Quais alimentos humanos os gatos podem comer?

Os gatos são notoriamente mimados. Muitos gatinhos vão torcer o nariz até mesmo para marcas de comida de gato premium com um ar de desgosto. Se o seu felino exigente está dizendo “não” aos alimentos comerciais, por que não tentar apimentar as coisas com alimentos humanos para o seu gato?
Alimentar seu gatinho com ração comercial todos os dias parece mundano não apenas para você, mas também para o seu felino exigente. Muitos donos de animais de estimação têm preocupações genuínas sobre os ingredientes e processos de fabricação de alimentos comerciais excessivamente processados. Os alimentos naturais são mais atraentes e palatáveis ​​para os animais de estimação. No entanto, que alimentos humanos os gatos podem comer?
Tente se tornar o chef pessoal do seu gato. Delicie-se com a preparação de refeições personalizadas com os seguintes alimentos humanos saudáveis ​​e naturais para gatos. Os níveis de energia de Kitty aumentarão e sua pelagem ficará mais saudável devido às vitaminas e minerais adicionados.

Por que não dar um novo impulso ao passo do seu gato e atormentar o paladar do felino perspicaz com a adição de alimentos humanos saborosos e saudáveis?

1. Os gatos podem comer vegetais?

Sim, os gatos podem comer certos vegetais. Se você possui plantas de casa, as chances são boas de que você pegou seu gatinho mastigando as folhas. A maioria dos gatos recorre a volumosos verdes em um esforço natural para adicionar fibras à sua dieta. Você pode substituir as folhas das plantas da sua casa (e evitar danos na folhagem) complementando a comida do seu gatinho com pequenas porções de vegetais seguros para gatos.

Os gatos são carnívoros obrigatórios e requerem proteína animal para uma ótima saúde. Seus tratos digestivos são adaptados para o consumo de carne. Eles não digerem bem o excesso de material vegetal, mas precisam de um certo grau de volumoso em sua dieta para uma ótima saúde, e é por isso que os gatos costumam pastar em folhas e grama.

Embora os gatos tenham muito pouca necessidade de vegetais em sua dieta diária, eles ainda podem ser benéficos como uma guloseima ocasional ou como cobertura de refeição. Os vegetais contêm níveis proeminentes de vitaminas e nutrientes que podem ajudar a melhorar a saúde dos seus gatinhos.

Adicionar pequenas quantidades de vegetais à dieta de um gato com excesso de peso pode ser útil porque o alto teor de água e fibras encontrados nos vegetais ajudam seu gatinho a se sentir satisfeito por mais tempo, o que reduz os hábitos alimentares e os desejos de comida do animal.

6 vegetais seguros para gatos populares

Ao comprar vegetais para gatos, tente escolher orgânicos, sem agrotóxicos. Sempre lave bem os vegetais antes de dar ao seu amigo peludo. Aqui estão alguns vegetais para o seu felino desfrutar:

1. Gatos podem comer cenouras?

Sim! Embora as cenouras possam não ser o primeiro vegetal que você pensa para alimentar seu gato, elas podem ser um excelente lanche. Eles são carregados com beta-caroteno, que é bom para os olhos e pelagem do seu gato. Eles também são uma fonte de vitamina E, potássio e fibras.

As cenouras podem ser um lanche saudável desde que sejam alimentadas com moderação. Os açúcares naturais nas cenouras podem causar problemas digestivos em gatos se forem superalimentados.

Pedaços inteiros ou grandes de cenouras cruas são muito duros. Se o seu gato está acostumado a mastigações naturais crocantes, você pode tentar oferecer ao seu gato uma tira fina de cenoura para mastigar, mas também pode ser um risco de asfixia se o seu gato decidir engolir um pedaço grande.

2. Gatos podem comer batatas?

Às vezes. Embora as batatas brancas não sejam carregadas de nutrientes como outros vegetais da nossa lista, elas são seguras para alimentar como um deleite muito ocasional. Certifique-se de alimentar apenas batatas descascadas e cozidas. A casca da batata e a polpa da batata verde ou não cozida contêm uma toxina chamada solanina.

As batatas são um ingrediente comum na ração para gatos, mas não têm muito valor nutricional em comparação com outros vegetais seguros para gatos. A batata-doce, por outro lado, oferece mais benefícios nutricionais do que a batata branca, como vitamina C, manganês e antioxidantes. Eles também contêm fibras solúveis e insolúveis, para que possam ser uma ajuda digestiva eficaz se alimentados em pequenas doses.

Embora sejam um acompanhamento popular para nossas refeições, muitas das maneiras como comemos batatas não são boas para os gatos. Temperos, como sal ou alho, não são seguros para gatos, então, a menos que você coma suas batatas sem graça, você não deve compartilhar.

Os gatos podem comer batatas fritas? Definitivamente não. As batatas fritas são fritas, o que significa que absorvem óleos enquanto cozinham e podem causar problemas digestivos em gatos. Além disso, as batatas fritas são muito salgadas, o que é perigoso em grandes quantidades.

Sem batatas fritas, mas e as batatas fritas? Gatos podem comer batatas fritas? Desculpe, mas ainda não. Assim como as batatas fritas, as batatas fritas são fritas e muito temperadas, tornando-as insalubres e potencialmente tóxicas para os gatos.

3. Os gatos podem comer tomates?

Eu sei, eu sei, tomates são tecnicamente uma fruta, mas muitas vezes usamos tomates como vegetais, assim como fazemos com pepino e berinjela (também frutas botânicas), então está ligado nossa lista vegetariana. Lide com isso.

Então os gatos podem comer tomates? Eles podem, mas apenas algumas partes. Assim como as batatas, apenas certas partes do tomateiro são seguras. O caule e as folhas contêm solanina, o mesmo composto das batatas que é tóxico para o seu gato. Tomates verdes ou verdes também são ricos em solanina. Apenas a carne madura do tomate é segura.

Os tomates são carregados com vitamina C e potássio, bem como um poderoso antioxidante chamado licopeno, que ajuda a prevenir danos celulares oxidativos. O tomate também fornece fibra saudável para apoiar a digestão do seu gatinho.

Os tomates podem ser uma guloseima segura, mas muitos alimentos e condimentos populares feitos com tomates não são. Os gatos podem comer ketchup, molho de macarrão ou sopa de tomate? Não para todos. Esses produtos contêm açúcares e especiarias que são prejudiciais ou podem causar problemas digestivos em gatos.

4. Gatos podem comer brócolis?

Com certeza! O brócolis contém vitamina K e cálcio, ambos importantes para a saúde esquelética do seu gato. Também é uma fonte útil de fósforo, zinco e vitaminas A. Os vegetais geralmente são uma fonte pobre de zinco, e é por isso que as dietas completas para gatos fornecem zinco a partir de carne, ovos e legumes, mas o brócolis pode ajudar a diminuir um pouco os níveis de zinco mordeu.

Brócolis podem ser alimentados crus, mas lembre-se de que os talos são duros e podem ser difíceis de digerir. Os talos crus e duros devem ser triturados ou cortados em cubos muito finos. Cozinhar ou cozinhar o brócolis no vapor vai amolecer os talos, basta pular as coberturas, como manteiga e sal. Os brócolis macios e cozidos serão seguros para alimentar em pedaços pequenos e picados.

5. Gatos podem comer pepinos?

Eles com certeza podem! O pepino é uma fonte de nutrientes de baixa caloria, contendo vitaminas C e K e magnésio. Apesar da infinidade de vídeos de gatos pirando com pepinos, eles são um tratamento adequado e seguro para o seu gato.

A fibra e as altas concentrações de água no pepino os tornam um ótimo tratamento de baixa caloria para gatos gordinhos. Eles podem ajudar seu gato a se sentir satisfeito e reduzir os desejos de comida, e a umidade adicional ajuda a apoiar tanto o trato digestivo quanto o urinário.

Os gatos podem comer picles? Definitivamente não! Picles são fermentados em salmoura ou vinagre. De qualquer forma, estes são ruins para os gatos e podem causar distúrbios digestivos. O sal e as especiarias usados ​​podem ser muito perigosos para os gatos, por isso este saboroso lanche humano é um que o seu gato deve evitar.

