriate Protein For Cats?

Cartoons and comic strips often show cats going crazy over fish. There’s no denying that cats love a nice smelly fish-based food, but fish like tuna might not be the most appropriate option for cats.

Genetically speaking, your cat’s DNA is still fairly similar to that of his wild ancestors – at least in terms of his nutritional requirements. Wild cats feed primarily on birds and small mammals, though big cats are capable of taking down larger animals. Fish simply isn’t a significant component of a wild cat’s diet, and you may want to think about whether it’s a worthy inclusion in your own cat’s diet.

That being said, there are plenty of nutritional benefits to fish like tuna.

Fresh tuna contains about 32 calories per ounce with less than ¼ gram of fat and about 7 grams of protein. Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, though the fat content depends to some degree on the type of tuna. It also contains notable amounts of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and B vitamins.

While tuna can be a rich source of animal-based proteins and healthy fats, it can also be quite addicting.

The strong aroma and appealing flavor may lead some cats to turn up their noses at other foods. This might not be a problem if your cat tolerates the food well, but many veterinary nutritionists recommend a varied diet for cats to reduce the potential for food allergies.

On top of species appropriateness, it’s also important to answer the question: Is tuna safe for cats?

When choosing a food for your cat, the type of protein is an important consideration if your cat has food allergies. Fish is one of the more common food allergens and if your cat is allergic to one kind – like salmon – he may be allergic to tuna as well.

Perhaps more important, however, is the potential risk of mercury poisoning when feeding your cat tuna and other fish.

Tuna is likely to contain more mercury than other seafood like salmon, tilapia, oysters, and lobster. This being said, it depends on the type of tuna. Smaller species like skipjack will have lower mercury levels than larger species like albacore. Basically, fish that feed on smaller fish accumulate higher levels of mercury over time.

If you’re going to feed your cat tuna-based food, it’s wise to rotate it with land-based proteins like poultry and meat.

In the same way that large fish accumulate higher levels of mercury as a result of their staple diet, cats can develop mercury poisoning if they eat a primarily fish-based diet. If your cat isn’t allergic to other proteins, you might even consider a recipe that includes tuna as a supplemental source of protein instead.

You should always thoroughly examine the nutritional information on the package. Before feeding fish-based cat food with multiple types of fish, you may want to consult the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Consumer Guide to Mercury in Fish. It lists mercury levels in fish from lowest to highest, so it may help you make an informed decision about feeding your cat a fish-based cat food.

The Best Tuna Cat Foods: Our Top Picks

Now that you understand the basics of tuna-based food for cats and some of the cases in which it might be recommended, you’re ready to see our top picks.

#1 Overall Best: Wellness CORE

  • Made In: United States
  • Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
  • Age Range: Adult
  • Calories Per Ounce: 25
  • Typical Cost Per Day: $4.95 per day

The main source of protein in this recipe appears to be tuna. It is a multi-protein pate-style wet food formula made with tuna, mackerel, and salmon. Sunflower oil is the main source of added fat. The food contains 884 kcal/kg or about 70 kcal/oz.

Featured Recipe: Wellness CORE Signature Selects Flaked Skipjack Tuna & Wild Salmon Entrée in Broth Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

Your cat deserves a protein-rich diet and as much of that protein should come from animal ingredients as possible. This pate canned food features fresh tuna as the primary ingredient, supplemented by fresh mackerel and salmon.

The ingredient list is pretty short aside from vitamin and mineral supplements, and there are only three added carbohydrates. Tapioca starch and guar gum act as thickeners for the pate while sunflower oil provides an added source of fat. We’d prefer to see something like salmon oil or herring oil here, but sunflower oil does provide a rich source of vitamin K, a nutrient that boosts bone and blood health.

This recipe contains over 66% protein on a dry matter basis and the moisture content is a little bit higher than the average wet food. The formula should be highly digestible for most cats and the total carbohydrate content is low.

Ingredients

Tuna, Tuna Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing, Mackerel, Salmon, Tapioca Starch, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Taurine, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Minerals [Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite], Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K).

