Cats can eat broccoli. Isn't that just great? Now, both you and your kitty can stay healthy. Cats can safely eat broccoli. Broccoli is one of those vegetables that will not take first place but are highly nutritious. Broccoli is not toxic to cats at all, hence, you can allow your feline to snack on this tasty vegetable. However, when feeding broccoli to your feline, be sure to feed it in moderation.
Keep reading to find out the great benefits your cat can get from eating broccoli. Also, I talk about the possible harms of feeding broccoli in excess to your cat and what is the best way to serve broccoli to your cat. Let's get right into it.
Can Cats Eat Broccoli?
Broccoli is a nutrient-packed vegetable, known especially for its high antioxidant levels. It is mostly consumed steamed, either by itself or together with other vegetables. This crunchy vegetable contains minerals that are beneficial to humans. So, maybe you're wondering if your cat can also benefit from the awesomeness of this vegetable. The answer is yes. Cats can eat broccoli. Broccoli is not harmful or toxic to cats, as long as they are fed freshly prepared small bites at a time.
A lot of cats owner would like to know if it is safe to share their vegetable meal with their kitty. I think a more appropriate question is will your cat have it? Cats are picky eaters, often selective of any food that is not that regular cat food. So, does your cat want to eat broccoli? If your cat so much as shows interest in your broccoli meal, you should go ahead and indulge them. Broccoli is completely safe for cats and in fact, offers cats nutritional benefits.
However, if your cat has any underlying health complications or if they show any allergic reactions to broccoli, you should book a session with your vet immediately.
What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Broccoli To My Cat?
Broccoli comes packed with loads of nutritional benefits that your cat can enjoy. Here are some of the amazing benefits that broccoli offers to your kitty:
- Antioxidants: Broccoli is popularly known for its high content of antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in your cat's body and reduce the risk of cancer.
- Fiber: Vegetables are sometimes consumed for their fiber contents. Broccoli supplies a good amount of fiber that can aid digestion and free bowel movement for your cat.
- Vitamin K: Cats require vitamin K for normal blood clotting. Broccoli is one of the readily available sources of this vitamin. You can supplement their cat food by treating them to broccoli occasionally to get vitamin K.
- Vitamin A: Broccoli supplies Vitamin A which is good for your cat's teeth, bone, and eye health.
- Folic acid: Broccoli is a reliable source of folic acid which is necessary for your cat's body for the synthesis of DNA.
- Iron: Cats require iron for normal bodily functions. Broccoli can supplement the amount of Iron your cat gets from cat food.
- Potassium: Potassium is good for your cat's heart condition. It regulates the heart and keeps it functioning normally.
Is Broccoli Harmful to my cat?
Cats are obligate carnivores that do not need to eat plant-based foods. However, if your kitty has got a thing for trying out new foods, you may choose to introduce this crunchy vegetable to their diet. But you must ensure you feed them this vegetable in only small amounts and occasionally, too.
Like any other vegetable, broccoli contains fiber. If fed to cats in moderate amounts, this fiber can help in their digestion. However, too much fiber in your cat's diet can lead to bloating and stomach upset. To avoid this, broccoli should only be given to cats in small quantities at a time.
Another thing that may go wrong is an excess of vitamin C in your cat's body. Broccoli is widely known for its high antioxidant levels. Vitamin C, which is one of these antioxidants found in broccoli is good for your cat and keeps them healthy. But if in excess, it may cause the formation of bladder stones and generally affect the well-being of your cat.
How Should I Feed Broccoli To My Cat?
Humans eat broccoli differently. Some prepare the tasty greens by steaming and then covering them in oil and other spices while others may enjoy their broccoli in a salad. But for cats, this is a no-no. The spices that humans easily enjoy can be very toxic to cats. Cats should be spared from toppings and other dressings when being fed broccoli.
So, what is the best way to feed broccoli to your cat? The old plain and simple way. Cats should only consume broccoli that was prepared in water only, with no seasoning added. The recommended way to feed broccoli to your furry guy is by steaming it. Steamed broccolis are generally easy for a cat to chew and digest.
Also, the best way to feed broccoli to your cat is by cutting it up into bite-sized chunks. Cats cannot comfortably tear food apart as dogs do before eating. To avoid choking, it is safer to serve sizable pieces of broccoli to your kitty.
It is not advisable to feed raw broccoli to your cat. Raw broccoli may be too hard for your cat to digest and this may lead to stomach upset or vomiting. Also, raw broccoli likely contains parasites that can be harmful to your cat's health. A better option is steamed/cooked broccoli.
Final Words
If you have ever wondered if your cat can eat out of your bowl of broccoli, the answer is yes. Cats can safely eat broccoli but only in small amounts. Broccoli is packed with a lot of health benefits that your cat can enjoy. So, an occasional treat with the vegetable will be good for your cat. However, make sure to consult with your vet before introducing a broccoli snack to your cat if they have any health condition.
Can Cats Eat Kefir?
Can Cats Eat Kale?