6. Gatos podem comer abóbora?

Recomendamos! Outro "vegetal" que é tecnicamente uma fruta, a abóbora é carregada com beta-caroteno e vitamina A, C e E, mas o maior benefício da abóbora é sua fibra. A polpa da abóbora é uma mistura de fibras solúveis e insolúveis, o que significa que ela acumula e absorve água.

Gatos com digestão sensível se beneficiam da abóbora em sua dieta porque ela pode ajudar tanto na diarreia quanto na constipação. A abóbora é usada em muitos alimentos comerciais para gatos, mas também pode ser usada preventivamente ou como um remédio rápido para problemas digestivos repentinos. Para uma opção de alimentação fácil, confira o Purê de Abóbora Orgânico Nummy Tum Tum.

E as sementes? Gatos podem comer sementes de abóbora? Você pode se surpreender ao saber que os gatos podem comer sementes de abóbora e realmente apreciá-las! As sementes são ricas em ácidos graxos ômega-3 que podem apoiar a pele + pelagem, sistema imunológico e digestão.

Sementes cruas contêm ácido fítico, que pode reduzir a capacidade do seu gato de absorver nutrientes. Para quebrar o ácido fítico, as sementes precisam ser embebidas durante a noite ou cozidas. Para obter instruções passo a passo sobre como embeber suas sementes, confira Perfectly Rawsome.

E muito mais...

Se os vegetais da nossa lista dos 5 principais não deixarem seu gato animado, não se preocupe, há muito mais vegetais seguros para gatos que você pode experimentar. Apenas lembre-se de que todos os vegetais devem ser alimentados com moderação com comida de gato completa e balanceada.

• • • Gatos podem comer alface? - Sim. Rico em cálcio, fósforo e naturalmente baixo em sódio.
    • Os gatos podem comer feijão verde? - Sim. Rico em ferro e proteínas, mas com baixas calorias.
    • Os gatos podem comer cogumelos? - Sim. Rico em vitaminas do complexo B, mas os cogumelos selvagens podem ser perigosos.
    • Os gatos podem comer ervilhas? - Sim. Boa fonte de vitamina C e E e antioxidantes.
    • Gatos comem aspargos? - Sim. Muito ácido fólico e uma ótima fonte de fibra.
    • Os gatos podem comer pimentão? - Sim. Fornece muita vitamina C e fibras para apoiar a digestão.
    • Os gatos podem comer couve-flor? - Sim. Baixa caloria e alto teor de vitamina C para apoiar o sistema imunológico.
    • Gatos podem comer couve de Bruxelas? - Sim. Alta fibra e fonte natural de vitamina K.
    • Os gatos podem comer beterraba? - Sim. Boa fonte de fibra, mas rica em açúcares naturais.
    • Os gatos podem comer abobrinha?- Sim. Alto teor de água e fibras, vitaminas do complexo B e potássio.

Dicas para alimentar gatos com vegetais

Embora existam muitos vegetais seguros para gatos, os gatos não precisam de muito conteúdo vegetal em sua dieta total. A ração completa e balanceada para gatos fornecerá todos os nutrientes essenciais que seu gato precisa, o que significa que quaisquer vegetais adicionais devem ser alimentados com moderação para evitar a superalimentação de certos nutrientes.

Alimentar uma única porção de uma a duas colheres de sopa de vegetais uma vez por semana é suficiente. Isso permite que você ofereça ingredientes alimentares frescos sem exagerar.

Todas as células dos vegetais têm uma camada externa indigerível feita de celulose. É por isso que é recomendável quebrar essa camada cozinhando os vegetais no vapor, tornando-os mais fáceis de digerir. Cozinhar os vegetais também os suaviza, então eles podem ser mais saborosos para o seu gato.

Cozinhar pode levar a alguma perda de nutrientes, portanto, uma boa maneira de alimentar vegetais crus é jogá-los em seu processador de alimentos e purê-los. Isso os torna fáceis de usar como um topo de refeição.

2. Gatos podem comer frutas?

Sabemos que as frutas podem ser carregadas de vitaminas e outros nutrientes benéficos, mas como carnívoros, os gatos têm muito pouca necessidade de frutas em sua dieta. Mesmo assim, isso não significa que ocasionalmente tratar seu animal de estimação com algumas frutas seguras para gatos ainda possa ser benéfico.

Frutas coloridas e vibrantes podem oferecer fontes naturais de betacaroteno, vitaminas solúveis em água e fibras, mas também são naturalmente ricas em açúcares de frutas. Um pouco vai longe quando se trata de frutas, e as frutas devem ser apenas uma porção muito pequena da dieta do seu gato - como 1% ou menos.

Isso pode tornar o tratamento do seu gato com frutas um desafio, mas se você souber quais frutas são seguras e benéficas para seus gatos, você pode encontrar maneiras de ocasionalmente oferecer ao seu gato alguns petiscos frescos e deliciosos.

5 melhores frutas seguras para gatos

Muitas frutas são seguras para gatos e, como comemos nossas frutas cruas e frescas, é um dos lanches mais fáceis de compartilhar com nossos animais de estimação. Mas só porque os gatos podem comer frutas, não significa que devam. Descubra quais frutas são seguras para gatos e quanto de cada é seguro para alimentar.

1. Gatos podem comer bananas?

Ah! As bananas são uma ótima fonte de fibra e potássio e, em pequenas porções, podem ser uma ajuda digestiva útil para os gatos, mas o alto teor de açúcar nas bananas significa que elas podem causar mais problemas do que corrigir se você alimentar demais. Tente não exceder uma a duas porções por semana.

Os gatos são comedores muito táteis, e é por isso que as bananas não são uma das frutas pelas quais os gatos geralmente são atraídos. A textura mole pode ser desanimadora para os gatos, então boa sorte em fazê-los comer um pedaço de banana como está. Você pode ter mais sorte misturando a banana com sabores ou texturas mais desejáveis ​​para mascarar a fruta.

No que diz respeito à preparação, a casca da banana não é tóxica, mas pode ser um risco de asfixia e provavelmente causar uma dor de barriga. A casca de banana é muito difícil de digerir, por isso é mais provável que cause problemas, mesmo que o seu gato possa mastigá-la.

2. Gatos podem comer morangos?

Sim, eles podem! Além de serem ricos em antioxidantes, os morangos contêm vitamina C, manganês e potássio. Infelizmente, os morangos também são ricos em açúcares naturais de frutas, portanto, alimentar em grandes quantidades pode levar a problemas digestivos.

Certifique-se de remover todas as folhas ou caules, pois podem causar irritação na pele devido ao formato irregular das folhas. Pique ou purê os morangos e adicione as frutas à próxima refeição do seu animal de estimação.

A propósito, os morangos não são a única fruta segura para gatos. Gatos podem comer mirtilos? Que tal framboesas, cranberries ou amoras? Muitas bagas são seguras para gatos e são carregadas com vitaminas e antioxidantes que podem ajudar a melhorar a saúde de seus gatos.

Cranberries, por exemplo, são um complemento útil para apoiar a saúde urinária em gatos. Cranberry em pó, como Cranimals, é uma maneira fácil de adicionar cranberry às refeições do seu gato. Cranberry também é frequentemente usado em guloseimas para gatos de saúde urinária, como esses da Emerald Pet.

As bagas devem ser lavadas e picadas, trituradas ou transformadas em puré para aumentar a digestibilidade e a absorção de nutrientes. Devido à sua natureza açucarada e ácida, as bagas devem ser alimentadas com moderação e sempre evite misturas de frutas açucaradas, como geléia, geléia ou recheio de torta.

3. Gatos podem comer melancia?

claro! Você pode se surpreender ao saber que a melancia é realmente uma das frutas mais populares para os gatos. Embora seja um deleite doce para nós, os gatos tendem a gostar da textura do melão fresco, então você pode encontrar seu gato implorando por um sabor na próxima vez que abrir um melão sazonal.

