Aside from the proteins found in meat, cats need carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. And the best source of all that is plant food. But can cats eat vegetables, and if they can, which ones are safe for them? Here’s everything you need to learn about feeding your cat veggies.
Some of the questions we’ll answer include:
- Can Cats Eat Raw Vegetables?
- Are Cooked Veggies Good for Cats?
- Green Vegetables and Cats
- Should You Give Your Cat Root Vegetables?
- Can Cats Eat Vegetables Every Day?
- The Recommended Veggie Amount for Cats
Can Cats Eat Raw Vegetables?
Though cats have different nutritional requirements, veggies can provide many health benefits for them, too. Plant-based foods are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent choice for cats. But felines lack the enzymes necessary for digesting some fruits and vegetables. So it’s best to crush or pulverize them in a juicer or blender. That way, your cat will be able to digest the food easily.
If your cat has some extra pounds, vegetables can help it lose weight and stick to a diet. But you need to do your research as some veggies contain toxic substances. They mostly belong to the allium family plants, including:
- Chives
- Garlic
- Onion
- Leeks
Whether these plants are raw or cooked, they can destroy a cat’s healthy red blood cells and cause gastrointestinal upset.
Can Cats Eat Cooked Vegetables?
Steaming, cooking, or pureeing vegetables can make them more digestible for cats. But no matter what cooking method you use, avoid adding salt or other seasonings.
Before cooking them, always wash the veggies thoroughly. Keep in mind that heat can destroy some of the nutrients. Also, no matter how you prepare them, some cats just don’t love eating vegetables. In that case, you can try mixing the veggies with meat.
Green Veggies and Cats
Green vegetables come with health benefits for people and even prevent diseases. But are they healthy for cats too? Can cats eat green vegetables? They need to eat green foods because they remove waste and detoxify the colon. The best greens for your cat include:
- Carrots
- Peas
- Green beans
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Pumpkin
- Broccoli
While they provide benefits for your cat, don’t put too much of them in a cat’s diet. Humans can decide to go vegetarian, but cats always need meat. Try to create a balanced diet for your pet that will keep your kitty as healthy as possible.
Can Cats Eat Spinach?
As for us, spinach is a healthy snack for your cat, too. While it shouldn’t be your cat’s entire meal, adding some leaves to your cat’s dinner can be a healthy addition to its diet.
You may only like cooked spinach, but your cat can eat it either way. Raw spinach is similar to the grass a cat will find outside. Because of its soft texture, it’s effortless to chew and swallow. So feel free to give it to your cat occasionally.
If you want to cook spinach for your cat, don’t add salt or spices as they’ll make it unhealthy for your cat. Steaming spinach is the best option if you prefer your cat to eat it cooked.
Should You Give Your Cat Root Vegetables?
Root vegetables grow underground and include:
- Carrot
- Onion
- Garlic
- Beets
- Taro
- Parsnip
- Rutabagas
- Sweet potatoes
- Cassavas
- Yucca
- Turnips
- Ginseng
- Ginger
- Water chestnuts
But can cats eat root vegetables? It depends on the veggie. Cats shouldn’t eat onion, garlic, or leeks. Green tomatoes are also bad for cats. According to ASPCA, they contain solanine, which in large amounts can be harmful to cats.
Can Cats Eat Carrots?
Carrots are loaded with essential vitamins and elements like beta, vitamin K, and potassium, making them a healthy and tasty treat for your cat. But you mustn’t feed raw carrots to your pet as they might pose a choking hazard. Eating a small piece of cooked carrot shouldn’t cause any harm to kittens.
Many cats also like carrot juice. Cold carrot juice on a hot summer day acts as a refreshing and hydrating treat for your pet. But don’t give too much of it. Consider getting a cat water fountain to keep your pet hydrated in summer and provide it with plenty of fresh water.
Like other fruits and vegetables, carrots are high in natural sugar. Although cats aren’t usually at risk for cavities, consuming too much can lead to tooth decay. A tasty alternative that will keep your pet healthy is dental treats for cats.
Can Cats Eat Potatoes?
Plainly cooked, mashed, or baked potatoes are the best occasional treats for your cat. They contain minerals and vitamins, so feel free to offer them to your pet.
Avoid feeding your cat raw potatoes as they have solanine, which can be toxic. Check the potato skin before you cook it for your cat. If there’s some green on it, it contains solanine.
So what vegetables can cats eat? Some spinach and cooked potatoes can be a tasty treat for your kitty. Still, check with your vet before adding all that to your cat’s diet. If your cat has diabetes, only give it a minimal amount of potatoes. When cooking for your cat, avoid adding toppings or seasonings that can cause digestive upset.
Can Cats Eat Beets?
Beets are one of the safest vegetables cats can eat. They contain a lot of vitamins and minerals your feline friend needs to stay healthy.
Beets are high in:
- Vitamin C
- Riboflavin
- Folate
- Niacin
- Fiber
- Iron
- Potassium.
These nutrients are beneficial for your cat’s immune system and digestion.
If you want to try feeding beets to your cat, talk to your vet first. Also, keep it simple, serve pure, fresh beetroot to your cat without added ingredients.
Can Cats Eat Vegetables Every Day?
It’s essential to use vegetables in small quantities as a treat. Cats are carnivores, so they don’t need to eat greens every day. They can get many benefits from a few veggie meals a week. Some vegetables cats can eat include:
- Broccoli
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Pumpkin
- Spinach
As long as the vegetables you give to your cat are safe, there’s no harm. But what about fruits? Can cats eat fruits? It depends on the fruit, but you can add some to provide healthy nutrients to the feline protein-rich diet.
Cats are meat eaters, so vegetarian and vegan diets aren’t suitable for them. Your cat needs more protein than most mammals, and it needs specific amino acids to survive. That’s why it’s essential to give your cat food that’s made for its dietary requirements.
How Many Vegetables Should Cats Eat?
Can cats eat vegetables as much as they want? Not quite. Cat owners should provide at least 90% meat high-quality food. Even though vegetables have many benefits for your cat, they shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your cat’s diet. Avoid overfeeding your cat veggies every other day, and consider serving them three times a week.
Conclusion
While some vegetables are safe and even beneficial for a cat, others can be hard for them to digest. As a responsible pet owner, you should know what vegetables you can add to your furry friend’s meal and avoid the ones that might cause health issues.
Keep in mind that cats require protein to fulfill their daily nutritional needs, so a vegetarian diet might have devastating consequences for your pet. If you want to include some greens in your cat’s food, be sure to get your veterinarian’s approval beforehand.
So can cats eat vegetables? Yes, some veggies can be good for cats. But you should do your research and give them in moderation.
