Cats are no different from toddlers. They’re adorable creatures; they have an unnecessary attitude and give their humans the most difficult time when it comes to food. Between trying to figure out what tastes your cat likes and what is healthy for them and not, you have a very difficult task ahead of you.
The thought probably has crossed your mind whether cats can eat human food and if they can, is our healthy food equally healthy for them? For example, peas are super healthy for humans but are they healthy for my cat? And more importantly, do cats even eat vegetables, or are they purely carnivores?
We’ve compiled a list of food that is healthy for your cat and tastes that your cat may like. Whether you’re preparing the food yourself or are simply looking at the ingredients of the canned food, this list will be a guide for your cat’s food pallet.
Cats and their eating preferences
Cats are for all terms and purposes carnivores. They enjoy hunting and their major source of protein comes from animal sources. Evolved hunters, cats consume prey that is high in protein, have limited carbs and a moderate amount of fat in their diets. So to put things simply, there is no such thing as a cat that is a vegetarian.
Having said that, that does not mean you cannot incorporate vegetables into your cat’s diet. In fact, a lot of cat treats include a bunch of vegetables in their recipes that your cats seem to enjoy quite a lot. There are several healthy vegetable options that you can include that your cat will not reject, as long as you make sure to mix it with their favorite protein, that being meat. However, you need to be super careful about what vegetables you offer your cat because not all vegetables are healthy for the felines and not all are easily digestible for them.
Can cats eat peas?
Peas are a very healthy food choice for us humans. Rich with nutrients, calcium, and great for preventing high blood pressure, they’re a great option to incorporate into our diets. But can we say the same about including them in our cat’s diet?
The answer is: yes. Peas are included in the list of vegetables that are safe to feed your cat. Not only are peas nontoxic but also have several health benefits for your feline buddy. Peas are rich in Vitamin B1, C, and K along with dietary fiber, manganese, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are great for a cat’s gastrointestinal tract.
Peas are a starchy food high in fiber and can also help your cat if it suffers from constipation. Similarly, if your cat falls a little on the heavier (read chunkier) side, then peas are a perfect option to incorporate into their diets. They serve as a healthy, low-calorie, and fun treat that can occasionally replace the meat in their protein-rich diets or aid it in the very least.
How many peas can I include in my cat’s diet?
When it comes to your pets, be it cats or otherwise, there is one keyword you mustn’t ever forget and that is moderation. Especially when it comes to feeding your pets, you need to practice the art of moderation. While it is tempting to feed your cats constantly to plump them up and we also understand that cats can be very insistent when it comes to wanting to the fed, one must avoid the temptation. Mainly because while a fat cat might look adorable, obesity comes with a plethora of health problems that will only cut down on their life span and their time in your lives and no one would ever want that.
So for the question as to how much peas can you add to your cat’s diet. While peas are nontoxic for cats, you must remember their main source of energy comes from protein and more specifically from meat. So you cannot replace the meat with a vegetarian diet no matter how healthy you make think it is. If you prepare the food yourself, you can add peas to their diet a few times a week as an aid to the meat. Otherwise, if you feed your cat canned food or kibble then you don’t have to worry. You’ll find that peas are the most popular ingredient in the food.
If you do end up overfeeding your cat peas, they are likely to go through bouts of vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems and a traumatic trip to the vet.
FAQS:
How do I know my cat isn’t allergic to peas?
If you’re only just introducing peas into their diet, we recommend starting with very small quantities. Add a few peas on top of their food and monitor their reaction. If they show any adverse reaction, stop giving them peas immediately.
What kind of peas can I feed my cat?
Peas come in the form of green peas, snow peas, and snap peas and each is safe for your cat to eat. Whether in the form of raw peas or a puree, just make sure that they are unsalted and unseasoned because certain seasoning such as garlic is toxic for your cat.
In what form can I feed my cat peas?
Peas can be in the form of a puree or can even be fed raw. In fact, you can also feed them frozen peas as long as they aren’t too hard to chew!
Conclusion:
So there you have it, folks. Another ingredient you can add to the list of things your picky eater feline will enjoy. If you are a peas lover yourself, you don’t have to worry about leaving your bowl with peas lying around for your cat to gobble. And if you’re cat seems to need to go on a diet, now you know a healthy alternative that it will enjoy!