As melancias têm 90% de umidade, por isso são uma ótima opção para manter seu gato adequadamente hidratado. A melancia também é naturalmente rica em vitamina C e antioxidantes, mas também em açúcares naturais de frutas. Não importa o quanto seu gato esteja ansioso por um pouco de seu melão, fique com pequenas porções para evitar problemas digestivos.

Outros tipos de melão também são seguros para gatos. Os gatos podem comer melão ou melada? Assim como a melancia, eles são seguros para gatos em pequenas porções. Com todos os melões, certifique-se de remover qualquer casca ou semente e alimente apenas carne de melão maduro.

4. Gatos podem comer maçãs?

Sim! As maçãs são seguras para os gatos consumirem, mas apenas se forem descascadas e sem caroço. A casca é difícil de digerir, mas as sementes no núcleo contêm amigdalina, que contém cianeto. Mesmo pequenas quantidades de cianeto podem ser extremamente perigosas para os gatos, portanto, certifique-se de remover todo o núcleo.

A maçã é muito rica em açúcares de frutas, enquanto isso pode ser ruim em grandes doses e pode levar a uma dor de barriga do gatinho. As maçãs também contêm uma fibra solúvel chamada pectina. Em pequenas quantidades, a pectina pode ajudar a apoiar a digestão, alimentando as bactérias saudáveis ​​no intestino do seu gato.

Os gatos podem comer compota de maçã? Recomendamos a maioria das frutas em purê para maximizar a digestibilidade, então o molho de maçã parece uma opção ideal. Mas tenha muito cuidado para verificar a lista de ingredientes do molho de maçã pré-embalado. Açúcares ou conservantes adicionais são frequentemente usados ​​e não são seguros para gatos.

Gatos podem comer torta de maçã? Definitivamente não! São os ingredientes extras que tornam os alimentos à base de maçã inseguros para os gatos, e isso também é verdade para a torta de maçã. Os açúcares, especiarias e crosta podem ser prejudiciais ou apenas tóxicos para os gatos.

5. Gatos podem comer abacate?

Sim, os gatos podem comer abacates com segurança e muitos até se divertem. Alimente apenas pequenas quantidades de carne. Não dê a casca ou a semente a um gato. A pele e o caroço de um abacate contêm uma pessoa, que é tóxica para cães e gatos.

Abacates são ricos em gordura, vitaminas E, A e B6, além de aminoácidos. Eles podem ajudar a melhorar a pelagem e a pele do seu gato. No entanto, alguns gatos têm estômagos sensíveis que podem não responder bem ao alto teor de gordura encontrado nos abacates e podem aumentar o risco do animal desenvolver inflamação pancreática, portanto, prefira pequenas porções esporádicas.

Gatos podem comer guacamole? Embora a carne do abacate seja segura, nosso prato favorito de abacate, o guacamole não é. O limão, o sal e o alho são prejudiciais ao seu gato, então certifique-se de ficar apenas com a polpa do abacate sem tempero.

Outras frutas seguras para gatos:

• • • Gatos podem comer manga? - Sim. Rico em vitaminas C e uma enzima digestiva para digerir carboidratos.
    • Gatos podem comer abacaxi? - Sim. Contém bromelina para ajudar a quebrar os carboidratos.
    • Gatos podem comer coco? - Sim. Anti-inflamatório e antiparasitário, mas também rico em gordura.
    • Os gatos podem comer pêssegos? - Sim. Baixos níveis de nutrientes e alto teor de açúcar. Alimente-se com moderação.
    • Os gatos podem comer kiwi? - Sim. Rico em vitamina C e fibra solúvel para alimentar bactérias intestinais saudáveis.

Dicas para dar frutas aos gatos

Como dito anteriormente, as frutas devem ser apenas uma porção muito pequena da dieta do seu gato, portanto, não importa qual fruta segura para gatos seu gatinho adore, tenha muito cuidado com a quantidade e a frequência com que você os alimenta. Uma a duas colheres de chá de purê de frutas por semana é muito para um gato carnívoro.

Uma boa regra a seguir é que as frutas devem ser descascadas, sem caroço e quaisquer cascas, folhas, caroços e caules removidos. A polpa da fruta é a única parte que deve ser dada ao seu gato. Frutas macias, como framboesas, podem ser cortadas em pedaços pequenos e alimentadas, mas como vegetais, todas as frutas digerirão melhor quando em purê.

Outra coisa a ter em mente é que seu gato pode não estar interessado em frutas. Eles não têm preferência por sabores doces, então gatos exigentes podem torcer o nariz para algumas frutas frescas ou purê de frutas. Sempre deixe seu gato experimentar a fruta antes de adicioná-la à refeição, pois ela pode se recusar a comê-la.

3. Gatos podem comer grãos?

Muitos donos de animais de estimação se perguntam quando preparam o café da manhã:“Os gatos podem comer aveia?” Sim, os gatos podem comer grãos integrais ou não refinados, mas os grãos refinados não têm o valor nutricional dos grãos integrais que são carregados com ferro, fibras e vitaminas.

Assim como os vegetais, os gatos não precisam de grãos em sua dieta, mas isso não significa que eles não tenham valor nutricional. Muitos grãos integrais oferecem vitaminas, minerais e fibras úteis para apoiar a digestão.

Idealmente, os grãos não devem representar mais de 5 a 10 por cento da dieta de um gato. Isso é semelhante ao que um gato selvagem comeria, seja pastando em gramíneas e outros materiais vegetais ou do estômago e conteúdo digestivo das presas selvagens que consomem.

Melhores grãos para alimentar seu gato

Há muitas razões para alimentar grãos que são carregados com vitaminas, ferro e fibras para um valor nutricional ideal. Mesmo os grãos mais saudáveis ​​precisam ser alimentados com moderação, especialmente se o seu gato já está comendo uma dieta rica em carboidratos. Grãos como guloseimas são melhor usados ​​como fonte de fibra para apoiar a digestão ou como ingrediente em guloseimas para gatos assadas ou caseiras.

Gatos podem comer arroz?

Eles podem! O arroz é um dos grãos mais comuns usados ​​na alimentação de gatos. É rico em fibra dietética e é um ingrediente barato para a ração do seu gato. Embora possa ser seguro para gatos, o arroz é frequentemente usado em excesso em alimentos para animais de estimação, portanto, evite alimentar mais arroz se o seu gato já estiver comendo uma dieta rica em carboidratos, como ração.

Embora não seja uma grande guloseima, pode ser parte de uma dieta caseira útil para pequenos distúrbios digestivos em animais de estimação. Uma dieta branda, como as Substituições Simples da Vovó Lucy, geralmente consistindo de arroz cozido e frango cozido, pode ser alimentada por alguns dias para ajudar seu gato a superar um ataque de diarréia.

O arroz branco oferece nutrição limitada, exceto fibras, mas o arroz integral pode ser substituído como uma opção de baixo índice glicêmico para reduzir os picos de açúcar no sangue e dar ao seu gato um sensação de plenitude se estiverem de dieta.

Gatos podem comer farinha?

Tecnicamente sim, mas não deveria. Enquanto o trigo é o ingrediente principal em muitos dos nossos carboidratos favoritos, o trigo refinado é muito alto na escala glicêmica e não é ótimo para gatos. O trigo integral é melhor, mas ainda assim não oferecerá ao seu gato nada além do que eles não podem obter de proteína animal fresca e alguns vegetais.

Isso significa que pão e outros alimentos à base de farinha, embora não sejam tóxicos, são apenas muitas calorias vazias. Embora possam ser um bom lanche ocasional, existem alimentos humanos muito melhores e mais nutritivos para o seu gato.

Farinhas alternativas, como amêndoa ou coco, também são seguras para gatos e têm baixo índice glicêmico, mas são ricas em gorduras, portanto, devem ser limitadas a um tratamento ocasional apenas.

Gatos podem comer aveia?

Definitivamente! A aveia é carregada com fibras solúveis e antioxidantes. Eles também têm um índice glicêmico mais baixo do que muitos outros grãos populares, mas são melhores em sua forma integral e minimamente processada. A aveia cortada em aço é a opção ideal.

