Cats can eat biscuits, like every other flour-based snack, in moderation. Biscuits are not toxic to cats but should they be eating human biscuits? Now, that is the tricky question. Cats can eat human biscuits but it hardly offers any nutritional benefits to them. Biscuits have the potential to do more harm than good to your cat. Even though you can feed human biscuits to your cat, they are not recommended.
In this article, I explore all the various reasons why you may need to consider a healthier snack for your feline. I also talk about the good and bad of feeding biscuits to your cat. So, let's get right into it.
Can Cats Eat Biscuits?
Biscuits are a flour-based treat. Unlike bread and other flour-based food, biscuits do not require yeast, hence they are light and/or flaky. Human biscuits are consumed usually with sweet or savory toppings like jam or gravy. They can also be plain or chocolate crust. Biscuits, either homemade or store-bought, are made from flour, baking powder, milk, and butter. All these ingredients are good for humans but can become problematic for cats.
Cats are known for their curious nature and their picky feeding. Some cats may be curious to have a taste of the bread-based snack while some may not give biscuits any thought at all. If you have got a bread-loving feline on your hands, feeding them a small bite of biscuit once in a while will not do any harm to them.
If you choose to treat your cat to some biscuits, you must ensure it is in moderation. Cats do not require all the ingredients that are used in making biscuits. Feeding them biscuits excessively can become injurious to their health. Also, if your cat has an underlying condition, like diabetes, you may need to consult with your veterinarian first before introducing a biscuit snack.
Are biscuits good for cats?
Simple answer? No. Biscuits, though a healthy snack for humans is not good for cats. Cats can eat biscuits but it is not beneficial to them. Human biscuits are essentially safe for cats but they serve as a source of empty calories, so they can make your cat obese if they are consumed excessively. Biscuits can serve as an occasional treat for your cat. A cat is an obligate carnivore that does not essentially require the carbs that plant-based food gives. So, biscuits should not become a regular part of your cat's diet.
What are the effects of feeding biscuits to my cat?
Biscuits do more harm than good for your cat. Biscuits are made of carbohydrates and a lot of dairy products (milk and butter) that are not good for your cat's health. And even though biscuits contain less sugar, the little sugar content, accompanied by the carb-heavy contents can lead to different health complications in cats.
Also, your cat's digestive system is not equipped to properly digest the complex carbohydrates present in human biscuits. This can lead to several digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. In the long run, it can also lead to pancreatitis.
Over time, the carbs contained in biscuits can make your cat nutrient-deficient; biscuits supply empty calories that fill up your cat and make them feel full faster, this might deprive them of feeding on the cat food that they actually need.
Some biscuits contain toppings or flavorings that can be harmful to your furry guy. Some biscuits contain salt which is a particularly harmful substance to your cat. If you decide to treat your cat to some store-bought biscuits occasionally, you must be careful to ensure it does not contain any ingredient that can be harmful to your cat. Biscuits that contain chocolates are especially toxic to your cat and should never be given to them.
What type of biscuit should I give my cat?
Cats can eat homemade or store-bought biscuits. However, you have to be sure the biscuit does not contain any ingredients that will be harmful to your cat. Some packaged biscuits may contain flavorings that can be harmful to your cat. Salt is very toxic to cats and as such, should not be given to them. Biscuits that contain salt or other savory ingredients like onion or garlic should not be given to cats. These ingredients can cause issues like stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
If you choose to serve human biscuits as treats to your furry guy, make sure it is plain and without any toppings or flavorings. Humans consume biscuits with different toppings like egg, bacon, sausage, gravy, etc All these should not be fed to your cat because the heavy carb content can make your cat fat. Also, some biscuits have flavors mixed into their dough, like raisins. This type of biscuit should be avoided.
Cats do not need to eat human biscuits because they do not need the extra carbs. A healthier snack will be cat biscuit; a type of biscuit that is made to meet the nutritional needs of your cat. You can treat your cat to cat biscuit occasionally, especially when they show an interest in your human biscuit.
How often Should I feed my cat biscuits?
Biscuits should only be an occasional treat for your cat. Biscuits should be fed in moderation and should not become a regular part of your cat's diet. The carbohydrate in biscuit deprives your cat of its nutritional needs and this can affect your cat's health.
You can serve your cat a biscuit treat once or twice a week. But if your cat shows any negative symptoms, you should consult with your vet.
Conclusion
Cats can eat biscuits. But biscuits are not recommended for them. Biscuits contain carbs and sugars that can make your cat fat. Some cats may suffer from indigestion or vomiting when they feed on biscuits. This is usually not a cause for concern. But if it persists, consult with your veterinarian immediately. When feeding package biscuits to your cat, ensure it does not contain any ingredient that can harm your cat.
