What kind of vegetables can you give your cat?

Boiled or baked vegetables are another good option. They are easier to digest than raw and are often attractive to eat, even separately from meat. For example, the author's cats love baked and boiled pumpkin and beg for it separately.

Fruits and vegetables in a cat's diet

Of course, the owner is obliged to monitor the diet of the pet. And most people approach the matter very responsibly. The bad thing is that people often identify A person often identifies himself with the cat, naively believing that the product, useful to the owner, exactly-just as useful and the pet.

Many, even very many people believe that fruits and vegetables are just as essential for cats as they are for themselves – after all, they are sources of vitamins and fiber, without which the body has serious problems.

There is no owner who would doubt that his whiskered pet is a carnivore. But, as a rule, few people go FURTHER, that is, think about the peculiarities of cat digestion.

Yes, some grains, vegetables, or berries may get into the cat's stomach (if the prey had eaten shortly before getting into the cat's paws).

But this food is digested by her (the prey's) digestive system at least partially .

It turns out that feeding a cat plant food makes no sense – As it goes in and out, and even provokes digestive disorders (simply – diarrhea).

In addition, many plants contain toxic substances . They are successfully broken down by the human body, but the pet's body is not able to cope with them, because of the lack of special enzymes.

That is why almost all plants are not safe for the cat. И that's why list of indoor greens, which can decorate your home cat owner, is very short.

But let me tell you, what about the cat's famous omnivore When a well-fed pet literally loses its head at the sight of mushrooms, dried fruit, bread and potatoes?

And then, if you don't have fiber , the cat will suffer constipation!

What vegetables can a cat eat?

Carrots

Contains vitamin A, carotene, minerals. Can be given both raw and boiled. Raw carrots are too hard and should best be grated. It is not advisable to give large chunks of carrot to a cat, because the cat might choke on them, which can cause suffocation. When cooked, carrots can be finely chopped.

Cucumber

Many cats are very fond of raw cucumbers. Can only be given fresh to the cat. Contains vitamins B, C, PP, iodine, potassium, magnesium, iron, amino acids. Normalizes the work of the endocrine glands.

Potatoes

Many cats beg and love to eat raw potatoes. It contains solanine, which is poisonous to cats. Cooked potatoes contain less solanine. If you do give your cat potatoes, only small amounts should be allowed. Monitor the amount eaten carefully.

Zucchini

Contains iron, magnesium, potassium. Give to the cat in raw form, first finely chopped or grated.

Beet

Many premium foods contain beet pulp. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and trace elements. It is best to give your cat boiled beets. Beets in fresh form has a laxative effect on the body. It contains a large amount of sugar, which is harmful for cats. Therefore, beets should not be added to the cat's diet frequently.

Pumpkin

Contains carnitine. Carnitine promotes fat burning. Pumpkin is often given to overweight cats.

Broccoli, cauliflower

Contains vitamins B, C, and carotene. Well digested and absorbed by the body.

Asparagus

Contains large amounts of fiber. A good supplement for overweight cats.

Leaf lettuce

Spinach, parsley, dill, celery

Rich in micronutrients. Prevent urolithiasis.

What vegetables should not be eaten by a cat?

Onions and garlic

Contains toxic substances, very dangerous for cats. Consumption even in small quantities can lead to the death of the animal.

Avocados

Tomatoes

Potatoes

As already dealt with above, potatoes contain solanine, which is harmful to cats. It is undesirable to give a cat potatoes both raw and boiled. It causes constipation.

Legumes (peas, beans, soybeans), white cabbage

Causes fermentation in intestines, causes bloating, causes gas.

Pickled vegetables, pickled, fried or preserved must never be given to a cat. They contain a lot of salt, vinegar, fat, various condiments, onions, garlic and peppers. They are deposited in the kidneys, contribute to the development of urolithiasis, harmful to the liver, pancreas.

If your pet is muscular and built, 5-10% of the total food will be sufficient. If he is overweight, the proportion of vegetables can be increased to 20%, but only after consulting a veterinarian.

You should definitely not feed your pet canned or fried vegetables. Otherwise, you should be guided by the cat's taste preferences. If she prefers raw vegetables, you should wash them, peel them of the tough skin and cut them into small cubes.

If the kitty's stomach and intestines do not tolerate raw vegetables, you can bake them without adding oil or give them in boiled form. Heat treatment is preferred for hard vegetables such as carrots, beets, pumpkin.

Read also:

How to add fruits and vegetables to your cat's diet?

Consult your veterinarian before adding any fruits or vegetables to your cat's diet. Some vegetables should be avoided for cats with special medical conditions; for example, spinach is not recommended for cats with kidney problems.

After your veterinarian gives you permission, start with a small amount of one fruit or vegetable at a time. If your cat has an allergic reaction or gastrointestinal upset, remove this product from your cat's diet.

Start with a small piece and wait 24-48 hours to see if your cat has an adverse reaction.

If your cat develops diarrhea or constipation, or has irritable and itchy skin, do not feed this food again. If the reaction seems serious or you are concerned for other reasons, ask your veterinarian for advice.

