Updated
Cat food safety
Can Cats Eat Sardines? Plain Low-Sodium Only
Plain low-sodium only
Yes, but only tiny plain sardine pieces packed in water with no added salt or seasoning.
SardinesAsk your vet
Call your veterinarian if bones, heavy salt, oil, seasoning, a large amount, or symptoms are involved.
Read the tin
Oil, salt, tomato sauce, mustard, garlic, and onion change the answer.
Check the bones
Soft tiny bones may be present, but anything firm or sharp should not be offered.
Serve
- Choose sardines packed in water with no added salt, oil, sauce, garlic, onion, or spice.
- Use one tiny flake and check for bones that are too firm or sharp.
Avoid
- Salted sardines, sardines in oil, tomato sauce, mustard sauce, smoked fish, bones that are hard to chew, garlic, onion, and large portions.
- Sardines for cats with pancreatitis risk, fish allergy, kidney disease, urinary diets, obesity, or prescription diets unless your veterinarian approves.
Watch
- Vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, itching, refusing food, choking, coughing, thirst, or behavior that feels wrong.
Portion
One tiny flake is enough for a healthy adult cat.
Helpful food-safety supplies
Optional tools for measuring, storing, serving, and cleaning up tiny portions safely.
Affiliate links: Furball Cove may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