Ingredients We Liked: Tuna, Tuna Broth, Mackerel, Salmon

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Tapioca Starch, Sunflower Oil

Guaranteed Analysis

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Crude Protein: 10%
Crude Fat: 3.5%
Crude Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 85%
Ash: 2%

Dry Matter Basis

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Protein: 66.67%
Fat: 23.33%
Fiber: 6.67%

Caloric Weight Basis

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Protein: 54.05%
Fat: 45.95%

What We Liked

  • Rich in high-quality animal protein
  • Low carbohydrate content, easily digestible
  • Packed with hydrating moisture
  • Free from animal by-products and fillers

What We Didn’t Like

  • Contains some starchy thickeners
  • Only added fat is plant-based

#2 Budget Pick: Dave’s Pet Food

  • Made In: United States
  • Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
  • Age Range: Adult
  • Calories Per Ounce: 27
  • Typical Cost Per Day: $3.10 per day

The main source of protein in this recipe is tuna. It is a multi-protein wet cat food formula made with tuna and salmon. Soybean oil is the main source of added fat. The food contains 960 kcal/kg or about 27 calories per ounce.

Featured Recipe: Dave’s Pet Food Tuna & Salmon Dinner in Aspic Canned Cat Food

If your cat has trouble tolerating more common proteins like chicken or beef, this tuna formula from Dave’s Pet Food may be an affordable alternative. Priced around $0.40 per ounce, this recipe comes in both 3-ounce and 5.5-ounce cans.

This recipe features fresh tuna as the main ingredient, with salmon as a supplemental source of protein. Tuna broth contributes plenty of hydrating moisture and is a flavorful alternative to water. While the food’s main source of added fat is plant-based, the fish ingredients contain significant amounts of omega-3s to benefit your cat’s skin and coat.

Measured as dry matter, this recipe contains over 61% protein and about 8.3% fat. Given its low fat and calorie content, some cats may need to eat more of this food to meet their needs. It could, however, be a good choice for cats who need to lose weight.

Ingredients

Tuna, Tuna Broth, Salmon, Natural Flavor, Calcium Sulfate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Soybean Oil, Carrageenan, Cassia Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Carbonate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Glycine Complex, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide, Taurine.

Ingredients We Liked: Tuna, Salmon

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum, Soybean Oil

Guaranteed Analysis

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Crude Protein: 11%
Crude Fat: 1.5%
Crude Fiber: 0.5%
Moisture: 82%

Dry Matter Basis

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Protein: 61.11%
Fat: 8.33%
Fiber: 2.78%
Carbs: 27.78%

Caloric Weight Basis

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Protein: 56%
Fat: 18.55%
Carbs: 25.45%

What We Liked

  • Contains over 61% dry matter protein
  • Rich in hydrating moisture from flavorful tuna broth
  • Simple recipe is easily digestible for most cats
  • Budget-friendly pricing around $0.40/ounce

What We Didn’t Like

  • Low fat and calorie content may not be ideal for some cats
  • Guar gum may contribute to loose stools in some cats

#3 Best Variety Pack: Tiki Cat

  • Made In: Thailand
  • Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
  • Age Range: Adult
  • Calories Per Ounce: 20
  • Typical Cost Per Day: $4.57 per day

The main source of protein in this recipe appears to be tuna. It is a fish-based wet food formula made with tuna and tilapia. Sunflower seed oil is the main source of added fat. The food contains 700 kcal/kg or about 60 kcal/can.

Featured Recipe: Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Variety Pack Grain-Free Wet Cat Food – Tuna with Tilapia & Pumpkin

It’s fairly common for cats to become picky eaters. Some cats prefer one food over another because their bodies don’t react well to certain ingredients. In many cases, however, a cat simply gets used to eating the same food and just isn’t interested in anything else.

Feeding your cat a rotational diet helps round out his nutrition. This variety pack of Aloha Friends canned food from Tiki Cat is a great option for rotational diets.

This variety pack includes four tuna-based recipes: Tuna with Tilapia and Pumpkin, Tuna with Shrimp and Pumpkin, Tuna with Ocean Whitefish and Pumpkin, and Tuna with Calamari and Pumpkin. All four begin with flaked tuna and tuna broth at the top of the list, making them high-protein and moisture-rich wet foods. Most importantly, however, these recipes are made with dolphin-safe and mercury-tested tuna.

All four recipes are free from grains, gluten, and GMOs. They’re fairly low in carbs, though the pumpkin does contribute. Pumpkin is rich in fiber to support your cat’s digestion and it is antioxidant-packed as well. The food seems to be popular among the owners of senior cats who need a soft food but prefer gravy-based recipes instead of pates.

