Bread is an incredibly popular breakfast food, and has been used for multiple meals over the years. We might like bread of course, but when your cat comes up and begs for some, is it safe to feed your cat bread?
It’s not a great idea to possibly compromise your cat’s health by giving them something you’re unsure of, so let’s answer the question about cats and bread once and for all.
Should You Feed Your Cat Bread?
Bread is available everywhere, and usually for a good price too. Just because it’s safe for humans though doesn’t mean it’s great for cats.
That’s because cats are carnivores, not omnivores like humans. Cats need lots of protein in their bodies, and since bread is made from flour and grains, you can surmise that there’s not a lot of protein in bread. In fact, there’s only around 10%.
One great thing about bread though is that there are low levels or saturated fat and cholesterol. It’s also got lots of thiamin and foliate, but it’s very high in sodium. There are other problems too, being that bread can’t give your cat the protein needed to be healthy.
Are marshmallows bad for cats?
So here’s the ultimate question: should you really feed your cat bread with all these considerations in mind? The answer is both yes and no.
Bread is not poisonous to cats, and will not cause any severe allergic reasons. On the other hand, cats shouldn’t have too much bread at any time. Cats can only eat small amounts of bread at a time to stay healthy, making bread a great treat option.
The Danger of Feeding Your Cat Bread Doughs
Yes, you can feed your cat bread. It won’t kill them, and shouldn’t even cause any negative side effects. On the other hand, bread dough is something you’ve got to stay away from no matter what. Never give your cat actual dough, as dough can rise in the stomach of your cat, causing more problems overall.
Your cat may experience heavy breathing, swollen abdomen, and reduced blood flow in the stomach. That will put them in a lot of pain, and may lead to more issues.
With that in mind, it’s important to watch your cat at all times if you’re working with dough. Don’t ever leave it out on the table so your cat can get to it when you’re not looking.
In rare cases, your cat can even develop alcohol poisoning. If this is the case, you may see vomiting, dizziness, and problems walking. Too much dough can lead to a coma and death, so if you see anything off with your feline, go to a vet right away.
More People Food That Your Cat Can Eat
Your cat can definitely eat bread, as long as it’s not dough. But if you’re a little bit uncertain or if they just don’t like the taste of bread, there are other foods you can feed your cat.
Of course, a cat’s diet should be nutritionally complete food, although some people foods can be given to your kitty without a problem. These foods can be used as treats, so remember not to give them too much!
Meat
Cats love meat, period. They normally eat meat and have to eat meat for a strong body, so try cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and lean deli meats. Raw or spoiled meat can make them sick. Remember: if you wouldn’t eat it, your cat probably shouldn’t either.
Whole Grains
Oats have lots of protein and are also easy to make. Lots of cats like corn, polenta, and coarsely ground cornmeal thanks to the texture. You can even try brown rice, barley, and wheat berries, but you may need to mash them up first.
Regardless of what you give your cat though, be sure to mash them up. If you don’t have much time for mashing, cats like breadcrumbs too!
Fish
This one is a little obvious, but fish is a great option. Fish has a lot of omega-3 fatty acids for sharp eyes, help with arthritis, kidney diseases, and heart disorders. Go for canned or cooked fish, but never raw fish.
Eggs
Eggs are great as a source of protein for cats. As long as they’re cooked, they’re perfectly healthy for kitty to eat.
Vegetables
Many cats don’t actually like vegetables. Fewer like fruit since cats can’t taste sweet flavors. Vegetables are rich in vitamins and are loaded with fiber for digestion too. If your cat likes the flavor, try cucumber, cantaloupe, steamed broccoli, or steamed asparagus.
Cheese
Humans definitely love cheese, and with the high amount of protein, it can be great for cats too. Be aware though that the protein in cheese is less complete than what you’d find in meat, fish, or eggs, and cats can’t have a lot of it. Dairy is a problem for lots of cats, so start very small with any cheese-based treats.
Word of Caution
Before you give your cat any of these treats, be aware that any “extras” do still count within your cat’s calories! Give your cat only food that will work well with them, and talk to the vet if you’re not sure. Overfeeding your cat any of these human foods can still cause weight and health problems.
Food to Avoid
Above all, there are some foods that are definitely toxic to your cat and shouldn’t be given to them at all. These include:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Macadamia nuts
- Alcohol
- Xylitol, an artificial sweetener
Of course, remember that bread dough is on this list too, and to keep all possibly harmful ingredients away from kitty.
Conclusion
When you break out the bread, your cat might jump out to get some. Not to worry though! Bread is a treat that’s perfectly okay for cats when given in moderation, as long as you don’t give your cat bread dough. If you’re still concerned though, try to feed your cat some of the other foods I’ve found that are perfectly healthy. A little piece of bread or some other foods might just be a great snack for kitty!
