Fish Bone Broth
Our ingredient score: 2 / 5 · Fish, species not named · How We Score
Fish bone broth is made by simmering fish bones, and it adds moisture and a fish flavor to wet food. The liquid from food is helpful for cats that drink little water. However, the protein in it is mostly gelatin, which is poor in some amino acids a cat needs, so it does not replace meat. Because the label does not say which fish it is made from, there is no way to know what it contains if your cat is allergic to a particular fish. In a healthy cat, small amounts do not cause a problem.
Common Questions
Is fish bone broth safe for cats with fish allergies?
The label does not say which fish the broth is made from, so there is no way to know what it contains if your cat is allergic to a particular fish.
Is fish bone broth safe for cats?
Fish bone broth is liquid made by simmering fish bones, and it adds moisture and fish flavor to cat food. The label does not say which fish it comes from. Tufts veterinary nutritionists say fish is a commonly reported food allergen in cats, so an unnamed fish matters for an allergic cat. For a cat with a fish allergy or other medical condition, ask your veterinarian.
Source: sites.tufts.edu
Why is fish bone broth in cat food?
Fish bone broth adds water and a fish taste. Cats often drink little, so liquid that arrives with food adds to their intake, and the flavor can tempt picky eaters. Its protein is mostly gelatin, so it is a source of moisture and flavor rather than a replacement for fish meat.
Is gelatin a complete protein for cats?
No, gelatin is not a complete protein. It is low in some amino acids cats need, such as tryptophan. That is why bone broth, whose protein is mostly gelatin, cannot stand in for muscle meat. In a cat food, broth adds moisture and taste while other ingredients supply the full range of amino acids.
What is the difference between fish bone broth and chicken bone broth?
The main difference is the source and how clearly it is named. Chicken bone broth names the animal, so Pettings scores it 3 out of 5. Fish bone broth does not say which fish was used, so Pettings scores it 2 out of 5 and lists it as fish with the species not named. Both add moisture and gelatin.
How does Pettings score fish bone broth?
Pettings gives fish bone broth 2 out of 5 and lists it as fish, species not named. It appears on 1 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. The lower score reflects the unnamed fish and the gelatin-based protein. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.
How Foods With Fish Bone Broth Compare
Fish Bone Broth is on the label of 1 of the 149 dry cat foods we list.