When it comes to feeding your feline friend, there are plenty of options available. The key is ensuring they get a balanced diet that will keep them healthy and content.
However, there are certain foods you should never feed your cat. These items may be hazardous and lead to serious health issues in the long run.
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Meat
If your cat is an obligate carnivore, meat is the ideal food to feed them. Not only does it contain protein and essential nutrients for their heart, vision, and reproductive system – meat also offers protein!
Plant proteins often lack essential amino acids that cats require for proper functioning of their bodies, leading to various health issues in your furry friend.
Animal proteins contain a complete amino acid profile and can provide your cat with all of the essential nutrients they require for a long, healthy life. These include taurine, arginine and certain vitamins their bodies cannot produce on their own.
Fish
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require protein from meat for healthy hearts, eyesight and reproductive systems. Fortunately, you can offer your feline a variety of meats including cooked beef, chicken or lean pork or lamb.
Fish is another beneficial source of protein for your cat, particularly tinned salmon, tuna and herring. Not only that but these also contain omega-3 fatty acids which may benefit your feline’s eyesight, heart and joints.
Cheese
Cheese is an excellent source of protein and fat, but it also contains sodium which may lead to diarrhea or other digestive issues in cats. Therefore, offering them a variety of nutritious foods instead is preferable.
Contrary to what you might see on television, most cats do not require cheese in their diets. Dairy products are not part of their natural wild food diet and can often lead to upset stomachs.
Cats with lactose intolerance should avoid all dairy treats. However, certain varieties of cheese may be more appealing to them than others; hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda and Swiss are less likely to cause stomach issues for these felines.
Green Beans
Cats, being obligate carnivores, cannot rely solely on vegetables as their primary source of nutrition. However, certain vegetables such as green beans can be given to them in limited amounts as snacks if you’re looking for a low-calorie alternative to meat.
Green beans are high in fiber, helping to curb your cat’s appetite while controlling their weight. Plus, they contain essential vitamins and minerals that can benefit their overall wellbeing.
Grains
Cats are obligate carnivores and require a high-protein diet for health. While they do need some carbohydrate in their meals, too much may lead to weight gain or digestive tract problems.
Research suggests that a moderate amount of grains in your cat’s diet can be beneficial. However, they should only be added moderately and shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your pet’s total daily caloric intake.
Vegetables
Vegetables are an excellent way to add variety and nutrition to your pet’s diet. Additionally, they help promote healthy digestion and lower the risk of obesity.
However, if you are thinking of adding vegetables to your cat’s diet, it is essential that you know which ones are safe and which should be avoided altogether.
Some vegetables of the Allium genus, like onions, garlic, chives and leeks are toxic to cats due to sulfur-containing oxidants that damage red blood cells.
