What To feed your Cat; Chicken vs Tuna vs Mackerel vs Salmon vs Trout

Feeding a cat is not just about “what they like.” It’s about protecting their heart, eyesight, kidneys, skin, gut, joints, and long-term lifespan. Unlike dogs or humans, cats are obligate carnivores; they must eat animal protein to survive and thrive. But not all animal proteins behave the same inside a cat’s body.

This guide breaks down the five most commonly fed proteins, Chicken, Tuna, Mackerel, Salmon, and Trout, explaining:

• Health benefits

• Correct feeding amounts

• Which breeds prefer what

• How to rotate proteins safely

• Why cats demand changes in food

• Common feeding mistakes

• Real-life examples

Understanding the Cat’s Nutritional Blueprint

Cats cannot:

• Convert plant protein efficiently

• Synthesize taurine

• Produce enough vitamin A or arachidonic acid

• Digest heavy carbohydrates

Their food must be:

• Animal-protein dominant

• Taurine rich

• Moisture dense (70–80% water)

• Low carbohydrate

This is why protein choice is critical, not just flavor, but physiological impact.

Chicken – The Daily Staple Protein

Chicken is the safest and most universally accepted protein for cats. It is light, gentle on the stomach, and nutritionally dense.

Health Benefits

• High in taurine → supports heart & vision

• Easily digestible → ideal for kittens & seniors

• Lean protein → preserves muscle mass

• Low odor → preferred by picky eaters

Safe Daily Amount

• Adult cat (4–5 kg): 60–80 g per meal

• Kittens: 20–30 g per meal, 3–4 meals/day

Breed Preferences

• Persian, Ragdoll, Scottish Fold: very well tolerated

• Rescue & Indie cats: adapt quickest to chicken

Important Note

Chicken alone is not a complete diet. It lacks:

• Calcium (bone health)

• Omega-3 (skin & joints)

• Certain trace minerals

It must be balanced or rotated with other proteins.

Best Use: Daily base protein.

Tuna – The Addictive Appetite Booster (Not a Daily Food)

Tuna is the most emotionally powerful food for cats; they smell it from across rooms. But it is also the most misused protein in home feeding.

Health Benefits

• Strong appetite stimulant

• High in protein and vitamin B12

• Useful for:

• Sick cats

• Post-surgery recovery

• Stress-related food refusal

Safe Amount

• 10–20 g only, 1–2 times/week

Major Risks

• Mercury accumulation with regular feeding

• Taurine imbalance

• Leads to “tuna addiction syndrome.”

• Cats may permanently refuse all other foods

Breed Tendency

• Bengals, Siamese, Orientals → extremely tuna-driven

Best Use: Occasional topper, never a staple. 

Mackerel – The Omega Powerhouse

Mackerel is one of the richest natural sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Health Benefits

• Improves coat shine & skin barrier

• Reduces joint stiffness

• Supports brain health & immunity

• Excellent for senior cats

Safe Amount

• 20–30 g, 2–3 times/week

Cautions

• Very high fat → excess can cause loose stools

• Avoid in pancreatitis-prone cats

Breed Preference

• Maine Coon, Siberian, and Norwegian Forest Cats benefit hugely

Best Use: Rotational omega support protein

Salmon – The Premium Skin & Coat Protein

Salmon is nutritionally dense and highly therapeutic when used correctly.

Health Benefits

• High EPA & DHA for skin, coat & inflammation

• Vitamin D for bones and immunity

• Reduces allergies & dryness

• Supports emotional calming

Safe Amount

• 20–25 g, 2 times/week

Safety Rules

• Must be fully cooked

• Raw salmon can transmit parasites

• Portion control is critical due to fat content

Breed Preference

• Persian, Himalayan, Ragdoll → dramatic coat improvement

Best Use: Therapeutic skin & coat rotation

Trout – The Light, Gut-Friendly Fish

Trout is one of the most digestible fish proteins for cats.

Health Benefits

• Lean protein

• Easy on sensitive stomachs

• Good for cats with IBD or mild food allergies

• Lower in fat than salmon or mackerel

Safe Amount

• 25–35 g, 2–3 times/week

Breed Preference

• Siamese, Abyssinian, and Orientals with fast digestion

Best Use: Digestive-friendly rotation protein

Feeding Amounts by Life Stage

Kittens (2–12 months)

• 8–10% of body weight/day

• 3–4 small meals

• Mostly chicken + light trout

Adult Cats

• 2.5–4% of body weight/day

• 2–3 meals

Senior Cats (8+ years)

• Smaller, more frequent meals

• Higher omega-3 rotation (salmon & mackerel)

• Lower fat spikes

Breed-Wise Protein Preferences (Observed Patterns)

Understanding Cat Feeding Behavior

Cats don’t just “eat.” They strategically control food through behavior.

1. Protein Fixation

Feeding the same fish daily creates:

• Flavor addiction

• Rejection of balanced meals

• Nutrient imbalance

2. Smell Controls Appetite

Warm food releases natural oils → higher acceptance.

3. Texture Sensitivity

Some cats refuse:

• Large chunks

• Gel textures

• Shredded meat

They prefer:

• Smooth pâté

• Fine flakes

• Broth-heavy meals

4. Routine Dependence

Cats demand:

• Same time

• Same bowl

• Same feeding spot

• Change triggers protest behaviors.

Common Feeding Mistakes

• Feeding only tuna daily

• Feeding raw fish regularly

• No taurine supplementation

• No calcium source with meat

• No protein rotation

• Overfeeding oily fish

What all cat meals are available at Goofy Tails?

• Chicken and Flaxseed Wet Cat and Kitten Food
• Mackerel and Seaweed Wet Cat and Kitten Food
• Tuna and Anchovies Wet Cat and Kitten Food
• Mackerel and Chicken Wet Cat and Kitten Food
• Himalayan Trout Wet Cat and Kitten Food

Final Feeding Verdict

• Daily Base Protein: Chicken

• Coat & Joints: Salmon & Mackerel

• Sensitive Digestion: Trout

• Mood & Appetite Booster: Tuna (occasionally only)

A healthy cat thrives on:

Consistent chicken + smart fish rotation + complete mineral & taurine balance