The hardest goal for a pet owner is providing a full and optimal life for your pet. One important aspect of that goal is providing a high level of nutritional value to your cat. A good diet contains a good selection of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, water, vitamins, and minerals. When selecting foods cats can eat, these six items must be met or serious medical problems can occur.
The second obstacle pet owners face is the lack of transparency by pet food brands. If you ever went to a pet store or grocery store and noticed the ingredients on the back of the packaging. You are not going to understand why those certain ingredients are beneficial.
As a pet owner, I want to know the ingredients that go into my pet food without trying to decipher it like code.
After consulting with local vets to identify the best foods for your cat, we have curated a list of the best foods to improve your cat’s nutrition. Although this advice is from experts, this is not a substitute for your personal vet’s advice. All cats have different systems and therefore need careful consideration when introducing them to new foods.
On Today’s Menu:
Foods Cats Can Eat: Meat and Fish
Meat and fish are great sources of protein for your feline companion. In a good diet, meat and fish protein should make up a significant part of your cat’s meal. But, the unfortunate issue is that there is a common misunderstanding that raw protein is okay for cats. The truth is that raw protein in large quantities can be very harmful to your cat. Raw protein can contain harmful bacteria like e. Coli, salmonella, or listeria. Before you serve your cat any protein, remember to cook or handle it carefully to remove any harmful bacteria.
Remember, onions and garlic can cause red blood cells to break down, leading to anemia.
Recommended but serve in small portions
- Cooked Fish: Cooked salmon without any herbs, spices, or sauce is perfect a source of protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and nutrients. **LIMITED QUANTITIES**
- Cooked Eggs: Great source of protein but remember to contact a vet before introducing cooked eggs to your cat.
- Lean Deli Meats: Great source of protein and good first option to introduce to your cat.
- Cooked Turkey
- Cooked Chicken
- Cooked Beef
Note: our experts do not recommend more than 10% of a feline’s diet to be comprised of treats.
Foods Cats Can Eat: Vegetables
Vegetables are the perfect superfood because of their ability to hold high levels of fiber and water. Vegetables are amazing but like some humans, cats are not the biggest fans.
But don’t worry, introducing vegetables in small portions can improve your chances by a lot. Vegetables might not be your cat’s favorite, but when introduced can provide high nutritional value.
Recommended but serve in small portions
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Spinach
Foods Cats Can Eat: Fruits
Unlike humans, cats can’t taste sweet flavors. Yet, some eccentric felines like or might be curious about fruits. Fruit also has the added benefit of helping with digestion. As recommended by our vets, to optimize fruits for their consumption, adding a little bit of yogurt can improve the taste.
Recommended but serve in small portions
- Apple
- Bananas
- Cantaloupe
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
Foods Cats Can Eat: Grains
Grains are a great source of fiber and can increase your feline bestie’s immune system. Cat’s tend to prefer more fine textures, so start out introducing your cat to couscous and raise the other grains listed below.
Remember, the uncooked dough is dangerous and can lead to stomach enlargement. It’s better to stay away from nuts and seeds because they are harmful to cats and are high in salt and fat.
Recommended but serve in small portions
- Cooked Corn/Polenta
- Couscous/Millet
- Bread
- Oats
- Mashed Brown Rice, Barley, or Wheat Berries
Foods Cats Can Eat: Dairy
In movies, cats are always pictured with lots of milk to stay healthy and strong. Yet, the fact is, like humans, most cats are lactose-intolerant. Their digestive system cannot process dairy foods, and the result could lead to an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Like humans, cats have very different digestive systems and hence a high level of care introducing dairy into their diet.
Recommended but serve in small portions
- Cheddar
- Swiss
- Gouda
- Low-lactose cheeses
- Yogurt
- Plain
- Unsweetened
- Low-fat
Remember these key factors when introducing new foods to your cat.
- Introduce in small quantities
- Introduce with their regular foods
- Try a couple of times before discarding
- Be patient – try again another day or different time.
- Follow our list
- NO SEASONING
Harmful for your cat
Our team has curated a list of human foods that should not be used in any circumstances. This list is to help identify any foods that can potentially harm your cat. These foods have dangerous health effects on your cat. If ingested, talk to your vet immediately for solutions.
Meats
- Raw Fish
- Raw Meat
- Fat Trimmings
- Bones
- Raw Eggs
- Processed Meats
Vegetables
- Chives
- Onions
- Garlic
- Green Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Shallots
- Scallions
Fruits
- Grapes and raisins
- Citrus Fruits
- Orange
- Lemon
- Lime
- Grapefruit
- Pomelos
Grains
- Raw Dough
- Seeds and Nuts
Dairy
- Cow’s milk
- Soft cheeses
- High-lactose
Other Human foods that are harmful
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Plant-based milk
- Sugar and spices
- Ice cream propylene glycol
- Marijuana THC infused
- Human Medications/Supplements
Final thoughts
We have covered the best and worst foods for your cat. When introducing new foods to your cat, you must take extra care. Like us, each cat’s system is different. Hence, testing foods in limited quantities is going to give you the best results. Also, avoiding seasonings when making cat food will help prevent your cat from having new health issues.
When it comes to human food for cats, it’s best to be on the safe side. Even if the food you give your cat isn’t known to be hazardous, she may get an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.
What to do next?
Be sure you check out some popular cat breeds and their behaviors, cat profiles, and much more! Check out our guide on the types of cat breeds.
