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Can cats eat raw shrimp? Being a cat owner, you want your pet to have the best diet possible. So you spare no effort in making your pet’s food delicious and nutritious.
You let them have chicken, beef, and fish to provide them with a complete source of nutrition. So does it mean that can cats eat raw shrimp as well? Well, the answer is Yes. Cats can eat raw shrimp, and they are healthy for them.
Shrimps are safe for cats to eat. Not only are they healthy, but they are also really tasty. So if you want to pamper your kitty a little extra, then adding raw shrimps to the diet is the best option. Want to know more about the topic? Then read till the end.
How many shrimps can cats eat?
If you are thinking, can cats eat raw shrimp? Let us tell you; that cats are carnivorous animals, so any meat is their cup of tea. Cats love to eat seafood, especially shrimp. So next time your cat goes nuts over the smell of shrimps, don’t be surprised!
As shrimps are small, therefore easier for cats to nibble and digest. But shrimps cannot substitute for a proper diet; rather, they can be fed as occasional snacks to cats.
Therefore, feed your kitty one or two shrimps once or twice a week. If you exceed this amount, your kitty will not eat its regular food, which is not a healthy choice.
Why should you feed shrimps to cats?
If you want to know, Can cats eat raw shrimp? Are shrimps healthy for cats? Then keep in mind that shrimps are healthy for cats, and they love to eat them. Here’s why you should add shrimps to your pet’s diet.
Low calories
In 3 ounce serving of shrimp, there are only 84 calories. And here is the kicker, shrimps do not have any refined carbs. Besides same serving has beneficial vitamins and minerals necessary for the healthy development of the immune system.
Essential fatty oils
The omega 3 fatty oils are not just beneficial for humans but also for cats. Fish oil helps to maintain normal blood circulation. Omega 3 is extremely healthy for the brain, heart, skin, and coat. Fish oils are particularly good for cats that are heavy or elderly.
Full of nutrition
If you are still stuck on the question, can cats eat raw shrimp? Then read this, cats can eat raw shrimp as they are a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Shrimps are rich in phosphorous, iodine, selenium, copper, zinc, omega 3 fats, and vitamins like B6, B12, B3, and E.
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 Pears?
What are the dangers associated with shrimps?
Cat owners often ask, can cats eat raw shrimp? They are told yes, cats can eat shrimps. But shrimps can have some disadvantages associated with them that you should keep in mind.
- Shrimps have high iodine content that can cause iodine poisoning because cats are extremely sensitive to this nutrient.
- Cat love raw, uncooked shrimps, but the problem is that fresh meat contains a bacteria called Vibrio. This bacteria is notorious for causing cats cholera, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastritis.
- The water pollution has resulted in an increased mercury level in the water, which is now entering food chains. Thus there is a high probability that the shrimps you are feeding your cat are also tainted by methyl-mercury resulting in mercury poisoning.
What is better- Raw or cooked shrimp?
Fresh and raw shrimps are a better option because they are safe, and cats enjoy them more. The smell of raw shrimps drives cats crazy and makes it an utterly tempting treat.
Cats are hunters by nature, so the smell of raw fish will make them feel like they are catching a piece of meat on their own. You might not like the smell of raw shrimp, but your little fellow does.
If you want to give your cat cooked shrimp, go for home-cooked shrimp as they are the safest to eat. While cooking, do not add salt, spices, or black pepper.
Do not add a lot of butter or oil while cooking. And don’t forget to clean the shrimp thoroughly before cooking.
Conclusion – Can cats eat Raw Shrimp?
Cats can eat shrimp as they are healthy for them. Make sure to get fresh shrimps and wash them properly before feeding.
Also, devein the shrimps, which means removing the tail, shell, or head. It is best to feed raw shrimps to cats rather than the one that has been cooked in oil or butter. Cats love meat, so having shrimp in their diet will make them happy.
