A lot of people want to feed their cats fish, with so many different types of fish available, as a cat parent it is difficult for you to understand which fish would be suitable for your cat. One of the best fish we at Captain Zack would recommend feeding your cat is Anchovy, they are little and cat-sized, so you've certainly questioned if Anchovies are a decent choice for your cat at some point.
Cats can consume Anchovies, whether dried, fresh, or canned. Anchovies can be given to your cat as a treat and are high in vitamins and nutrients that your cat requires to stay healthy.
Can Cats eat Anchovies with the bones?
Yes, cats can eat Anchovy bones. However, with Anchovies and other fish, the bones are very small and thin and are far more flexible than chicken bones so are unlikely to cause serious internal damage. That said you should limit the number of bones you feed your cat as overconsumption can cause severe constipation.
Benefits of Anchovies
1. Low Carb Treats
Anchovies are widely regarded as a healthy, low carb snack for people, and the same goes for cats! Anchovy contains roughly 6 grammes of protein and 1.5 grammes of fat per ounce, while being low in carbohydrates and sugars. This makes them great for feeding your cats because they are high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and contain a small bit of fat.
2. Adds Shine To Their Skin And Fur
One of the most important advantages of feeding your cat Anchovies is that they are high in Omega 3 fatty acids. These acids are extremely beneficial to the health of your cat. They promote heart health, promote healthier fur and skin, prevent arthritis, and assist your cat's body work normally.
3. Improves Immune Health
Anchovies also contain Selenium containing proteins have been reported to support the immune response and protect against certain cancers. Deficiencies in selenium can lead to heart disease, thyroid issues, heart and skeletal muscle issues, cataracts, cancer and red blood cell disorders.
4. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for keeping your cat's body healthy. It has a positive impact on your immune system, red blood cells, brain and nerve function, and a variety of other systems. Many meat and dairy items, including Anchovies, contain vitamin B12.
5. Bone Health
Anchovies contain calcium, which aids in bone development. Do you know, though, your cats need vitamin D to be able to effectively absorb calcium? Humans can absorb Vitamin D from sunlight, but in cats they are unable to metabolize it from the sun and only get it from what they eat. Fortunately, Anchovies have both.
6. Glossy Coat
Anchovies contain Vitamin B3 in the form of Niacin. This nutrient contributes to your cats fur health, adds shine and improves skin health. It also makes your cat livelier and helps them obtain more energy from their diet.
7. Low In Toxins
A cat parent’s biggest fear before giving their cats fish is the presence of toxins like mercury and the adverse effect it has on their cat. Lucky for them, little fish like Anchovies, have negligible amounts of mercury, so it’s the Wishin on Fishin’ is one treat where you don’t need to worry about mercury.
8. Easy To Portion
If you have numerous cats, you'll appreciate how easy it is to portion these treats. When it comes to Anchovies, you can offer each cat one or two Anchovies. This also makes it simple to keep track of how many goodies you're giving your feline pal, so you don't overfeed her.
