Mackerel Meal

Mackerel meal is mackerel that has been cooked, dried and ground into a protein powder. The FDA lists Atlantic mackerel and Pacific chub mackerel among its best choices for low mercury, while king mackerel is on its list of choices to avoid. Its advice is for people. For a cat with a fish allergy or other medical condition, ask your veterinarian.

Source: fda.gov

Mackerel meal adds concentrated fish protein and some omega-3 fat. The Merck Veterinary Manual names oily fish as one of the best dietary sources of EPA and DHA, and mackerel is an oily fish. Many cats readily accept its strong flavor. The label names the fish, so the source is clear.

Source: merckvetmanual.com

Yes, a cat can be allergic to mackerel, as with other fish. Tufts veterinary nutritionists say fish is one of the most commonly reported food allergies in cats. Itchy skin and digestive upset are typical signs, and a veterinarian confirms a food allergy with an elimination diet trial.

Source: sites.tufts.edu

It depends on the species. The FDA lists Atlantic mackerel and Pacific chub mackerel among its best choices, with the lowest mercury, but places king mackerel in the choices to avoid because of its high mercury level. That advice was written for people. Small mackerel species build up very little mercury, while large king mackerel build up much more.

Source: fda.gov

Pettings gives mackerel meal 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 only. Each food's page shows how that food scores overall.