There’s a lot of debate over what foods are safe for Ragdolls to eat. Some people say that they can eat tuna, while others maintain that it’s not safe for them. So, what’s the truth? Can Ragdolls eat tuna or not?
The short answer is yes if fed in moderation (1-2 times a week), as a treat, or topper for their regular food for cats that have lost their appetite. As long as your Ragdoll isn’t on a special diet, has allergies, or has other health issues, it is safe to feed them tuna.
Pet owners love sharing different human foods with their feline friends. Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional value, benefits, dangers, and everything you need to know about feeding your Ragdoll tuna.
Is Tuna Safe for Ragdolls?
Tuna is a great source of protein and other essential vitamins and nutrients that are beneficial for a Ragdoll. Many commercial cat foods contain tuna as one of the main ingredients.
However, tuna is not meant to replace a cat’s regular diet. It should only be fed as a supplement or occasional treat. Feeding your Ragdoll too much tuna can lead to health problems, such as weight gain, heart disease, and even mercury poisoning.
The breed is a large size, that becomes vulnerable to bone and bone disease as they age. A Ragdoll cat needs a diverse diet, high in proteins, and vitamins to ensure they get the essential nutrients they need.
Nutritional Value In Tuna
Canned tuna is low in calories and high in protein. It is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are dietary fats beneficial for eye, brain, and heart health.
Other vitamins and nutrients found in just one ounce (oz) or 28 grams (g) of canned tuna are as follows.
| Canned Tuna in Oil | Canned Tuna in Water | |
| Vitamin D | 6.7 (micrograms) mcg | 1.2 mcg |
| Calories | 198 | 90 |
| Selenium | 76 mcg | 67.8 mcg |
| Protein | 29 grams | 19 grams |
| Fat | 8 grams | 1 gram |
Can Ragdolls Eat All Kinds of Tuna?
There are several different types of tuna. The most common are chunk light tuna, albacore tuna, and skipjack tuna.
Chunk light tuna is low in mercury and a good choice for feeding your Ragdoll.
Albacore or white tuna has more mercury than chunk light tuna and should only be fed to cats occasionally. Skipjack tuna is the lowest in mercury and is a good choice for feeding your Ragdoll.
It is important to note that not all canned tuna is created equal. Some brands of tuna are higher in mercury than others. When purchasing canned tuna, be sure to read the label to make sure you are getting a low-mercury brand.
Can Cats Eat Raw Tuna?
Never feed your cat raw tuna. The biggest danger of feeding cats raw tuna is the risk of parasites and bacteria, such as Salmonella and Listeria. These parasites and bacteria can cause serious health problems in cats, including diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and even death.
Always cook fresh tuna before sharing it with your feline. Avoid using any spices or seasonings when cooking tuna for your cat, as they can be harmful.
Are There Any Benefits of Feeding Ragdolls Tuna?
Tuna has many benefits for both cats and humans. The biggest being is the inexpensive source of protein.
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for improved skin and coat health. Resulting in less shedding and fewer hairballs.
Tuna is also a good source of niacin, a Vitamin B. Niacin deficiencies can cause inflamed gums, loss of appetite, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and weight loss. Cat’s can’t produce Niacin, therefore the foods they eat must contain it.
Protein is also essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. Ragdolls who are regularly fed tuna will maintain their healthy weight, have shiny coats, and be energetic.
Tuna has antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage. This is beneficial for cats because they are prone to developing age-related problems, such as arthritis and kidney disease. Antioxidants help prevent diseases such as; heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers and diseases.
Dangers of Feeding Ragdolls Tuna
Tuna is High In Mercury
The biggest concern pet owners face when feeding their pets tuna is mercury poisoning. Mercury is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems in cats, including kidney and liver damage, neurological problems, and even death.
Mercury poisoning is most commonly caused by eating fish that are high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. However, canned tuna can also contain high levels of mercury.
The amount of mercury in tuna varies depending on the type of tuna, how it was caught or processed, and the brand.
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has created a list of canned tuna that is low in mercury. Before feeding your Ragdoll tuna, be sure to check the EDF website to see if the canned tuna you are considering buying is safe.
Obesity
Ragdolls are known for their low energy levels compared to other breeds. Feeding your cat too much tuna can result in weight gain. Overweight Ragdolls are at an increased risk for developing diabetes, arthritis, urinary disease, and other health issues.
Allergies
Some Ragdoll cats can be allergic to fish. If you notice your cat has any allergic reactions from eating tuna, such as excessive scratching or hair loss, stop feeding them tuna and consult your veterinarian.
Ruin Their Appetite
Once your cat gets a taste of tuna, they may lose their appetite for their regular cat food. This means your cat will start refusing their regular well-balanced cat food, hoping you’ll instead give them more tuna. This can lead to malnutrition and other health problems.
Should You Feed Your Ragdoll Tuna?
Deciding whether or not to feed your Ragdoll tuna, comes down to a personal choice. As long as you are aware of the risks and benefits, it’s up to you whether or not to give them this seafood delight.
Just be sure to feed them in moderation and consult your veterinarian if your cat has any special dietary needs.
How to Feed A Ragdoll Tuna?
After reading all this and you still want to feed your Ragdoll some tuna, it’s simple. Just open a can of tuna. Opt for water-based tuna, instead of oil. Put a small amount of tuna in a bowl and let your cat eat it.
Most cats won’t waste any time eating it. If for some reason your cat doesn’t like eating it, don’t force them.
Feed them a small amount and don’t overfeed them. Even if they start begging for more, which they most likely will.
Monitor your cat to ensure they don’t have any negative reactions. If they do, stop feeding them tuna and consult your veterinarian.
Final Word
If your cat begs every time they hear you open a can of tuna, it’s perfectly fine to share. That said, make sure the tuna contains low levels of mercury and is not your cat’s only source of protein.
Feeding Ragdolls tuna can be a fun way to add some variety to their diet and keep them healthy and happy.
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Sources
https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/health-care/cat-conditions/mercury-poisoning-in-cats