Isso significa que sua aveia instantânea matinal provavelmente não é a melhor opção. Os pacotes geralmente são aromatizados ou adoçados, o que causará problemas digestivos nos gatos. Se você fizer sua própria aveia cortada em casa, reserve uma pequena porção sem adoçantes ou temperos para o seu gato e deixe esfriar completamente antes de servir.

Gatos podem comer quinoa?

Com certeza! Ok, então tecnicamente a quinoa é uma semente, não um grão, mas é comida como um grão. Quinoa é um dos carboidratos mais subestimados para animais de estimação. É o único grão que é considerado uma proteína completa, o que significa que contém todos os aminoácidos essenciais que os gatos precisam, exceto um - taurina.

Também é de baixo índice glicêmico, por isso é uma opção melhor para incluir na dieta regular do seu gato do que os grãos da nossa lista. É rico em proteínas e fibras e oferece vitaminas e minerais como manganês, fósforo e vitaminas do complexo B.

Se é tão bom, então por que não é mais popular na comida de gato? Como a maioria das coisas, tudo se resume a preço e disponibilidade. Grãos como milho, aveia e arroz são muito mais econômicos, por isso são preferidos pela indústria de animais de estimação.

Gatos podem comer milho?

Talvez. Este é controverso, para dizer o mínimo. O milho tem uma má fama na indústria de animais de estimação e, embora muitas das preocupações sejam totalmente válidas, o milho não é tóxico para os gatos. Os gatos não têm necessidade dietética de milho. It's not the best ingredient to include as a regular part of your cat's diet, but a little as a treat, it is safe, and contrary to popular belief, does actually offer some important nutrients.

Despite its high glycemic effects, corn is a source of vitamin C, protein, and fibre, which is why it's a common ingredient in pet food. The nutrients in corn may be sound appealing as a diet booster, but there are better sources of these nutrients in meat, vegetables, and fish, all of which are easier to digest.

Another thing to consider, and one of the reasons that corn is not a preferred cat food ingredient is the high risk of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are produced by fungus and mould spores and are very common in corn crops.

Feed producers need to have stringent regulations and procedures to minimize and manage mycotoxin-infected crops. While these regulations reduce the risk, mycotoxins can still be a risk when feeding corn products to your pet.

Tips for Feeding Grains to Cats

Feed all grains in moderation. Grains are best fed cooked to soften them. Hard grains like rice or corn will be difficult to digest, and even soft grains like oats will break down faster if they are cooked or at least hydrated. Feed only a tablespoon once or twice a week, at most.

Use grains sparingly and only as treats or meal toppers rather than a regular addition to your pet's daily meals. While whole grains are safe for cats to eat, the majority of your cat's nutrients should come from animal proteins.

If you are looking for a healthy and popular way to use grains to treat your cat, try different types of cat grass, like barley grass, ryegrass, or oat grass like in the Catit Senses 2.0 Cat Grass Kit. These offer some soluble fibre, vitamins and minerals, and can help improve your cat's digestion when fed as an occasional treat.

If you are already feeding a kibble diet or a diet high in carbs, then skipping grains as treats altogether is the best practice.

4. Can Cats Eat Dairy?

We've been led to believe for a long time that cats love milk, and even if they do, milk doesn't love them back. While some cats can eat dairy without issue, most cats show symptoms of lactose intolerance. Some cats experience gas, vomiting, or diarrhea after consuming dairy products like milk or cheese.

The good news is that not all dairy products are a no-go for cats. Find out which of your favourite dairy treats are safe to share with your kitten, and which ones may actually be beneficial.

The Do's and Don'ts of Dairy for Cats

Can Cats Have Milk?

No. At least not cow's milk. You may have heard a rumour that cats are lactose intolerant. Even though cats show signs of lactose intolerance, it's actually because the pasteurized cow's milk that we drink is missing an important enzyme, called lactase, that breaks down lactose in milk.

Goat's milk on the other hand is safe for cats to consume. In fact, raw goat's milk is an excellent digestive aid for cats. Raw goat's milk is loaded with lactase, making the lactose in the goat's milk digestible.

Goat's milk also contains a different kind of milk protein, called casein, than cow's milk. This type of milk protein is easier to digest and not linked to the same allergy and digestive issues.

While goat's milk can be fed daily, it should be done in small servings to balance with their regular diet. One tablespoon per 10 lbs of body weight is a good daily amount. A more shelf-stable option for giving your cat goat's milk is The Honest Kitchen Goat's Milk Booster. It's a powdered goat's milk that can be made in single servings at a time by simply adding water.

Can Cats Eat Cheese?

Technically no, but kind of. Like milk, cooked or pasteurized cheese products are going to lack the lactase needed to digest the milk sugars in cheese. So should cats eat cheese? No, but can cats eat cheese? Very sparingly.

The type of cheese can also be a factor. Hard cheeses tend to be very salty, which is not good for your cat, while super soft cheeses have higher lactose contents.

Can cats have goat cheese? Goat dairy can again be the solution to the cat-dairy conundrum. Unpasteurized goat cheese can be a safer and more digestion-friendly option for cats that love cheese as much as we do. Check out brands like Happy Days for some ready-made cat-safe goat cheese treats for dogs and cats.

Can Cats Eat Yogurt?

Surprisingly, yes! Yogurt is made from cow's milk, but the fermentation process involved in making yogurt starts to break down the lactose into more digestible sugars. But why would cats need yogurt? Well, it turns out that yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and contains digestion-friendly bacteria.

Stick to plain yogurt that leaves out the fruity flavours or added sugars. The natural sugars are more than enough already. Yogurt can be fed as a daily digestive aid, but keep your portions small. One tsp per day is enough to offer the digestive benefits of probiotics.

Can Cats Eat Butter?

No. Butter isn't toxic to cats, but it's most definitely not good for them either. Butter is made from cow's milk, but it's a concentration of the fat and protein in milk. It's generally low in lactose or other milk sugars, but the high-fat content can lead to digestive upsets and pancreatitis if fed in large quantities.

Even small amounts of butter can lead to your cat having a soft or runny bowel movement. Keep butter covered or tucked away in the fridge to prevent a curious cat from stealing a taste.

Tips for Feeding Dairy to Cats

For the most part, very small amounts of dairy from cow's milk is not likely to cause any major issues, so an occasional piece of cheese is fine, but to be safe e and get a nutritional benefit from your cat's treats, stick to goat's milk products instead.

Goat's milk will not only satisfy your cat's dairy addiction but when used regularly as a treat or meal topper, goat's milk and goat's milk products will support your cat's digestion. Even still, small portions are key. Goat's milk should be less than 10% of your cat's daily diet to prevent overfeeding or unbalancing your cat's total nutrition.

5. Can Cats Eat Meat?

Cats thrive on a diet that includes certain meats such as chicken, beef, turkey, and duck. Meat contains the protein that cats require for a strong heart, good vision, and a robust reproductive system.

Always buy meat from a reputable source that is known for safe meat handling. If you feed meat, always wash, and sanitize the food bowls after the cat finishes dining on the meat to ensure good and safe hygiene.

Meat can be fed cooked or raw as a treat. As carnivores, cats are well suited to consuming animal protein, especially raw meat, because it is unaltered by heat that can denature or degrade nutrients. Feeding cooked meat as a treat is usually safe, so long as you skip all the seasoning and oils that you would normally use to cook meat for yourself.

Meat contains certain nutrients that are either difficult or impossible to find in plants ingredients. This is part of what makes cats carnivores. Some essential nutrients, like zinc and iron, are most abundantly sourced or most biologically available from meat.

Safest Meat for Cats

Your carnivorous feline might not be picky about the kind of meat that you offer them, but some meats or cuts of meat might not be the ideal healthy snack for your cat.

First and foremost, stick to lean cuts of meat. While cats can handle a moderate amount of fat in their diet, excessive fat can lead to digestive issues, or even pancreatitis when fed in large quantities. Lean meats are a great way to provide long-term energy for muscle maintenance and are a desirable treat for picky cats.

