Raw carrots aren't toxic to cats, but vets recommend against feeding raw carrots to cats because they're a lot tougher to eat and digest. Cats can't chew things up as well as people can, so carrots can be a choking hazard for your cat.
More interestingly, cats lack taste receptors for sweetness, as Scientific American explains. If you're expecting your cat to enjoy the sweetness of a carrot, they won't be reacting the way you'd hope. They may respond positively to the texture though, as they do with many types of vegetables and grains.
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.
Preparing Vegetables for Cats
Never feed your cat veggies that have been sauteed in oils, seasoned with fancy herbs or covered in sauce. Vegetables should be served raw or steamed (or baked) so they're soft and chewable.
A raw food diet (RFD) usually includes raw muscle meat, organ meat and ground bones. The most common meats included in raw cat foods are chicken, fish and eggs, but other meats may also be included.
Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. In addition, an enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which is an essential B vitamin for your cat. A lack of thiamine can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma.
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.
Yes, cats can eat eggs. Fully cooked eggs are a great nutritional treat for cats. Eggs are packed with nutrients, like amino acids, which are the building blocks to protein, and they're also highly digestible. Scrambled, boiled, however you choose to prepare them is fine.
Cats can safely consume carrots as long as they are cooked and sliced into small pieces to reduce the risk of choking. Be sure to feed carrots in moderation as larger amounts could cause GI upset, obesity, and diabetes. Don't forget that cats are carnivorous animals and need meat to survive.
A small piece of carrot once in a while shouldn't hurt them in any way, though. If you have any doubts about what vegetable you can feed your cat or kitten, make sure to always contact your vet and ask for their opinion.
A whole carrot contains 25 to 35 calories, so it's clear your kitty should get only a small portion as a treat if they receive more than one treat per day. A piece or two, less than 2 ounces, should be enough.
Yes, cats can eat rice in small amounts. It's non-toxic, so it won't harm them to have a bit in their food, but you shouldn't give too much as it's not an essential part of their diet.
Can cats eat bananas as a nutritious snack? Again, the answer is yes, but in moderation. Because they are calorie-rich, bananas are not at the top of the cat treat list, and your cat may not even want to eat bananas.
Raw eggs are on the ASPCA's list of human foods pets should avoid. Like humans, cats can get food poisoning from a type of bacteria sometimes present in raw eggs called salmonella. Raw eggs also contain an enzyme called avidin that interferes with cats' ability to absorb biotin, a type of vitamin.
Cheese and dairy are not good for cats. They aren't toxic to cats, but eating too much cheese can upset their stomach and lead to diarrhoea or vomiting. Eating cheese over a prolonged period can also lead to obesity. Some cheeses are also very high in salt, which can cause problems in excess just as it does in humans.
Some vegetables can cause sickness and diarrhoea, as well as other health problems, while members of the allium family listed in this article can be fatal if fed to cats. Many types of vegetables are also high in natural sugar, increasing the risk of digestive problems, obesity and other health issues in cats.
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.
Can Cats Eat Broccoli Safely? Yes, broccoli is completely safe for cats of all ages and breeds to enjoy, if they're so inclined. In fact, getting your feline companions interested in broccoli could even provide some nutritional benefits. First of all, broccoli is absolutely packed with antioxidants.
Cats can get sick as a result of the parasites and bacteria living in raw meat which can contaminate raw diets. It is possible for cats to pass this on to humans, and to shed bacteria within the household.
Cats are designed to eat raw
Cats benefit from chewing on small bones, like chicken necks, for increased tooth and gum health. If you compare the open mouths of cats and lions, it becomes evident that both have evolved with equivalent needs to hunt and eat fresh meat.
So remember, nonfat plain yogurt is usually safe and healthy for cats and dogs to eat as a fun snack — just check the nutrition label first to make sure it doesn't contain a dangerous ingredient, like xylitol. And for even more power-packed benefits, consider adding a daily probiotic to their regimen.