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Cat Food Ingredient

Dehydrated Herring

Our ingredient score: 5 / 5 · Named animal protein · How We Score

Dehydrated herring is herring with most of its water removed, which makes it a concentrated source of protein. Herring is a small, oily ocean fish, so it also brings the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA. Because it is a small fish, its mercury buildup is low. The label names the fish, so the source of the protein is clear.

Common Questions

Is herring high in mercury?

No. Herring is a small fish, so its mercury buildup is low.

Is dehydrated herring safe for cats?

Dehydrated herring is herring with most of its water removed. The FDA places herring in its best choices group for low mercury in its fish advice for people. Herring is an oily fish, so it adds fat and calories along with protein. Fish can also trigger food allergies in some cats. For a cat with a medical condition, ask your veterinarian.

Source: fda.gov

Why is dehydrated herring in cat food?

Dehydrated herring adds concentrated fish protein and natural fish oil. Taking out the water means a small amount gives a lot of protein, which is useful in dry food. Herring is a small, oily ocean fish that supplies the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA. The label names the fish, so the source is clear.

What is the difference between dehydrated herring and herring meal?

Both are herring with the water taken out, but they are made differently. Dehydrated herring is the fish dried to remove water. Herring meal is rendered, and AAFCO says rendering uses heat and pressure to remove most of the water and fat, leaving mainly protein and minerals. Pettings scores both 5 out of 5 as named animal protein.

Source: aafco.org

Does herring have omega-3 for cats?

Yes, herring contains omega-3 fatty acids. The Merck Veterinary Manual names oily fish, krill oil and algae oil as the best dietary sources of EPA and DHA, and herring is an oily fish. Merck also notes that omega-3 fatty acids are required during growth and reproduction in cats. How much a finished food contains depends on the full recipe.

Source: merckvetmanual.com

How does Pettings score dehydrated herring?

Pettings gives dehydrated herring 5 out of 5 and lists it as a named animal protein. It appears on 1 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. The score is for the ingredient alone. Each food's page shows how the whole recipe scores overall.

How Foods With Dehydrated Herring Compare

Dehydrated Herring is on the label of 1 of the 149 dry cat foods we list.

Foods With Dehydrated Herring (1)