Melanie's Blog What cats can eat from human food? Cats are known for their finicky eating habits, but with a little bit of knowledge, you can provide your cat with a healthy and balanced diet. The key to understanding what cats can eat from human food is to know which foods are safe for them and which foods are toxic to them.
An overview of what cats can and cannot eat from human food, and offer some helpful tips on how to create a balanced diet for your cat.
1. What Cats Can Eat From Human Food
Cats can eat a variety of human foods, including lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Lean Meats
Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and beef are all safe for cats to eat. Be sure to remove any bones before feeding them to your cat.
Fish
Fish is a great source of protein for cats, but it should be cooked before feeding it to your cat. Tuna, salmon, and shrimp are all safe for cats to eat.
Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein for cats. They should be cooked before feeding them to your cat.
Dairy Products
Dairy products such as yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk can be fed to cats in moderation.
Grains
Grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa can be fed to cats in moderation.
Fruits
Fruits such as apples, bananas, and strawberries can be fed to cats in moderation.
Vegetables
Vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and spinach can be fed to cats in moderation.
2. What Cats Cannot Eat From Human Food
There are some human foods that cats should never eat. These include:
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to cats.
Onions, Garlic, and Chives
Onions, garlic, and chives contain thiosulfate, which is toxic to cats.
Caffeine
Caffeine can be toxic to cats.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats.
Alcohol
Alcohol is toxic to cats and should never be given to them.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is toxic to cats.
Raw Fish
Raw fish can contain parasites that can be harmful to cats.
Raw Meat
Raw meat can contain bacteria that can be harmful to cats.
Bone
Bones can splinter and cause damage to a cat’s digestive system.
3. How to Create a Balanced Diet for Your Cat
In order to create a balanced diet for your cat, it is important to provide a variety of foods. Cats need a combination of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water.
Protein
Protein should make up about 50% of a cat’s diet. Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and beef are all excellent sources of protein for cats. Fish such as tuna, salmon, and shrimp are also good sources of protein.
Fat
Fat should make up about 25% of a cat’s diet. Fat helps cats to maintain healthy skin and coat. Good sources of fat for cats include olive oil, fish oil, and coconut oil.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates should make up about 10% of a cat’s diet. Good sources of carbohydrates for cats include grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential for a cat’s health. Good sources of vitamins and minerals for cats include fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, carrots, broccoli, and spinach.
Water
Water is essential for a cat’s health. Cats should always have access to fresh, clean water.
Conclusion
Cats can eat a variety of human foods, including lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, grains, fruits, and vegetables. However, there are some human foods that cats should never eat, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, chives, caffeine, grapes, raisins, alcohol, xylitol, raw fish, raw meat, and bones.
To ensure your cat’s health, it is important to provide a balanced diet that includes a variety of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. With a little bit of knowledge and effort, you can provide your cat with a healthy and balanced diet.