Can Cats Eat Chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken is one of the most popular animal proteins used in commercial cat food. This is partially due to its cost and availability, but also because it's considered a biologically appropriate protein choice for cats. Wild cats often hunt birds, so your domesticated cat is well suited for digesting poultry.

Chicken can be fed either cooked or raw. If you choose to cook the chicken, skip the spices and cooking oils to keep the meat cat-safe. Breaded prepared chicken products like chicken nuggets or fried chicken are a no-go as well. Plain white chicken breast is the safest way to treat your cat with chicken.

Can cats eat chicken bones? Some pet owners give their cats bones to chew on, but you should opt for raw bones like chicken wings or necks. Cooked bones can splinter and cause injury to a cat’s gums or gastrointestinal tract. Only feed under supervision. Never leave your cat alone to chew on a bone.

Can Cats Eat Beef?

Definitely! Though it's not as common an ingredient in many cat diets, beef is safe and nutritious for cats. Choosing the right cut of beef is important because beef can be very fatty in certain areas. Lean ground beef found at the grocery store typically has about 17% fat or lower which is suitable for cats.

You can cook the ground beef but make sure you leave out any spices or oils that can be harmful to your cat. This means that you can't just share your spaghetti and meatballs with your cat when she begs. The same rules apply to other kinds of beef.

A nice juicy steak may be one of your favourite ways to eat beef, but can cats eat steak too? While nutritionally, steak is fine for cats to eat, you will need to make sure that you cut the steak into small, bite-sized pieces to make sure that your cat can't choke.

Can cats eat raw beef? Cats can eat raw meat safely. While raw meat can contain bacteria that are harmful to us, your cat is built to eat raw meat and fight this bacteria in their gut. As a treat, raw meat should be fed in small pieces. Ground beef is soft and easy for your cat to chew, so it's the ideal format for cats that aren't accustomed to eating raw.

Can Cats Eat Lamb?

Yep! Unlike other red meats, lamb can be quite fatty. Choosing lean cuts is going to be important if you are using lamb as a treat for your cat. Ground lamb has a similar fat content to regular ground beef, so feed in moderation.

Like beef, lamb can be fed either cooked or raw safely. Lamb is a popular choice for cats with food allergies that need to avoid the most commonly used meats in cat food, like chicken and beef. If you choose chops or other whole cuts of meat, trim off any excess fat to make sure the lamb won't upset your cat's tummy.

Can Cats Eat Pork?

Oh ya! This one might be surprising because, in the past, pork has been thought to carry parasites and be a generally poorer quality of meat. This is because pork is a known carrier of a parasite, called Trichinella. Fortunately, we've learned a lot about how to prevent and manage the risks of this parasite.

Firstly, thoroughly cooking pork is the way that we keep pork safe for ourselves, so cook up some pork, no spices or oils, for your kitty as a tasty treat. Feeding raw pork is also safe for cats, so long as the pork is frozen at temperatures below -15 C for at least 20 days. This is why raw pork diets for cats are becoming a popular option.

Pork can also be too fatty for cats, so make sure you stick to lean pork cuts. Ground pork can be inconsistent in its fat content, so as a treat, feed in moderation.

Can Cats Eat Turkey?

Much like chicken, turkey is a safe and popular meat option for cats. The fat content in turkey varies depending on the cut of meat. White meat is leaner, so look for lean ground turkey that will have more white meat and less dark. Turkey can be fed either raw or cooked to cats, just make sure you avoid any seasoning or oil during cooking.

When it comes to allergies, we often lump all poultry together, but that's not always the case. Cats with chicken allergies may not have the same reactions to turkey or other poultry, so don't discount turkey as a protein source for your cat's diet or as treats too quickly.

Avoid feeding precooked or processed turkey which is high in salt and other preservatives. This includes deli turkey or ready-made products in the freezer section of the grocery store.

Can Cats Eat Duck?

Yes! Duck is an ideal source of vitamins, protein, and minerals for cats. While duck is often thought to be high in fat compared to other poultry, the majority of the excess fat is between the skin and muscle layers. If you do choose to treat your cat with a piece of duck, remove the skin and fat layer, offering only the lean muscle meat.

Duck is considered to be a novel protein, meaning it's uncommon in commercial cat diets. This is why it's often used in elimination diets for cats with suspected food allergies. Like other poultry, duck can be fed raw or cooked to your meat-loving cat.

Can Cats Eat Liver?

Oh ya! Liver is just one of many animal organs that are not only safe for cats but extremely beneficial as a regular part of your cat's diet. As carnivores, cats are fully capable of getting their nutrients from animal ingredients, and liver is an especially important part of that.

Liver is loaded with iron and vitamins A, B12 and B6, and it's a flavour that cats tend to go crazy for. Liver has become very popular for cats, which is why it's easily found in cat treat formulas and as single-ingredient, freeze-dried cat treats.

Don't overdo it with liver snacks though, because vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that your cat's body will start to store excess vitamin A and could lead to toxicity. Other organs like heart, kidney, and tripe are also suitable snacks for cats. Organs can be fed raw or cooked.

Tips for Feeding Meat to Cats

Many pet owners want to feed their cats an all-natural diet that consists of meat on a daily basis, and while different types of diets will offer different levels of meat inclusion, meat is one of the safest human foods to feed as a treat.

Meat is calorie-dense and filling, so don't go overboard. Meat can be fed daily as a treat or meal topper, but cut the meat into small treat-sized pieces and stick to treating only a few a day. This should be less than 10% of your cat's daily intake, so keep your portion sizes small.

Avoid Cured and Processed Meats

Some of our favourite meaty treats are actually some of the worst things to share with your cat. Cured and heavily processed meats are filled with extra ingredients that are harmful to cats, even in small amounts. Plain, fresh meats are always the safest option. Here are a few meat products that you should never feed to your cat:

Can Cats Eat Bacon?

Sadly, no. Bacon is high in sodium which can lead to hypernatremia in some cats. Avoid feeding bacon or other cured meats to your cat. The high-fat content of bacon is also a concern. It could lead to digestive issues or even pancreatitis if your cat consumes enough bacon or consumes it regularly.

Can Cats Eat Ham?

Probably not. Ham is also remarkably high in sodium and should be avoided. While it's not quite as risky as most cured meats, ham is still not a good treat for cats. As a very occasional treat, it is probably fine, but there are much better options for treating your cat.

Can Cats Eat Salami?

No. Salami is filled with additives like salt, flavour enhancers, and artificial colourants. It contains seasonings like garlic and paprika which are toxic to cats. Salami is high in saturated fats which causes rapid weight gain in felines. Ideally, you should avoid giving your cat salami.

Can cats eat pepperoni? Double no. Pepperoni is also not good for cats because a single slice often has over 35 mg of sodium which is much too high for your cat. No matter how much your cat begs for a bite of your pizza, this is not a snack you can share.

Can Cats Eat Beef Jerky?

Definitely not. Commercial jerky contains spices and prominent levels of salt. Jerky can contain garlic and onion which are both toxic to cats. Even if you make your own jerky at home and skip the spices, jerky is tough to chew and is likely a strong choking hazard for cats because of how they chew (or in this case, don't chew).

Can Cats Eat Hot Dogs?

It's not recommended. Avoid feeding hot dogs due to the additives and salt. Plus the contents of a hot dog are likely to contain meat sources of unknown and questionable quality. Though hot dogs are less dangerous than cured meats, they should not be regarded as a healthy snack for cats.

Can Cats Eat Sausage?

Don't. Sausage contains nitrites, sodium, and excessive fat which make them a no-no for cats. Sausage may also contain garlic or onion which is toxic to cats. Even the most natural of store-bought sausages are likely to contain something that is not good for your cat.

6. Can Cats Eat Eggs?

Eggs are often referred to as a superfood because they contain iron, protein, and vital minerals. Many commercial cat foods actually add eggs as a primary ingredient. Cats typically love eggs. In the wild, many cats will raid birds' nests to steal the eggs which they eat whole.

