Cats are obligate carnivores and can survive on meat entirely. Now, you are wondering, Can cats eat canned chicken? Is it safe for them?
Yes, cats can eat canned chicken. It can be a great supplement for your felines if consumed correctly. However, overfeeding canned chicken can cause various problems in cats—most cats like the smell of canned chicken, which stimulates felines’ hunger.
Read on to know more about, Can cats eat canned chicken? Is it bad for them? So, here is the answer to all your thoughts.
Safety of Canned Chickens for Cats
Can cats eat canned chicken? Is it safe for felines? The answer is yes; canned chicken is safe for cats. But for some cats, it is unsuitable as it can cause various side effects and allergies.
Besides, some canned chickens use sodium to enhance water content, therefore increasing their weight. So, it’s better to read the label of canned chicken. To remain safe, you should avoid such types of canned chicken.
Risks Of Overfeeding Canned Chicken to Cats?
Now, let us answer this question: Can cats eat canned chicken? Are there any risks regarding feeding canned chicken to cats? Canned chicken is good for felines if given in an appropriate amount. Some of these risks associated with overfeeding canned chicken include:
Kidney Problems
The main problem with canned chicken is the sodium content which helps keep these canned items fresh. But, the high level of sodium content isn’t good for felines. The reason is that it can lead to kidney problems if consumed for a long time.
If your pet already has kidney problems, it’s better to avoid canned chicken completely. Being a pet lover, you don’t want to give too much sodium to your pet.
Obesity
Another health problem that canned chicken can cause in felines is obesity. As canned chicken smells amazing, it persuades your cat to eat a little more and makes them obese. But that’s not the problem in every cat. Mostly, food-driven cats suffer from this problem.
Always feed them the amount that is enough to meet their nutritional needs. Besides, if you offer them as a treat or supplement, consider other foods as well.
Food for Cats: Did You Know?
Felines are not actually picky eaters as one might think. Therefore, we have looked at several different foods and tell you if it’s safe for your cat to eat or not. Like this one: Can Cats Eat Turkey Bacon?
Canned Chicken- A Great Supplement for Cats?
Can cats eat canned chicken? Yes, canned chicken is a great supplement to cats. Although it is high in sodium, you should opt for low sodium level canned chicken for your pet. In addition, avoid feeding it to cats as the only food source.
Rather, you can give it to your pet as an occasional treat. It’s better to avoid canned chicken for your pet if he already has kidney problems. The reason is that too much sodium can make their problem worse.
What Happens If Your Cat Over consume Canned Chicken?
Feeding excess canned chicken can cause problems in felines. Cats or kittens get water through their food. Therefore, wet cat food can be a good choice to keep them hydrated.
But in the case of canned chicken, it lacks moisture content, and overfeeding can lead to various health problems:
- Diabetes
- Heatstroke
- Diarrhea
- Hyperthyroidism
- Kidney Disease
Although the causes of these problems can be different, canned chicken can worsen the above problems. In this case, you can opt for wet cat food that contains 70-80% water.
How To Feed Canned Chicken To Cats Properly?
So, if you want to give the canned chicken to your pet, always serve them a small amount. You can give them canned chicken as an occasional treat.
But make sure to give them without any seasonings or oils. That’s because they can be quite harmful to your cat.
Furthermore, one ideal way is to boil the chicken parts completely. Avoid giving any fat trimmings as it can cause pancreatitis.
Besides, it’s better not to add garlic or onions if you want to cook the chicken. These ingredients are toxic to your feline friends.
Final Thoughts
Can cats eat canned chicken? Yes, they can eat. Canned chicken is a great supplement for cats if given in the right amount.
However, its overconsumption can lead to obesity and kidney problems in felines. If your cat over eat canned chicken, he might suffer from diarrhea, diabetes, and heat stroke.
Canned chicken lacks any moisture content and can cause different problems in felines. Wet cat food is a good alternative that provides enough water to cats.
