What Fruits And Vegetables Can I Give My Cat?
The cat is an animal that does not need fruits and vegetables to balance its nutrition. In fact, cats are carnivores, not omnivores like dogs and humans. This means that animal protein is the only type of protein that meets the nutritional needs of cats.
Therefore, a veterinarian-approved quality commercial diet is enough to keep you healthy. But if you want to replace high-calorie treats with something fresh, some fruits and vegetables – provided in small quantities – are safe options.
Always remember to consult your veterinarian before introducing a new food into your cat’s diet.
Recommended fruits and vegetables for cats
Although cats are carnivorous animals, it is sometimes advisable to provide some types of fruits and vegetables. You must be careful as some of these foods, such as grapes, are very harmful to cats. It is prudent that your choice is recommended by the veterinarian and adapted to the particularities of your animal.
Vegetables should be cooked and administered sparingly. The most beneficial ones for cats are as follows:
- Cooked carrots: easily digestible, provide fiber and vitamins to the cat’s diet, necessary for balanced nutrition.
- Boiled peas, rich in vegetable proteins, vitamin B12 and magnesium. They should be offered in small quantities if the cat is not very receptive to your tastes.
- Boiled pumpkin is an excellent source of soluble fiber that helps keep cats in good digestive health. Pumpkin can be useful when your cat is constipated or diarrhea. Make a pumpkin puree before offering it to the animal and mix it with meat.
multiple options
- Raw or cooked cucumber: is a highly hydrating vegetable that provides benefits to the urinary tract. You should offer it in small amounts and check the animal’s tolerance.
- Raw or cooked lettuce: provides fiber, water and is fat-free. If your cat shows a special fondness for her, make the most of it.
- Pod: it is moisturizing, has a high fiber content and is an important source of vitamins and nutrients ideal to complement your cat’s diet.
- Potatoes: are ideal for adding satiety to the voracious appetite of some cats. Offered in small portions, like other vegetables, it can be mixed with meat, chicken liver, etc.
- Broccoli: In addition to having lots of fiber, antioxidants and powerful plant compounds, this plant also helps improve digestion. Steam and mix with your cat’s usual diet.
- Spinach: Like broccoli, it is another healthy option to include in a cat’s diet. Steam and serve like broccoli.
- Kale: promotes healthy liver function and reduces inflammation. Try adding a tablespoon of kale daily to your cat’s food.
And what are the best fruits for cats?
Although some fruits are perfectly suitable for cats, they should never form the basis of the diet. Although some cats are more attracted to fruits than vegetables, always offer these foods to your pet in small amounts. The best fruits are:
- Bananas and blueberries are nutrient-packed fruits. They promote the activity of the digestive tract, regulating bowel movements in cases of constipation.
- Strawberries are very rich in vitamin C and have a high fiber content. Some cats are deeply attracted to this fruit, but you should not give in to the temptation to offer large amounts.
- Cantaloupe melon is refreshing and moisturizing. Therefore, it is a fruit that is highly recommended during the summer. Your cat will love the benefits of melon during this season.
- Watermelon has the same benefits as melon. It is advisable to offer your cat watermelon as an additional refreshing alternative to your water source.
- Apples and pears are ideal as a snack that you can offer between meals in small cubes.
- Peaches are one of those foods that often become a cat’s favorite. Always be careful not to offer large amounts per day, even if your feline friend asks for more.
Fruits and vegetables as substitutes
These foods, while very healthy, should never be considered the only food for cats. In this sense, it is better to offer them as an alternative to sweets. In addition, it is important that they do not make up the majority of your diet either, as they should only be used as a supplement to meat or fish.
Animal protein should be the main part of the cat’s diet. Fruits and vegetables will be the ideal accompaniment to avoid or reduce the intake of unhealthy sweets. Mixed with your pet’s regular meal, fresh produce can add an ideal complement to your pet’s overall well-being.
