Food safety

Can Cats Eat Bonito Flakes?

Safe in small amounts — Bonito Flakes for cats.

Safe in small amounts

Why: Bonito flakes are dried tuna flakes — a classic cat treat in Japan. They are not toxic, but they are salty and very high in protein, so they are a sprinkle-on-top treat, not a meal, and not for cats on a low-salt diet.

Safe serving: A small pinch as a food topper, occasionally.

If your cat ate bonito flakes: No action needed for a small amount. If your cat ate a large amount, offer fresh water and watch for thirst or an upset stomach.

Related: Canned Salmon, Sardines, Salmon

Why this verdict

Bonito flakes are dried tuna flakes — a classic cat treat in Japan. They are not toxic, but they are salty and very high in protein, so they are a sprinkle-on-top treat, not a meal, and not for cats on a low-salt diet.

Safe serving

A small pinch as a food topper, occasionally.

If your cat ate bonito flakes

No action needed for a small amount. If your cat ate a large amount, offer fresh water and watch for thirst or an upset stomach.

Related foods

Canned Salmon, Sardines, Salmon

Check another food

Back to the Food-Safety Checker to check all 90 foods, or see the beginner feeding guide and the feeding estimator.

Before you use the result

Use the result as a starting point for observation and planning. Cats vary by age, body condition, temperament, medical history, and household setup.

Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, and the Cornell Feline Health Center — Feeding Your Cat. Chocolate toxicity figures are approximate values from the Merck Veterinary Manual. If your cat ate something on the toxic list, call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.