While cats do not require vegetables as part of a healthy diet, some include helpful dietary additions. Antioxidants and vitamins that can benefit cats' overall health. This helps to promote healthy skin, eyes, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as protecting them from the signs of ageing.
Cats – Obligate Carnivores
They do not need grains, fruits or vegetables in their diets, and, in fact, if given consistently those starchy foods will degrade a cat's health, requiring its' digestive system to process foods that are foreign to feline biology.
They can't digest plant material well, and they require essential nutrients that only meat can provide to them. They aren't adapted to digesting a plant-based diet, and meat absolutely needs to be on the table when you are feeding a cat.
As per some cat nutrition specialists, a small amount might help your cat with digestion or constipation. Too much lettuce can lead to diarrhoea, so if you're feeding leafy greens to your furball, make sure not to overdo it. One small serving per week is more than enough.
Even though cats are obligate carnivores, they can still consume carrots which are just as nutritious for them as they are for us. However, it's not recommended to feed raw carrots to your cat so, if you plan on adding them to your cat's diet, do so as a treat, and in small amounts.
Superb vegetables to offer your cat are chopped carrots, peas, frozen corn, broccoli florets, green beans, zucchini, lettuce, spinach, winter squash, and pumpkin. This produce should be cooked (steamed is best) since felines, just like us humans, lack a sufficient way to break down plant cell walls.
While cats, unlike humans, don't require veggies in their diet, they can be a safe and healthy treat. Your cat might nosh on some cooked carrots, but avoid raw ones as they may be a choking hazard. Although not a necessary part of their diet, a little bit of white rice won't harm your cat.
Cats should not be fed grapes or raisins as they can lead to kidney disease and organ failure. Citrus fruits (such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes) are also mildly toxic for cats and can cause a stomach upset.
"Dry food is fine as long as it is complete and balanced," says Dr. Kallfelz. Dry food may be less expensive than canned cat food and may stay fresher longer. Cats that eat only dry food need to be provided with lots of fresh water, especially if they are prone to developing urinary tract blockages.
Toxic Vegetables for Dogs and Cats
Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks, Scallions, and Shallots: Cats are more susceptible to their toxic effects than dogs, but both are affected. In addition to gastrointestinal irritation, they can cause red blood cell damage and anemia. Eggplants are toxic to cats!
Just like any cat, your indoor cat will need the right home to keep them happy. This means they'll need plenty of resources – so litter trays, toys, water bowls, food bowls, sleeping areas etc. At the very least, you should make sure your cat has two of everything (so one for them plus another one just in case).
Safely Feeding Eggs to Your Cat
You can feed your cat hard boiled, scrambled, poached or even microwaved eggs as long as they're fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 160°F). Just let the egg cool down a bit before serving. Don't add any seasonings to the egg that you feed your cat – not even salt.
Cats can eat tuna as a treat and in small amounts, once or twice weekly at a maximum. Choose tuna in natural spring water. Avoid feeding cats tuna in oil or tuna in brine as these human tuna foods contain too much salt and oil so lack any health benefit, and can cause harm.
Since rice is only good to harden the stool, it serves no purpose for healthy adult cats. A daily meal of chicken and rice could also cause nutritional imbalances like: Protein deficiency—Cats need about five grams of proteins per day for every kilo of their body weight.
If fed in small amounts as an occasional snack, carrots aren't likely to cause any serious harm, but they should never be used as a meal replacement. If your pet doesn't eat properly formulated food for cats, it could lead to malnutrition and severe health issues.
Can cats eat sweet potatoes? Cats can eat sweet potatoes, but only in moderation. Although sweet potatoes are not toxic to felines as they don't contain solanine, there are much better cat treat options for your pet.
Yes, broccoli is safe for cats, and some of them will even beg for it! So go ahead and add a little to their regular food or use it as an occasional treat. Just avoid giving too much as it may interfere with a cat's appetite for the meaty food they need or upset their tummies.
Some of the most toxic food for cats include onions & garlic, raw eggs & meat, chocolate, alcohol, grapes and raisins. Avoid feeding your cat table scraps, especially around the holidays, as these may contain potentially toxic ingredients.
It's not uncommon for cats to hate vegetables, so they may simply turn their nose up when presented with one. However, if your feline enjoys an odd veggie snack, they do offer lots of vitamins, fibre and water. A few safe vegetables cats can eat are: cucumber, steamed broccoli, carrots and asparagus and peas.