Meat & Fish
Can dogs and cats eat catfish?
Short answer on catfish: safe for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.
One food, two pets
What changes between dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats both have a safe verdict.
The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line for your pet below.
- Bottom line differs
Catfish safety for dogs
Plain, fully cooked, boneless catfish is a lower-mercury fish that healthy dogs can eat occasionally, but raw, fried, blackened, or bone-in catfish is not equivalent.
Safe serving: A small piece of plain, fully cooked catfish with all bones, skin, breading, oil, and seasoning removed.
Catfish safety for cats
Plain, fully cooked, boneless catfish is safe for healthy cats occasionally, but raw, fried, blackened, or bone-in catfish should be avoided.
Safe serving: A small piece of plain, fully cooked catfish with all bones, skin, breading, oil, and seasoning removed.
Questions owners ask about catfish
Can dogs eat catfish?
Plain, fully cooked, boneless catfish is a lower-mercury fish that healthy dogs can eat occasionally, but raw, fried, blackened, or bone-in catfish is not equivalent.
How much catfish can I give my dog?
A small piece of plain, fully cooked catfish with all bones, skin, breading, oil, and seasoning removed.. Introduce any new food gradually and watch for stomach upset.
Can cats eat catfish?
Plain, fully cooked, boneless catfish is safe for healthy cats occasionally, but raw, fried, blackened, or bone-in catfish should be avoided.
How much catfish can I give my cat?
A small piece of plain, fully cooked catfish with all bones, skin, breading, oil, and seasoning removed.. Introduce any new food gradually and watch for stomach upset.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
More meat & fish
Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.