Eggs can be a great meal topper to boost protein and other nutrients in your cat's diet, or they can be a great treat if you love to offer some table scraps to your begging kitten. Just keep in mind, the eggs should be unseasoned to make sure they are safe to offer.

Benefits of Eggs for Cats

Eggs are packed with the following nutrients:

• • Animal Protein: Eggs are a perfect source of animal protein that your cat craves. The protein found in eggs helps obligate carnivores to produce needed liver enzymes which they use to metabolize proteins.
  • Amino Acids: Amino acids are referred to as the building blocks of protein. All cats require 11 essential amino acids and 10 of those are found in abundance in eggs.
  • Taurine: Cats cannot naturally manufacture taurine so it must be added to the feline’s diet. Eggs are a vital source of taurine.
  • Carbohydrates Free: Eggs are pure animal protein and contain no carbohydrates. Obligate carnivores have no real need for carbohydrates, so eggs are the ideal source of protein for all felines.
  • Vitamin A: Vitamin A is used by your cat to support its skin health, heart, and nervous system.
  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D is needed for strong bone growth and to build calcium in the body. Cats cannot manufacture vitamin D, so it is essential they get the necessary amount from their diet. The skin of humans can synthesize vitamin D from the sun, but cats do not.
  • Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps protect your cat’s cells from damage. It is considered an essential vitamin in all commercial cat foods.
  • Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that helps support your cat’s immune system, nervous system, and digestion.
  • Iron: Cats require iron to produce red blood cells and remain healthy. Without sufficient iron in their diets, your cat will quickly become anemic.
  • Thiamine: Thiamine provides the brain with energy. It also helps cats digest carbohydrates.
  • Riboflavin: Known as B2, riboflavin assists in red blood cell production and provides antibodies to aid the immune system’s response.
  • Zinc: Improves your cat’s hair, skin, and reproductive system.
  • Selenium: Known as a potent antioxidant, it protects the feline’s cells from free radical damage.
  • Biotin: Biotin improves the quality of the animal’s coat and skin. It also helps assist with the function of the thyroid and adrenal glands.

Tips for Feeding Eggs to Cats

Eggs can be included in your pet's meals 2-4 times per week but in small portions (1 tbsp). Cooking the eggs is the safest way to feed them. Scramble the eggs without seasoning and let them cool completely before offering any to your cat.

Can cats eat raw eggs? Pode ser. This is a hotly debated topic for a few reasons. The more well-known argument for avoiding raw eggs is the bacteria risk. Just like raw eggs for us, bacteria, like salmonella, can be present in raw eggs.

The thing to keep in mind is that eggs sold for human consumption are pasteurized, which means that are heat-treated to kill bacteria like salmonella. This isn't a guarantee though. Just like when we eat raw cookie dough, drink eggnog, or eat hollandaise sauce, the risk of consuming a raw egg product is still real.

The other argument for avoiding raw eggs is egg whites. Egg whites are high in avidin, which is a biotin inhibitor. This means that large amounts of avidin can stop your cat from digesting biotin in their food. Fortunately, egg yolks are very high in biotin, and some research suggests that this is enough to counterbalance the effects of avidin.

The nutritional difference between cooked and raw eggs for cats is minor, so if you'd prefer to play it safe, especially if you have an immune-compromised pet, then go ahead scramble and cook those eggs before serving.

7. Can Cats Eat Fish?

Media often portray cats as fish obsessed, and most felines do enjoy a smelly, fishy snack. Fish is an ideal food for your cat, but it should not be the pet’s sole source of protein or vitamins. Fish often lacks sufficient protein to meet a cat’s needs, plus it is deficient in key minerals and vitamins.

The omega fatty acids in fish oil offer numerous benefits for cats, like improved skin and coat, anti-inflammatory properties, better immune function. Fish are also highly palatable and can help to improve eating habits in picky cats.

Fish can be fed either cooked or raw, but be cautious of bones that could be a choking hazard. Small fish, like sardines, are fine to feed bone-in, but larger fish like salmon need to be scaled and deboned before feeding.

Many people are concerned about heavy metals in fish, like mercury. While this can be a problem, choosing the right kind of fish can make it safer to feed fish on a regular basis. The smaller the fish, the lower the mercury content. Sardines, herring, and anchovies are ideal.

Bigger fish, like salmon and tuna, can still be fed but should be less frequent and in smaller quantities to prevent mercury build-up.

Best Fish for Cats

Small and wild-caught fish are generally going to be the best option for treating your cat. They have a better omega 6 to 3 ratio than farmed fish because of their more natural diet. Offering your cat a small piece of your fishy dinner is probably fine, but be cautious of the extras, like oil, butter, and spices that are harmful to your cat.

Here are a few of the most common cat-safe fish, and a few less common ones:

Can Cats Eat Tuna?

Of Course! Cats love tuna but they can contain heavy metals so should not be consumed more than a few times per week. Some cat diets, especially canned cat foods, use tuna as a base protein. Tuna can also be a great treat if your cat is not already eating a fish-based diet, and can be fed either cooked or raw.

Don’t spoil your cat too much with tuna, though, because some cats will become obsessed with tuna and refuse other food types by going on a hunger strike. This is very common in cats that are fed canned tuna for humans. Canned tuna often contains other ingredients like salt, oil, and spices, so check the ingredient panel before you share your tuna.

Can Cats Eat Salmon?

Oh ya! Similar to tuna, salmon can also be a great snack for kitties. Canned salmon is likely to contain salt, spices, or preservatives, so fresh-cooked salmon is ideal, just make sure to skip the seasonings.

Raw salmon can also be fed as a treat, but less frequently. Raw salmon, like all fish, contain an enzyme called thiaminase, that breaks down thiamine, an essential B vitamin. When fed regularly and in large quantities, can lead to thiamine deficiency in your cat. Cooking the fish destroys the enzyme, making it safer to feed fish more regularly.

If your cat is not a huge fan of fish, which may seem odd, but isn't that uncommon, you can still offer her valuable nutrients from salmon oil, or other fish oils. They have a milder flavour and are easy to add to your cat's dinner unnoticed.

Can Cats Eat Sardines?

Definitely! Sardines are one of the best fishy treats for cats because they are high in EPA and DHA, two omega 3 fatty acids that are beneficial for growth and cognitive function. Additionally, sardines are a more sustainable fish, meaning they are not overfished, like larger fish that are popular in human cuisine.

Canned sardines are one option for treating your cat, but be cautious of what else is in the can. Oils, salt, and other seasonings are not good for cats. 1-2 fresh sardines per week is safe, and they can even be fed raw. Whole small sardines make a great treat for cats that love to chew, but freeze-dried sardines are a less messy choice to protect your furniture and carpets from raw fish juices.

Can Cats Eat Anchovies?

Yes, but fresh only. Anchovies for people often come canned and heavily salted or in brine. These are a definite no-go for cats. Fresh anchovies are the only safe option for cats.

As a smaller fish, anchovies are much more sustainably sourced and have lower mercury and heavy metal content than larger fish, so they can be fed more frequently as a treat or as a meal topper to boost your cat's nutrition. 1-2 small anchovies per day if fine as a treat, so long as your cat isn't already eating a fish-heavy diet.

Other Cat-Safe Seafood

Cats love fish for the taste, and we love fish for the health benefits, but what about the other creatures of the sea. Are the rest of our favourite ocean delicacies safe for cats too?

The good news is that lots of them are. Though you may not be eating many of these fancy dishes every week, it's good to know which ones you can offer your cat a taste of whenever you do splurge on a seafood dinner. Like with fish, seafood is safest when cooked without spices or oils. Boiling the seafood in plain water is the best way to prepare seafood for your cat.

Here are some of our favourite cat-safe sea creatures:

Can Cats Eat Squid?

They can, though they may not like the texture. Squid isn't for everyone, especially without the breading and dipping sauce that your cat can't have. The chewy texture might be off-putting for some cats.

• • • • Squid is abundant in zinc, which is important for your cat's skin and coat health.
      • Squid oil is higher in DHA than other seafood and is ideal for growing kittens and senior cats.
      • Due to its chewy texture, squid can be a choking hazard for cats. Cut it up into small, bite-sized pieces.

