Dehydrated Sardine

Yes. Sardines are small, short-lived fish, so their mercury buildup is low.

Dehydrated sardine is sardine with most of its water removed, used as a concentrated fish protein. The FDA lists sardines among its best choices for low mercury in its fish advice for people. Sardines are oily, so they add fat as well as protein, and fish can trigger food allergies in some cats. For a cat with a medical condition, ask your veterinarian.

Source: fda.gov

Dehydrated sardine adds protein, omega-3 fats and calcium. Sardines are small, oily fish, so they supply EPA and DHA, and their soft bones add calcium. Drying them removes most of the water, which concentrates the protein for dry food. The label names the fish, so you know the source.

Canned sardines for people are not the same as sardine in cat food. Cornell Feline Health Center reports that some cats fed canned fish products meant for humans developed potentially serious neurological disorders. Fish packed for people is not balanced for a cat's needs. Ask your veterinarian before adding human canned fish to a cat's diet.

Source: vet.cornell.edu

Dehydrated means most of the water was removed from the ingredient before it went into the food. Because fresh fish or meat is mostly water, drying it concentrates the protein, so a smaller amount gives more nutrition by weight. Dehydrated is different from freeze-dried, which removes water at very low temperature, and from meal, which is cooked and rendered into a powder.

Pettings gives dehydrated sardine 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 reflects the ingredient on its own. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.