For many pet parents, a slice of warm bread is a delightful treat, but can cats eat bread or is it harmful to them? Here’s everything you need to know about cats and bread before feeding your pet a piece of your sandwich or baguette.
Can Cats Eat Bread?
Plain bread is typically not harmful to cats, so food-hungry felines are unlikely to be harmed by snatching a nibble here and there. However, bread is not a healthy treat to include in your cat’s diet. It can also be unsafe to eat for cats that have specific medical problems. It’s also worth noting that bread should not be a regular component of your cat’s diet or treat routine, and that their quantity should be limited and given only on rare occasions. Consult your veterinarian before giving your cat any food to verify it’s a healthy snack for them.
Are There Any Health Benefits for Cats Who Eat Bread?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they derive the majority of their nourishment from animal sources. Because the feline digestive system is designed specifically for this sort of diet, feeding your cat high-quality cat food suggested by their veterinarian is the best way to guarantee they get all of the nutrients they require. Bread delivers no health advantages to cats.
If you decide to give your cat a tiny piece of bread every now and then, there are a few things to keep in mind.
To begin with, each cat is unique. Some cats are comfortable with a tiny quantity of bread, while others may have stomach issues. Vomiting, stomach upset, constipation, and diarrhea are all possible symptoms. Stop feeding your cat bread if they have stomach issues after eating it.
If your cat has a health issue like diabetes, heart disease, or renal illness, don’t feed them bread.
Feeding your cat bread with unusual ingredients or tastes is not a good idea. Garlic, raisins, chocolate, and onions are just a few of the items that are poisonous to cats. Nut breads should also be avoided. While the majority of nuts are not poisonous to cats, some nuts, such as macadamia nuts, are.
Another item to avoid is xylitol, a sweetener found in everything from gum to sweet beverages. It is typically harmless to consume for people, but harmful to cats and dogs. Before you feed your cat your bread, read the ingredients carefully.
Finally, unbaked yeast-containing bread dough is hazardous to cats. Yeast bread can cause gas to build up in your cat’s digestive tract, according to the ASPCA. This might induce bloating and even twisting of your cat’s stomach, which can be deadly. Yeast also creates ethanol, an alcohol byproduct. Your cat may experience significant side effects including as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, trouble breathing, unconsciousness, and even death if exposed to alcohol.
Some Types of Bread Are Harmful to Cats
While little amounts of white or wheat bread won’t damage cats, other varieties of bread should always be avoided. Even in moderation, savory breads, notably those flavored with harmful components like chocolate, onion, garlic should never be fed to cats.
When Should You Feed Your Cats Bread?
Some foods that veterinarians often advise cats to avoid, such as cheese, can be used to administer medicines to cats. Bread falls into the same category. Bread is OK for giving cats medicine as long as the cat does not have a health condition that may be harmed by bread intake.