Can Cats Eat Shrimp?

Shrimp and prawns are one of the more affordable seafood options for humans, but they can be a tasty snack for cats too. Boiling the shrimp is the safest way to cook them for cats because you can easily skip any oils or butter that are often used in frying. Absolutely no tempura or other deep-fried shrimp.

• • • • Contains ample zinc, vitamin B12, copper, and Omega 3 fatty acids.
      • Always remove shells and legs, similar to how you prepare shrimp for yourself, as they are hard to digest.
      • Avoid feeding processed or prepackaged shrimp which contain salts and preservatives. Fresh is always best.

Can Cats Eat Shellfish?

Lots of shellfish are cat-safe and nutrient-dense. Make sure that shells should always be removed and the shellfish should be boiled for safety. Popular cat-safe shellfish include crab, lobster, clams, scallops, and mussels. Skip the typical toppings and dips though. No butter, seafood sauce, garlic, or hot sauce for cats.

• • • • Loaded with iron, copper, zinc, calcium, and other minerals.
      • Makes an ideal occasional treat for your feline friend.
      • Only the soft flesh of the shellfish should be fed. Shells are hard and pose a choking and digestion risk.

Tips for Feeding Fish to Cats

Fish can be part of your cat's regular diet, but most are best fed as an occasional treat. 2-3 times per week is safe for most fish and other seafood so long as the portion you feed isn't more than 10% of your pet's total food for the day.

Feeding fish as a treat is best if your cat is not already eating a diet that is rich in fish. Some fish, like anchovies, can be fed more frequently, but don't let your cat's fishy treat unbalance their regular diet. Remember that you are just supplementing, so small portions.

Feeding fish oils daily is a good option for cats who don't need the extra calories of eating fish as treats. Fish oils can be helpful in reducing inflammation, conditioning skin and coat, improving digestion, and supporting your cat's development as they age.

8. Can Cats Eat Nuts?

They can! This one might seem odd because you wouldn't think of nuts as a common ingredient in your cat's diet, but nuts can offer beneficial nutrients and in certain raw diets, help to properly round out the nutrition of the diet. Nuts might just be a tasty snack for you, but they are loaded with healthy fatty acids, fibre, and fats that your cat's body can use as energy.

That being said, too much fat can be an issue for cats, so nuts should be an occasional snack that is fed in small portions. Avoid salted and seasoned nuts, and always remove the shells.

The best way to feed nuts, much like seeds, is to soak them overnight to remove anti-nutrients like phytic acid and grind them to make them easy to digest. Whole nuts can easily be a choking hazard for a cat and will be harder to digest if they are not chewed.

4 Nuts That Are Safe for Cats

Many of the most common nuts are safe for cats, but there are a few that are toxic. Make sure you know which nuts to avoid feeding your cat. Nuts are high in fat, so even those that are non-toxic and nutritionally beneficial need to be fed in small amounts to prevent digestive issues or more severe problems.

1. Can Cats Eat Peanuts?

Yep! Peanuts are high in protein, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium help to support your cat's bone health, and the high, but healthy, fats can provide an energy boost for active cats.

Can cats eat peanut butter? They can, but natural is always best. Peanut butter can have lots of extra ingredients like sugars, or worse, toxic artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Stick to plain, natural, single-ingredient peanut butter.

2. Can Cats Eat Almonds?

Absolutely! Almonds are a great source of protein, magnesium, and copper. Adding nuts to your cat's meals can boost fibre too, which can help your cat feel fuller for longer, which is great for cats that need to lose some weight.

3. Can Cats Eat Cashews?

They can! Cashews offer similar vitamins and minerals to almonds, but also contain types of antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation. The fat in cashews helps provide energy for the brain and body.

5. Can Cats Eat Pecans?

Yup. Pecans are the dessert nut, so when you want to give your cat a "sweet" treat, pecans are a great way to do so. Pecans are very high in fat, even compared to other nuts on our list, so you need to stick to small portions and only as an occasional treat. The high fibre content of pecans can help with digestion and weight loss too.

Tips for Feeding Nuts to Cats

Nuts are high in fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that are all beneficial for your cat, and even though several nuts are safe for cats to eat, you need to be very careful about how they are prepared.

Nuts need to be shelled and unsalted or unseasoned, but feeding whole shelled nuts can still pose a choking risk. It's best to grind or chop them finely and use them to sprinkle over their meals.

Additionally, nuts contain phytic acid which is an antinutrient, meaning it prevents other nutrients from being digested. To remove the phytic acid, the nuts should be soaked overnight and drained and dried before being ground.

Some nuts are toxic for cats, like walnuts, so stick to only cat-safe nuts, and feed in small portions. Nuts can be fed as a treat or make a great dietary booster. 1/4-1/2 tsp per day, a few times per week can add flavour and nutrients to your cat's diet. Other cat-safe nuts include brazil nuts, pine nuts, and pistachios.

9. Spices, Sweeteners, and Herbs for Cats

We like to use spices, herbs, and sweeteners to make our food more palatable, but you may not know that many of these aromatic and flavourful food additives actually offer some health benefits as well.

Of course, your cat doesn't need the flavour additives when they are eating a high-quality, meat-rich diet, but you may find that some of these cat-safe spices and condiments are actually quite good for them.

Spices for Cats

Not many spices are cat-friendly. Some are toxic, while others are an unpleasant smell or taste for cats and might make your cat turn her nose up at her spiced-up dinner. check out two spices that can be used to boost your cat's health.

Can Cats Eat Ginger?

Yes. This one is technically a vegetable, but you most likely use it as a spice in your cooking. Ginger has many health benefits, and because it's non-toxic, you can use ginger as a meal additive to help support your cat's health. The most well-known benefit of ginger is its anti-nauseant properties. It can be used in combination with digestive aids to help soothe your cat's tummy, like Fruitables SuperBlend Supplement.

Additionally, it contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to support digestive issues, skin and coat issues, and even joint and mobility problems. Ginger is potent, so your cat won't need much. A little goes a long way, and this "spice" has a potent flavour and aroma, so 1/8 tsp is plenty to add to your cat's meal.

Can Cats Eat Cinnamon?

In small doses. Cinnamon isn't considered toxic for cats but can be an irritant when your cat is exposed to large quantities. Consuming very small amounts of cinnamon is unlikely to be an issue, but large doses, inhalation, and even skin contact can be irritating for cats.

Cinnamon does have some benefits though, most popular is its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe digestive issues and improve nutrient digestions.

All in all, keep cinnamon, including cinnamon sticks and cinnamon essential oils, out of reach from your cat. If you choose to feed cinnamon for its digestive benefits, then add just a sprinkle (1/16 to 1/8 tsp).

Sweeteners for Cats

When you think of snacks for yourself, you might crave something sweet. A few drops of honey in your tea or a drizzle of maple syrup in your oatmeal are a great way to take a boring treat and make it special, but can you use sweeteners to spruce up your cat's meals too?

In general, we don't recommend sweetening your cat's food or treats. Partially because cats don't have a preference for sugar or sweet tastes, so what's the point, but mostly because sugary ingredients will cause digestive issues. Sugars feed gut bacteria and can quickly lead to some uncomfortable digestive reactions.

That being said, some naturally sweet ingredients can have some beneficial properties for your cat.

Can Cats Eat Sugar?

Yes, but they shouldn't. Sugar is a quick source of energy, but it's often more than your cat will use. This can lead to weight gain. Even more, excess sugar feeds bacteria in your cat's gut which can cause digestive issues. All in all, sugary foods should be avoided for cats.

Other very sugary foods, like maple syrup and molasses, are not toxic either, but they still offer way more sugar than your cat is built to handle. You may see them as an ingredient in some cat treats (more often in dog treats), but they will be extremely small quantities. It's best to avoid these sweeteners for cats.

Can Cats Eat Honey?

Yes, but sparingly. Honey is sometimes used in specialty cat treats, and in small doses it's safe. Raw honey has many helpful properties, like as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal remedy, and is a good source of antioxidants, but the typical honey we use to sweeten our tea is pasteurized and doesn't offer the same benefits.