Ingredients

Flaked Tuna, Tuna Broth, Pumpkin, Tilapia, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Ferrous Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Copper Sulfate, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement.

Ingredients We Liked: Flaked Tuna, Tilapia

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Sunflower Seed Oil

Guaranteed Analysis

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Crude Protein: 11%
Crude Fat: 1.8%
Crude Fiber: 0.5%
Moisture: 84%
Ash: 1.5%

Dry Matter Basis

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Protein: 68.75%
Fat: 11.25%
Fiber: 3.13%
Carbs: 7.5%

Caloric Weight Basis

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Protein: 66.38%
Fat: 26.38%
Carbs: 7.24%

What We Liked

  • Choose from four tuna-based recipes
  • Soft texture in a flavorful, moisture-rich gravy
  • Made with mercury-tested tuna
  • Free from gluten, grains, and GMO ingredients

What We Didn’t Like

  • Carbohydrate content is over 10%
  • Main source of added fat is plant-based

#4 Best Dry Cat Food: Canidae

  • Made In: Thailand
  • Guaranteed Protein: 36% Min
  • Age Range: Adult
  • Calories Per Pound: 1316
  • Typical Cost Per Day: $0.53 per day

The main source of protein in this recipe appears to be tuna. It is a limited ingredient dry food formula made with fresh tuna, salmon meal, and menhaden fish meal. Canola oil is the main source of added fat. The food contains 1,542 kcal/lb. or about 435 kcal/cup.

Featured Recipe: Canidae Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Indoor Tuna Formula Dry Cat Food

If your feline friend prefers kibble – or if you simply find it more affordable than wet food – this Canidae limited ingredient formula is a good tuna-based option. No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs, however, so it’s wise to supplement your cat’s water intake with a wet food topper or by adding some water or broth to the dry food.

Fresh tuna is the first ingredient in this recipe, followed immediately by salmon meal and menhaden fish meal. Unfortunately, these are the only animal-based ingredients in the recipe.

Both lentils and chickpeas are starchy carbohydrates and can be difficult for cats to digest. Sweet potatoes are complex carbs that have a lower glycemic load, but suncured alfalfa is often used as a source of plant-based protein which is less biologically valuable for cats than animal protein.

Canola oil is the only source of added fat, though the fresh tuna likely provides a decent amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

This formula is marketed for cats with sensitive stomachs and as a healthy weight recipe. This may explain why the fiber content is so high. While a little extra fiber can be beneficial for cats with certain digestive issues – and may help keep your cat feeling full on a low-calorie diet – too much fiber can be a problem for some cats.

Ingredients

Tuna, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lentils, Chickpeas, Sweet Potatoes, Suncured Alfalfa, Canola Oil, Natural Flavor, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Mixed Tocopherols (A Natural Source of Vitamin E).

Ingredients We Liked: Tuna, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Lentils, Chickpeas, Sweet Potatoes, Suncured Alfalfa, Canola Oil

Guaranteed Analysis

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Crude Protein: 36%
Crude Fat: 12%
Crude Fiber: 5%
Moisture: 9%

Dry Matter Basis

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Protein: 39.56%
Fat: 13.19%
Fiber: 5.49%
Carbs: 41.76%

Caloric Weight Basis

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Protein: 34.9%
Fat: 28.25%
Carbs: 36.84%

What We Liked

  • First three ingredients are concentrated sources of animal protein
  • Fairly low-calorie, may be good for overweight cats
  • Free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives

What We Didn’t Like

  • No dry food contains the moisture your cat needs
  • High fiber content could be a problem for some cats
  • Contains several starchy carbohydrates

#5 Best Canned Cat Food: Solid Gold

  • Made In: United States
  • Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
  • Age Range: Adult
  • Calories Per Ounce: 22
  • Typical Cost Per Day: $4.88 per day

The main source of protein in this recipe appears to be sardines. It is a fish-based wet canned food formula made with fresh sardines and tuna. Canola oil is the main source of added fat. The food contains 792 kcal/kg or about 135 kcal per 6-ounce can.

