Mackerel is one of the most nutritionally rich oily fish — and often one of the most underestimated when it comes to pet nutrition. It has a vitamin and mineral profile that few other fish can match, and it is particularly interesting for certain specific functions: the nervous system, bones, and the thyroid. However, there is also something worth knowing before choosing it, and we prefer to tell you right away.
⚠️ First of all: the histamine issue
Histamine is a substance that our body produces naturally and uses for a large number of different functions: it participates in and regulates various physiological functions, is involved in the immune response, and acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Histamine, whose effects are therefore very important, is also present in many of the foods we consume. Among the foods particularly rich in histamine are certain fish that have not been well preserved, tuna and mackerel in particular.
Mackerel belongs to the Scombridae family, a group of fish that naturally contains high levels of histidine, an amino acid that — if the fish is not refrigerated correctly after being caught — can turn into histamine. High histamine can cause what is called scombroid poisoning, an acute intoxication that affects both humans and animals.
That said, the risk does not concern the mackerel itself but its preservation. Fish products packaged by manufacturers that comply with HACCP regulations and the cold chain are subject to official checks on histamine levels and fall within the legal limits provided by European regulations. Canumi fillets belong to this category: packaged, traced products with quality controls.
We say this openly because we believe that knowing how things work is always better than not knowing — and because this information is not a reason to avoid mackerel, but to choose it consciously from reliable sources.
🐟 What mackerel contains
Mackerel is an oily fish rich in Omega-3s in active form (EPA and DHA), with a particularly interesting vitamin profile: vitamin D, vitamin B12, and a good presence of selenium and iodine. Among macronutrients, it is an excellent source of protein.
🐾 Benefits for dogs
Nervous system and cognitive functions — the Omega-3s EPA and DHA support brain development and cognitive functions. The presence of fatty acids promotes mental acuity and learning ability, which makes it particularly useful.
Bones and muscles — vitamin B6 and vitamin D promote calcium absorption and bone health.
Nervous system and red blood cells — vitamin B12 contributes to various physiological functions of the body, in particular to the production of red blood cells and the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Immune defenses and skin — selenium is an antioxidant mineral that supports the immune system and skin regeneration. Iodine supports thyroid function and energy metabolism.
Muscle mass and tissue repair — mackerel is an excellent source of protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass, promoting tissue repair, and supporting general growth.
🐱 Benefits for cats
All the benefits already described for dogs apply to cats as well, with some specific features:
Thyroid function — iodine is an essential mineral for the cat's proper thyroid function. The thyroid regulates metabolism, body temperature, and available energy — a critical function in an animal with a naturally very active metabolism.
Vision and nervous system — DHA in particular is fundamental for maintaining visual and cognitive function in cats. Older cats or those with a tendency toward neurological problems benefit particularly from a regular intake.
Natural taurine — like sardines, mackerel is also a source of taurine, the essential amino acid that cats cannot synthesize on their own and must necessarily obtain through food.
How to use Canumi mackerel
Canumi Atlantic Ocean mackerel fillets are all-natural, with no added oils, preservatives, or colorings. They can be used as a supplement to the daily meal, as a topping to stimulate appetite, or as a protein snack. As with all fish-based foods, it is good to introduce them gradually and not make them the only source of protein in the diet — variety remains the basic principle of good nutrition.
Again: do not throw away the canning liquid. It contains minerals, trace elements, and a good amount of Omega-3s — adding it to dry food is a simple way to enrich the meal and improve hydration.
Curiosities from science
Although Canumi products are not proposed by us (nor by the manufacturing company) for any therapeutic purposes, there are several studies regarding the benefits of EPA and DHA, in which oily fish—such as sardines and mackerel, and green-lipped mussels—are particularly rich, along with larger fish such as salmon and tuna and some white fish like monkfish. Among these studies, the most interesting is a 2021 study (a review of previous studies—of which 23 studies on dogs and 3 on cats were deemed admissible—consultable at this link) that discusses the benefits observed for canine allergic dermatitis, coat condition, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, valvulopathy, and canine and feline osteoarthritis. Dogs diagnosed with chronic heart failure and lymphoma, and cats with allergic dermatitis, also seem to benefit from omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, but the study clarifies the need for further studies with better methodological quality to strengthen this evidence.
You can find Canumi Mackerel Fillets in the Dog | Nutrition and Cat | Nutrition sections of our shop in the cat and dog (mackerel and mackerel with vegetables) versions. 🐾
— Alessandra 💜