the secret ingredient in salty cat food

(spoiler: it’s tuna).

cats are divas. if you’ve ever seen them turn their nose up at their food, you’ll know what i mean. but there’s a reason for this: cats have a superpower sense of smell. so if their food isn’t the 5-star delicacy they deserve, they’ll walk away.

so what can you do? luckily, palatants exist. the TLDR is that they make food smell and taste extra delightful. tuna is our star ingredient for that. cats won’t be able to resist it. 

let’s get into the science 

cats crave umami, and tuna is chock full of it. not only does it have a rich savory taste, but the aroma is strong as well. this triggers your cat's taste receptors and helps get them excited to eat whatever is in front of them. 

a similar process happens for humans. we smell something delicious—be it hot coffee or freshly baked cookies—and our mouths water or a positive feeling suddenly arises. so when your cat gets a whiff of tuna, their brain goes into happy mode.

evidence of tuna's powers

tuna as a helpful palatant 

tuna is a finicky cat’s best friend. treats like our functional purée tubes are perfect for topping off meals or eating alone. they contain wild-caught tuna and unique nutritional benefits depending on the flavor. 

but if you’re looking for something with a bit more impact, our canned food is a great choice. we also love wet food for its high moisture content! with a dash of tuna, you shouldn't experience any more dramatic cat walks away from the bowl. 

if you’re sitting here thinking that nothing will help your fussy kitty, then we have one more thing: freeze-dried tuna. just crumble it over your cat’s meal and the aroma will do its job.

omega-3s to the rescue

besides being a flavor enhancer, tuna is also a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids. like humans, cats cannot produce omega-3s on their own. so they need a little help. 

omega-3s help your cat have better joint mobility, lower blood pressure, and healthy skin and fur. plus, they have anti-inflammatory properties. all those great benefits *and* a delicious flavor profile? tuna is truly a star, and we couldn’t ask for more. 

everything is best in moderation

with all foods, you want to make sure you’re practicing balance. tuna is a fantastic addition, but it shouldn’t be your cat’s only source of protein. mix up your treat rotation every now and then (chicken is a fan favorite). and as always, follow advice from a vet or pet nutritionist. 

take care, and give your cats some love and extra treats from us.