Featured Recipe: Solid Gold Five Oceans Sardines & Tuna Recipe in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

While many cats enjoy dry food, canned food is often a more species appropriate choice. Obligate carnivores like your cat need a high-protein diet low in carbohydrates and wet food tends to check these boxes more often than dry food.

One of the best wet cat food options featuring tuna is this Five Oceans recipe from Solid Gold. While tuna isn’t the first source of protein, it’s one of two – tuna being the second. Tapioca and xanthan gum are the only added carbohydrates, though the main source of added fat (canola oil) is plant-based.

This canned food entrée is a good option for cats allergic to other common proteins like chicken or beef. It’s a simple, highly digestible recipe that is also palatable and easy for senior cats to chew.

Several cat owners comment that even their picky eaters enjoyed it and they particularly enjoy the sardine pieces. Others note that the food has a fairly strong odor, but it may be just what picky eaters need to entice them to give the food a try.

Ingredients

Water Sufficient for Processing, Sardines, Tuna, Vitamin E Supplement, Tapioca, Canola Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfate Complex (Source of Vitamin K), Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement.

Ingredients We Liked: Sardines, Tuna

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Tapioca, Canola Oil

Guaranteed Analysis

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Crude Protein: 10%
Crude Fat: 2%
Crude Fiber: 1.5%
Moisture: 82%
Ash: 3%

Dry Matter Basis

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Protein: 55.56%
Fat: 11.11%
Fiber: 8.33%
Carbs: 8.33%

Caloric Weight Basis

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Protein: 61.14%
Fat: 29.69%
Carbs: 9.17%

What We Liked

  • Two animal-based proteins top the ingredient list
  • Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
  • Limited number of ingredients improves digestibility
  • Appealing to cats and easy to chew

What We Didn’t Like

  • Has a fairly strong fishy aroma
  • Contains several starchy plant ingredients

#6 Best For Kittens: Weruva

  • Made In: United States
  • Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
  • Age Range: Kitten
  • Calories Per Ounce: 20
  • Typical Cost Per Day: $6.04 per day

The main source of protein in this recipe appears to be tuna. It is a primarily fish-based formula made with fresh tuna and salmon supplemented with dried egg. Sunflower oil is the main source of added fat. The food contains 697 kcal/kg or about 59 kcal per 3-ounce can.

Featured Recipe: Weruva Tuna & Salmon Formula in Hydrating Puree Wet Cat Food

Kittens need a high-protein diet to fuel their development with higher levels of fat than adult cats to support rapid growth. Kitten food should check both of these boxes and be made with high-quality, animal-based ingredients.

This kitten recipe from Weruva features fresh tuna and salmon as the main ingredients, though dried egg appears as a supplemental protein. Sunflower oil is the primary source of added fat and there are three starchy ingredients that help thicken the product and add texture.

With a limited number of plant ingredients, this recipe is packed with animal protein. It is, however, fairly low in fat. It meets AAFCO’s minimum requirements, but kittens who are struggling to grow may need a source of supplemental fat in their diet.

Overall, it’s a moisture-rich and highly digestible recipe that kittens seem to enjoy. Some cat owners comment that their kittens prefer beef or chicken flavors while others find the aroma of this fish recipe is enticing for picky eaters.

Ingredients

Fish Broth, Tuna, Salmon, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Potato Starch, Tricalcium Phosphate, Dried Egg, Xanthan Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Calcium Lactate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source Of Vitamin K), Potassium Iodide.

Ingredients We Liked: Tuna, Salmon, Dried Egg

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Sunflower Oil, Potato Starch

Guaranteed Analysis

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Crude Protein: 11%
Crude Fat: 1.5%
Crude Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 87%
Ash: 2%

Dry Matter Basis

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Protein: 84.62%
Fat: 11.54%
Fiber: 7.69%

Caloric Weight Basis

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Protein: 75.12%
Fat: 24.88%

What We Liked

  • Packed with high-quality animal protein
  • Rich in moisture to support your kitten’s hydration
  • Easily digestible with a soft, chewable texture

What We Didn’t Like

  • Fairly low in fat for a kitten recipe
  • Contains a few starchy thickeners

#7 Best Food Topper: PureBites

PureBites Mixers 100% Wild Tuna in Water Grain-Free Cat Food Trays

  • Made In: United States
  • Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
  • Age Range: Adult
  • Calories Per Tray: 25
  • Typical Cost Per Day: $12.52 per day

The main source of protein in this recipe appears to be tuna. It is a single-protein, supplemental cat food formula made with fresh skipjack tuna and water without any added fat. The food contains 600 kcal/kg or about 30 calories per tray.

