Cats · Guide
Can Cats Eat Canned Chicken?
Yes, a small bite of plain canned chicken is okay for most cats. Check the label for salt, onion, and garlic. Here is how to serve it and when to skip it.
Yes, most cats can eat a small bite of plain canned chicken. Chicken is an animal food, and cats need those. The risks come from what else is in the can: too much salt, or onion and garlic in seasoned types. Keep it small, and keep it a treat.
Why is plain canned chicken okay for cats?
Cornell’s Feline Health Center says cats rely on nutrients found only in animal products. Chicken is one of those foods, so plain chicken is a natural fit for a treat.
Canned chicken is already cooked. That helps with one worry. The ASPCA says raw or undercooked meat can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.
Still, a treat is not a meal. Cornell says treats are not complete and balanced nutrition. Your cat’s main food should be a complete cat food.
What should you check on the label?
Read the ingredient list before you open the can. The best choice has chicken and water, and little else.
- Salt. The ASPCA says too much salt can make pets very thirsty and make them pee more. Larger amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures. Salt amounts differ from brand to brand, so I can’t give you a number. Pick the lowest-salt can you can find.
- Onion, garlic, or chives. Don’t feed any product that lists them, including powders.
- Flavorings, sauces, or oil. Skip them. The sources I read don’t give details on these, so plain is the safe choice.
Put a little of the chicken in a bowl and leave the liquid in the can.
How much canned chicken can a cat have?
The sources don’t give an amount for canned chicken. Cornell does say that treats should stay under 10 to 15 percent of your cat’s daily calories. That means a few small shreds, not a bowl.
Offer a tiny amount the first time. If your cat throws up or has diarrhea, don’t offer it again.
Does salt matter if my cat has health problems?
It can. The sources I read don’t talk about canned chicken and cats with kidney or heart disease. Ask your vet before you share it with a cat on a special diet.
Merck says salt poisoning is unlikely when an animal has fresh water to drink. So always keep a full water bowl nearby.
What about canned chicken versus canned tuna?
Both are fine as a rare treat, but tuna comes with its own problem. Cornell says canned fish made for people has been linked to serious nerve problems in some cats. Read more in our guide on whether cats can eat tuna.
What if you want a safer treat?
- A few pieces of your cat’s regular food
- Treats made for cats
- A small piece of plain, fully cooked chicken with no bones. See our guide on cats and chicken.
For other foods to avoid, see our list of foods that are toxic to cats.
Common questions
Is canned chicken made for people the same as canned cat food?
No. Cornell says some canned cat foods are not nutritionally complete, so cat food labels should have a nutrition guarantee. Canned chicken made for people is not meant to be a full meal for a cat.
Can cats eat canned chicken every day?
It is better not to. Cornell says treats should stay under 10 to 15 percent of your cat's daily calories. The rest should come from a complete and balanced cat food.
Can I make canned chicken my cat's main food?
No. Cornell says homemade diets are hard to get right and can lack the right amounts of nutrients. Ask your vet before you change your cat's diet.
Is canned chicken with broth or seasoning okay for cats?
Skip it. Seasoned products can have onion or garlic, which the ASPCA says can damage a cat's red blood cells. Plain chicken packed in water is the better pick.