If you do feed honey to your cat for its healing or immune-boosting properties, stick to raw Manuka honey and only feed in very small quantities - 1/4 - 1/2 tsp per 10lbs of body weight mixed with their food.

Herbs for Cats

We use many herbs to flavour our food, and while they do contain essential oils that can have health benefits, cats don't benefit the same way because they are difficult to digest due to their carnivorous digestive system. Lots of herbs are non-toxic for cats, so if you grow your own herbs, your cat may be curious enough to give them a try, so it's important to know which ones are safe to leave out for your cat to nibble.

Find out which herbs are safe for cats to eat, and if there is any nutritional benefits to feeding them.

Can Cats Eat Basil?

Yep! Basil is totally non-toxic for cats, so if your cat likes to sample your indoor herb garden, then don't fret. Basil contains a very aromatic essential oil, and it can act as a repellant for cats, but some cats are just too curious to care about the smell.

Can Cats Eat Cilantro?

They can! Another potent smelling herb, cilantro is not likely to be your cat's favourite snack, but if she is willing to give it a nibble, then don't fret. Cilantro does offer small amounts of vitamins and minerals, but not enough to be used as an effective nutritional aid.

Can Cats Eat Mint?

It's not recommended. Cats are often attracted to the scent of mint because of its similarity to catnip, a member of the mint family. Garden mint contains peppermint oil which can be toxic in large quantities. A small amount of mint may only cause minor irritation, but if your cat is chowing down on fresh mint, or concentrated essential oils, you will have big digestive problems.

If you grow your own mint, make sure you keep it out of reach of your kitty. Instead, make sure you have some catnip on hand to give your cat a much safer, and funner alternative. To find out more, check out our Ultimate Catnip Guide.

Can Cats Eat Parsley?

Oh ya! This is one of the rare herbs that can actually be beneficial for cats, but not in the way that you'd think. Parsley has natural antibacterial properties that can be an effective breath freshener for cats. Adding a small chopped-up sprig to your cat's food can help ditch that kitty breath and improve dental health.

This dental trick will not replace regular dental care habits, like brushing your cat's teeth, but can still be helpful. It is also a natural diuretic, which can help support urinary care health by increasing urination and flushing out unwanted bacteria from the urinary tract.

Cats are typically drawn towards green leafy herbs, and while there are some cat-safe herbs, like the ones above, but most don't fill any nutritional need for cats, so feeding them as treats or meal toppers isn't necessary or an effective way to boost your cat's health.

Top 7 Toxic Foods for Cats

Fresh ingredients are a great way to help boost your cat's overall nutrition, and while there are many human foods that are safe and nutritious for cats, but there are many that are highly toxic and should never be fed to your kitty. Take a look at some of our favourite foods that are toxic for your kitty.

1. Can Cats Eat Chocolate

Definitely not! While chocolate is one of the ultimate human treats, it's not safe for your cat. Chocolate of all kinds contains theobromine. Cats (and dogs) are very sensitive to the effects of theobromine. In humans, it acts as a mild stimulant, but for your cat is can lead to intense digestive issues, seizures and even death if your cat eats enough of it.

The darker and purer the chocolate, the more theobromine is present. Dark chocolate could have 3-4 times the levels of bromine than milk chocolate, but no matter how potent, all chocolate should be avoided for cats. If you really want to give your cat a sweet treat for a special holiday, then stick to small amounts of carob instead.

2. Can Cats Have Alcohol?

Obviously not! Alcohol, in any form, is very dangerous for cats (and dogs!). Ethyl alcohol can cause your cat's central nervous system to slow down and could cause respiratory distress. Never, ever, ever offer your cat any booze, beer, or spirits of any kind.

Rubbing alcohol and other products, like cleaners and hand sanitizers, contain a different kind of alcohol, called isopropyl alcohol. These are even more dangerous for cats, so make sure you keep your cleaning agents out of reach of your kitty.

3. Can Cats Eat Grapes?

Absolutely not! This is one of the more well-known toxic foods for cats. The strange thing is that we don't totally know why grapes, raisins, and currants are toxic for cats (and dogs). All we know is that damage is done to the kidneys.

There is speculation that it could be mycotoxins or naturally found compounds that could decrease blood flow to the kidneys, but to date, we just don't know. What we do know is that grapes should never be fed to dogs and cats.

So no grapes, but can cats eat raisins? Still nope. Though dried and shrivelled, raisins are still just as toxic as grapes, so keep them out of reach. This also goes for sultanas and currants, too.

Reactions to grape poisoning vary on an individual basis, so even though some pets can sneak a grape or two without consequence, others may suffer reactions from even a small amount of this toxic fruit and its cousins.

4. Can Cats Eat Citrus Fruits?

No. No matter how many vitamins citrus fruits may have, you should not offer your cat a taste of these sour and acidic fruits. The natural essential oils in many citrus fruits, like lemon, are toxic to cats. Symptoms of citrus poisoning include vomiting, digestive distress, weakness, and even skin reactions.

Citrus fruits that you should steer clear of offering your cat include lemon, lime, grapefruit, and oranges. If your cat accidentally sneaks a taste of some citrus fruit or juice, the chances are the reaction will be mild, but you should monitor them for worsening symptoms. Never give your cat citrus fruits.

5. Can Cats Eat Garlic?

It's not recommended. There is a lot of questions about whether or not garlic, in small doses, is harmful to cats. While we know that dogs can benefit from small doses of garlic, but what about cats? The truth is garlic may be beneficial to cats, but can still be dangerous if you feed too much.

In general, feeding garlic to your cat is not recommended, but it won't do your cat immediate harm if she steals a small nibble of food that contains garlic. Even if your cat can tolerate small amounts of garlic, chances are the small dose would provide fewer health benefits than using other cat-safe supplements.

6. Can Cats Eat Onions?

Newp! In the same allium plant family as garlic, onions are toxic to cats. This also includes shallots and leeks. Though tiny amounts of onion are likely not going to be harmful to your cat if she happens to sneak a taste, there is no nutritional benefit from onion, so why take the risk.

Onions are a common ingredient in many sauces and premade foods that you may eat, so be mindful of any foods you share with your cat.

7. Can Cats Eat Junk Food?

Never. Some of our favourite unhealthy snacks, like chips, candy, ice cream, and soda are especially bad for your cat. There are a number of dangerous ingredients that are used in these packaged goods, like sugar, salt, garlic, and artificial ingredients.

Any human foods you feed your cat should be healthy and natural. Anything heavily processed is guaranteed to have something bad for your cat, so absolutely no sharing.



While toxicity and digestive reactions may vary depending on the potency of the ingredient and your unique pet, you should never, ever, intentionally feed your cat foods that are known toxins. If your cat ever accidentally ingests (or steals) a bite of one of these toxic foods, you should monitor their behaviour and digestion for the next 24 hours for any issues, and call your vet immediately if your cat has ingested large quantities of them.

Moderation is Key

Now that you know which of your snacks and favourite foods are safe to share with your feline friend and which ones should be avoided, you can start to boost your cat's nutrition with some fresh ingredients, or just spruce up her treat routine.

Fresh ingredients are a great way to boost your cat's nutrition, but everything in moderation. If you are feeding a high-quality cat diet already, then adding additional fresh ingredients isn't required, but can still be beneficial.

Cats enjoy a varied diet so adding cat-safe human foods not only offers nutritional benefits but also gives the kitty something to look forward to each meal. You can add a little human food mixed with quality commercial cat foods to ensure you are meeting all of your cat’s dietary needs.

If you only offer table scraps and human foods for flavour, be cautious of how dependant your cat may become on those flavourful additions. You may find that your cat starts to develop some picky eating habits if she's been too spoiled with yummy extras.

If you find your cat is getting addicted, then stop giving human foods as meal toppers entirely, and limit treats to specific reasons, like rewards for training or chewing and dental health.

What is your cat's favourite human food? Deixe-nos saber nos comentários abaixo!