Featured Recipe: PureBites Mixers 100% Wild Tuna in Water Grain-Free Cat Food Trays

A nutritious and species-appropriate diet is a must for cats in all life stages. Even though you want what’s best for your cat, however, we can’t all afford top-shelf cat food. If middle-shelf canned or dry food is what’s in your budget, consider supplementing your cat’s diet with a protein-packed food topper.

PureBites cat food trays are perfectly sized to give your cat a scoop on top of his regular food twice a day. This variety pack includes tuna- and salmon-based recipes, both of which contain just about 30 calories per tray.

The featured recipe is made only with 100% pure skipjack tuna and water. As you’ll recall, skipjack tuna tends to have lower mercury levels than albacore, so this food topper is a much more appropriate choice than something like canned tuna intended for human consumption.

Ingredients

100% Pure Wild Skipjack Tuna, Water

Ingredients We Liked: Wild Skipjack Tuna

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None

Guaranteed Analysis

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Crude Protein: 9%
Crude Fat: 1%
Crude Fiber: 0.5%
Moisture: 85%

Dry Matter Basis

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Protein: 60%
Fat: 6.67%
Fiber: 3.33%
Carbs: 30%

Caloric Weight Basis

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Protein: 56.5%
Fat: 15.25%
Carbs: 28.25%

What We Liked

  • Skipjack tuna has lower mercury levels than albacore
  • Made only with fresh fish and water
  • Low in calories, about 30 calories per tray

What We Didn’t Like

  • Only intended for supplemental feeding
  • Fairly pricey, around $1.50 per tray

Final Thoughts

Whether you go with tuna or another protein as the staple of your cat’s diet, it’s important to make sure the food meets his nutritional requirements.

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), adult cats need a minimum of 26% crude protein and 9% crude fat in their diets on a dry matter basis. Kittens have a higher minimum protein requirement at 30% but their needs for fat are the same. Keep in mind, however, that these are minimum requirements – your cat deserves more than the bare minimum, doesn’t he?

When shopping for cat food, keep your cat’s carnivorous needs in mind. He requires a high protein diet balanced with healthy fats. It should have minimal carb content and the ingredient list should be free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

Quality ingredients matter, so consider a brand that uses human-grade ingredients and makes their products in human food facilities. Wet food is generally a more species-appropriate choice than dry, though you should consider freeze-dried or fresh food if you can afford it.

Cat foods made with tuna as a single source of protein aren’t particularly common, but there are plenty of recipes that include it as an ingredient. In fact, it might be better for your cat if you include tuna as a supplemental protein in his diet, given the risk for mercury poisoning.

Learn more about your cat’s nutritional needs in this in-depth guide.

Note: The values in our nutrient charts are automatically calculated based on the guaranteed analysis and may not represent typical nutrient values. This may lead to discrepancies between the charts and the values mentioned in the body of the review.
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About Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is a writer with over twelve years of experience in the pet industry. She is an NAVC-certified Pet Nutrition Coach and has completed coursework in therapeutic nutrition, raw feeding, and the formulation of homemade diets for pets at an accredited university. Kate enjoys cooking, reading, and doing DIY projects around the house. She has three cats, Bagel, Munchkin, and Biscuit.

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  1. Stephanie Barnard

    I have tried many different brands of tuna including the ones mentioned above for my cat who only likes albacore tuna. She will eat turkey as well sometimes. The only tuna she likes is Applaws tuna fillet in broth or with seaweed. Though, she has issues from can to can with this brand. She will eat an entire case with the same lot number/expiration date, but another lot number/expiration date, she won’t touch. Then, she will eat another lot number. I’ve reached out to the manufacturer, but they never respond to my questions. Sometimes I can tell by the smell, but not often. So not sure what her issue is. She’d rather starve than eat it. Luckily my local pet store ‘gets’ it and lets me exchange the cans for another lot number. I wish I could get her to eat something else, but other than one brand of turkey, she will only eat dry. I buy the highest quality dry with the best percentage of protein I can find. But I wish I could find something else in wet food.

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