Why should I add fruits and vegetables to my cat's diet?

Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your cat's diet is completely optional! Some owners choose to feed them to their cats as a low calorie treat or if they find that their cat particularly likes sweet potatoes or peas.

Fruits and vegetables should be given only in moderation and never in addition to your cat's diet. Fruits usually contain more sugar, so they should be given less often than vegetables, and avoid them altogether if your cat is overweight.

You may also be interested in:

Can cats eat raspberries? There is probably no right answer to the question of whether there are more pet cats or questions…

Can cats eat beets? One of the most important things that owners who have a cat strive to resolve is a proper diet. From it …

Can cats eat avocados? The answer will surprise you! This green superfood is no longer something exotic. You can find avocados in any supermarket…

Can cats be given valerian? The relaxing properties of this plant have been known to people for more than 4 thousand years. This remedy is often prescribed …

What fruits and vegetables can I give cats and cats?

What vegetables cats and cats can eat is not always the same as what vegetables are good for cats. There are absolutely useless foods like boiled potatoes, and there are useful ones like broccoli. The answer to the question of what vegetables cats eat will also be individual preference. There are cats who like only meat and, if vegetables are present, refuse to eat at all. And there are cats who can happily eat a whole cucumber. So, what vegetables are healthy and allowed for cats?

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is the queen of vegetables for cats. Some cats adore it and eat it without anything. Other cats, on the contrary, do not like its smell, and therefore pumpkin can be added to meat for gluttonous cats, which because of its presence slightly slow down in the rate of eating.

Zucchini

Another good option, especially easy to digest in a heat-treated form. But try to avoid giving parts with large seeds.

Carrots

The cat's body is not able to synthesize vitamin A from carrots. But as a source of fiber carrots are good. It is better to give heat-treated carrots, as raw ones are hard on the gastrointestinal tract.

Cucumber

Cucumbers can be given, but it is difficult to say that they are vegetables useful for cats and cats. If cucumbers are from the garden and were not grown with chemicals, then it is quite appropriate food if the cat wants it. But given the conditions under which cucumbers are usually grown on an industrial scale, this product should definitely not be given often.

Beets

Beets are good for cats suffering from constipation. It should not be given raw, as well as carrots. Boil them or bake them. And do not overdo it: otherwise you will have diarrhea.

Broccoli

In very small amounts is useful, but it is desirable to give it after heat treatment. This way broccoli is easier to digest.

What vegetables are not allowed for cats?

We have figured out what are healthy vegetables for cats. But the owner should also remember which vegetables should not be fed to cats and cats. Among them are poisonous and potentially dangerous. These foods are:

• Eggplants (contain a poison that can even lead to nervous system failure) – learn more;
• Avocados (better not to give at all, as they can cause poisoning – the skin and seeds contain a toxin);
• Onions (irritate the gastrointestinal tract) and garlic (irritate the gastrointestinal tract and can cause anemia in large quantities);
• Hot peppers (irritate the gastrointestinal tract);
• tomatoes contain a poisonous alkaloid that can cause gastrointestinal pain, and more;
• potatoes are an absolutely useless food: when boiled they are not dangerous, but when raw they can be toxic because of their alkaloid content – find out more
• olives: most cats adore olives, though they don't like them, some may be small and rare – read more.

• Grapes (may cause kidney and digestive problems);
• exotic fruits: citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, tangerines, etc.), kiwis, pineapples often cause vomiting;
• persimmons cause intestinal congestion;
• plums cause poisoning and diarrhea;
• all very sweet fruits are also forbidden.

Vegetable Feeding Rules.

Vegetable food should not be mixed with fermented foods and not given in large chunks. You should not feed your pet unseasonal vegetables, or give pickled, salted or fried vegetables. If you feed your pet ready-made store-bought food, it does not need vegetables.

Not all vegetables are good for cats, so if you are used to making your pet a vegetable mix, be sure to read its composition.

Cats should not be given white cabbage, onions, garlic, avocados, raw or cooked potatoes, eggplant and tomatoes, any legumes, rhubarb and sorrel. Getting these vegetables in the pet's food can not only cause digestive problems, but can cause real poisoning.

Vegetables for cats: good or bad?

The most valuable things in vegetables for cats are fiber . It has no nutrients and is not digested, but without it it is almost impossible to to flush ingested hair out of the stomach..

"Fiber improves digestion, establishes a regular stool. In a healthy cat's diet, fiber should take up about 3-5% of the dry residue of all food."

– Vegetables are also a source of moisture, which is especially important, because not all cats like to drink water, and sometimes the owners give not enough water or wrongly placed bowls in the apartment – says Lydia Lisichkina.

Cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, cauliflower, pumpkin and other greens can be included in the cat's diet. Animals above all need iron, which is found in greens. Cats that live in apartments all the time need to grow special cat grass..

What vegetables should not be given to cats?

Purring pets are better off not eating white cabbage, onions, garlic, avocados, raw or boiled potatoes, eggplant and tomatoes, any legumes, rhubarb, lists the veterinarian.

– To say why cats like to eat vegetables is difficult. It is worth noting that it is an individual peculiarity and, again, not all cats will eat vegetables and natural products, – said Lydia Lisichkina.

