
Safe and Unsafe Fruits and Veggies for Cats
Like us, our cats, too, need proper nutrition to stay active and healthy. While store-bought healthy cat treats are the preferred option, you can also feed them some fresh fruits and vegetables straight from your kitchen. But which ones? Below we’ve listed the fruits and veggies that are safe and unsafe for cats. You need to choose wisely since specific options can harm your pet instead of keeping them healthy.
Safe fruits and veggies for cats
The following are a few safe options. You can serve these directly or use them with other ingredients for making healthy cat treats:
1. Carrots
Carrots are the ideal low-calorie snack that you can feed your feline no matter what its body weight is. The crunchy texture of this vegetable makes it perfect for your pet’s dental health.
2. Pumpkins
Mashed pumpkin is the best ingredient to add to rice and other base food items that you use for your cat’s meals. The fiber in this veggie can help treat your pet’s digestion problems, while the micronutrients in it can enhance their overall health.
3. Sweet potatoes
This is another popular veggie that is safe for pets. Sweet potatoes are also used in healthy cat treats found in stores. The nutritional composition of this vegetable makes it suitable for feeding pets with digestive health issues.
4. Bananas
You can include bananas in your cat’s meals to benefit from the fruit’s potassium content, but use it in moderation – not more than a slice at a time. Also, remove the peel as it can be hard to digest. The taste makes this an excellent choice for treats.
5. Strawberries
Strawberries are a suitable immunity-building fruit for your feline friend. You can feed them pieces of the fruit or make a puree and mix it with their regular food. Frozen strawberries make healthy cat treats for summers.
Unsafe fruits and veggies for cats
While the above options are safe when had in moderation, avoid using the following fruits and veggies in cat treats:
1. Avocados
Several parts of the avocado plant, including the fruit, can be toxic to dogs and cats. Even a bite can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and other symptoms. So keep your furball away from the food scraps when you chop avocados at home.
2. Cherries
Cyanide, a chemical compound found in most parts of the cherry plant and fruit, makes it a harmful option to include in healthy cat treats. Positioning signs show up pretty quickly when your pet eats this fruit.
3. Tomatoes
Though not toxic, tomatoes aren’t the best choice to add to your pet’s meal plan. Solanine found in some parts of tomatoes makes them unsuitable.
Preparing healthy cat treats becomes a whole lot easier when you know the fruits and veggies that are safe for your pet. You’ll be able to whip up something better than the commercial treats loaded with additives and other ingredients that can cause long-term health damage.