This study investigated the utilization of beef tallow and dextrin as non-protein energy sources in the diet of juvenile far eastern catfish Silurus asotus. Three replicated groups of juveniles (initial mean weight of 3.6 g) were fed diets containing high levels of beef tallow or dextrin for six weeks. The final mean weight of fish fed on a 17% lipid diet with a high level of beef tallow was significantly higher than that of fish fed on a 9% lipid diet with a high level of dextrin (P=0.04). No significant differences were observed in the feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio of fish fed on the experimental diets. Crude lipid content and the C18:0, C18:1n-9 and C18:2n-6 contents of whole-body fish were significantly affected by diet (P<0.05). The results of this study suggest that beef tallow is better than dextrin as a non-protein energy source for improving the growth of juvenile far eastern catfish, and that beef tallow could be economically used as an ingredient in practical feed.