A cat tastes food 18 times weaker than a human.. Most likely, cats are attracted Moisture of the product, its consistency, roughness and hardness.. Licking the product gives the cat pleasure, it also calms the nervous system.

– A taste for plant food is not organically characteristic of carnivores and can be a sign of an abnormality in their bodies. It can be an inflammatory process in the mouth or pain in the gastrointestinal tract, for example, the cat suddenly became interested in these foods, swallowing pieces of them. It's worth keeping an eye on and possibly seeing a veterinarian," added Lydia Lisichkina.

Vegetables, useful for cats

Let's specify that the vegetable side dish is put on the whiskers-stripped only when feeding "natural food". If you keep your murky on ready-made industrial rations, it is not recommended to mix dry food and canned cat food with any "homemade" additives. In this case, it is better to pick up a suitable food for the pet, focusing on its physiological state.

Among the vegetables for treating cats choose those that have Neutral in flavor and odor. Namely: cucumbers; zucchini; pumpkin; melon; carrots; patty beans; green beans; broccoli; cauliflower; beets; spinach.

It's possible that your purr may not like all of the list – choose the ones your pet eats with pleasure. We especially want to note cats' addiction to cucumbers – their whiskers and stripes steal even from the bed, greedily biting into the green skin and eating up the crispy juicy flesh. Perhaps this is due to the ability of cucumbers to quench thirst well, or perhaps cats instinctively feel the remarkable property of this plant to heal the kidneys.

Another important question concerns the way vegetable dishes are served. Fans of raw food advocate feeding vegetables to pets only in raw form. But there is an opinion that "vegan food" for cats (with the exception of cucumbers, melons and spinach) should be boiled without salt or steamed. In any case, washed and peeled vegetables are cut into small pieces, grated or pureed in a blender, because cats are unable to chew food thoroughly and can choke on large solid chunks. Vegetable mixture is added to a meat dish or fed separately.

Leafy greens are the choice of lettuce, which can replace the "cat grass", which acts as a "cleaner" of the gastrointestinal tract from the lumps of hair swallowed by the cat when self-licking.

Vegetables that should not be given to cats

Among the known vegetables, there are some that can harm your purr.

For example, Potatoes raw or boiled, cats may like them, but they contain many starchy substances that can cause pancreatic failure and diabetes. White cabbage cabbage is quite coarse for the digestive tract of raptors, and in addition – easily fermented, causing flatulence and bloating. Radish contains mustard oil, which is very tangy but can irritate the stomach and cause digestive problems in cats.

Do not feed spices and spices to cats, in particular: Parsley, dill, onion and garlic The owner may try to follow a "folk recipe" and feed garlic mush to the cat as an antiparasitic agent. The owner's attempt to follow "folk recipes" and feed garlic powder to the cat as an antiparasitic agent may end up with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth, an attack of acute gastritis and/or pancreatitis, liver failure, kidney irritation and allergies. Murkas are also contraindicated to such exotics as avocados .

In any case, the owner must monitor the food preferences of his pet, which are not just a whim, but a physiological signal. For example, a cat's insistence on chewing carrots and raw potatoes may be due to discomfort in the mouth from tartar, and eating cucumbers may be a sign of thirst or kidney problems.

What form to give vegetables to the cat

Aside from canned or fried in oil, there are no strict limits. It all depends on whether the pet voluntarily eats certain crops in raw form or not. There are many felines that can boast a vegan food craving, while others won't even look at wholesome foods.

Giving raw.

If your pet likes these treats, you can give almost any vegetable crops cut into small pieces. Too large food, most likely, the pet will refuse to eat because he doesn't want to mess around with it and chew for a long time, but neat chopped cubes or circles may eat with pleasure.

If the cat does not have the craving voluntarily, you can help him in this. To do this, fresh vegetables are grated, preferably finely, and added to the main dish. This preserves a large amount of vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

Refrigerate

You do not need to do this with vegetables and fruits, although for animals they should be stored in a refrigerator so that they do not go bad. Freezer preserves the vitamins of vegetables.

Boil or bake.

For cats who suffer from digestive disorders, only boiled food can be given. When baked, no oil should be added, fatty foods are poison for four-legged friends.

Vegetables are usually given boiled if the pet has refused raw, especially when it comes to hard foods such as carrots, pumpkins and beets. More often than not, a furry is more willing to eat a cooked vegetable than a raw one.

Fermented vegetables.

They play a special role in dealing with possible digestive disorders and other health problems. Prebiotics undergo slow fermentation and regulate beneficial gut microflora, cleansing the body. The slow fermentation of vegetables promotes the growth of probiotics. This is a nutritional substrate and negates any possibility of stagnation.

Conclusion

Now you know what vegetables you can give to your cat, cat and even kitten, whether you should give them raw or better boiled, what they are for and how much you should eat them to get benefits and not harm. With this information, you can try to balance the diet of a four-legged household to keep it healthy for many years.

Only for the readers of our blog, we are happy to offer a 30% discount on starter kits, make sure you take advantage of our special offer!