Yes, cats can eat peanut butter, but in very small amounts. It should not be a part of a regular diet and not be more than a teaspoon.
Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter? No, they should not! Peanut butter is a delicious treat that you will most likely find in every home. While you may enjoy snacking on peanut butter and using it with your delicious foods, can you feed your cat peanut butter?
You should not. Some human foods are safe for cat consumption, but some might pose digestive problems. Is peanut butter one of those foods that may pose a health risk for a cat? This article seeks to answer the question ’can cats eat peanut butter?’
Peanut butter offers numerous benefits due to the high content of good fats and protein. However, peanut butter contains copper, biotin, phosphorus, and folate, beneficial to humans. These contents in peanut butter are not safe for cats. So, if you are wondering, can cats eat peanut butter? The answer is no. A cat’s digestive system will not metabolize high fats and protein levels.
Do cats like peanut butter?
Unlike dogs that eat almost anything they get, cats are picky eaters. If you try feeding your cat peanut butter, most likely, it will turn its head away. It is important to note that peanut butter is not toxic to cats. If your cat likes the taste of peanut butter, you may feed it but in very small amounts.
The recommended peanut butter intake is half a spoon at least two times a week. After feeding your cat peanut butter, follow with a lot of drinking water to prevent any stomach upset. Peanut butter is a source of plant protein. However, it does not contain the necessary amino acids that a cat requires.
What Could Happen If You Feed Your Cat Peanut Butter?
If you feed your cat peanut butter, you must observe it for any allergic reactions. Some of the allergic reactions that a cat may experience from eating peanut butter include bloating, vomiting, stomach pains, and diarrhea. If you notice any of these symptoms, see your veterinarian right away.
Besides gastrointestinal issues, there is a risk of your cat choking from eating peanut butter. Peanut butter is thick and has a sticky texture that can form clumps obstructing a cat’s throat.
As mentioned earlier, peanut butter is high in trans fats and calories. Therefore, it may not be wise to feed a cat with peanut butter leading to overweight issues and diabetes.
Lastly, peanut butter may contain aflatoxins—a type of mycotoxin which is a serious health threat. Not only are mycotoxins toxic for the liver, but also they contain cancer-causing substances.
Do you Know?
We’ve done our research for lots of foods and have vetted them if they are safe for your pets. Why not check out this article: Can Cats Eat Mango?
Can Cats Eat Peanuts, Are Peanuts Safe for Cats?
Since peanut butter is made from peanuts, you may wonder whether can cats eat peanuts. Peanuts are not toxic to cats. However, it would be best to feed your cat peanuts in small amounts. When giving your cats peanuts as a treat, go for the unsalted peanuts in the raw form. Cat’s digestive systems may not handle certain additives to peanuts well, such as oil, spices, seasoning, and salt. Remember to remove the outer shell from the peanuts as it might cause choking and intestinal obstruction in cats.
Many cat owners think of feeding their cat peanut butter as a healthy treat.
However, due to risks that may come from consuming peanut butter, a pet owner should seek other options for healthy treats. You can try veggies such as carrots, pumpkin, peas, and zucchini. Although your cat may enjoy these veggie treats, remember that cats are carnivores. Therefore, you should give these treats occasionally. Treats do not contain the essential nutrients a cat requires and should not substitute your cat’s food.
Always feed your cat store-bought cat food as it contains the necessary nutrients for a cat’s growth. Food should provide nutrients for the body and improve its functions. Lastly, before feeding your cat any treat, and if you are unsure of its safety for your cat, always reach out to your vet. You will be surprised that not all food fit for human consumption is good for your cat. And, the last thing you want is an unwell cat in your home.
