When most people think of cat treats, they probably don’t think of broccoli.
Cats are obligate carnivores, so they shouldn’t have vegetables as a major part of their diet.
The good news, however, is that some cat owners may find that their felines are willing to experiment with broccoli.
Can Cats Eat Broccoli Safely?
If they’re so inclined, cats of any age or breed can safely eat broccoli. In fact, there may be health benefits to introducing broccoli to your feline friends.
To begin, broccoli is a fantastic source of antioxidants. Your cat may have more regular bowel movements and less stomach upset as a result of this, and it can also help reduce free radicals in the body.
The bright green flowers may even appease your cat’s natural inclination to chew on plants, giving your houseplants a much-needed break.
Keep in mind that your cat should only be fed plain, unseasoned broccoli.
To make the broccoli more manageable for little mouths, steam it first; however, avoid cooking it in butter or oil and adding seasonings like salt, pepper, or cheese.
Keep in mind how big the florets are in comparison to your cat’s mouth size.
“Cats don’t tend to rip and chew foods in the same way that dogs do,” says Kaci Angelone, DVM, MS, a veterinarian based in Denver, Colorado. We can reduce the likelihood of them choking if we serve them smaller, softer bites. ”
Broccoli for Cats
Cats shouldn’t have any problems eating broccoli. There are no poisonous chemicals or other dangerous substances in it.
Broccoli is safe for cats to eat, and it may help reduce your cat’s desire to chew on other green things around the house, like your houseplants.
You shouldn’t worry if your cat wants to nibble on some broccoli.
Broccoli Benefits!
Broccoli is safe for cats to eat and even has nutritional benefits for them. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they do not require vegetables, but the nutritional boost they get from eating vegetables on occasion can be good for their health.
Broccoli is a nutrient powerhouse because it contains numerous vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients, such as:
- Broccoli contains fiber, which can help your cat’s digestion if you give it to them on occasion.
- Broccoli is rich in antioxidants, which protect cells and lower the risk of cancer in humans and felines alike.
- Like humans, cats require iron to carry out vital bodily functions. Even though most high-quality cat food already contains enough, giving your cat some broccoli is never a bad idea.
- Folic Acid – This vitamin is essential for the synthesis of DNA in cats.
- Potassium is a mineral that plays an important role in maintaining normal heart rate, muscle contractions, and nerve activity.
- Cats need vitamin A to maintain healthy teeth, bones, and eyes, but too much of this vitamin can be harmful.
- Vitamin K — This vitamin helps keep blood clotting normally.
- Broccoli can help lower the risk of heart disease in humans and felines alike.
Preparing Broccoli for Your Cat
Steamed or boiled broccoli, once cooled, is safe for cats to eat. This preparation method may appeal to them because the food will be easier to chew and digest. It’s a treat that can be added to their regular diet or given on its own.
Raw broccoli, in very small amounts, is also acceptable. This could help them control their urge to chew, which they might otherwise satisfy by chewing on something less desirable. The plants in your home will thank you.
If you must feed your cat broccoli, cook it thoroughly first. Raw broccoli, on the other hand, may cause stomach upset and should be fed with caution.
Don’t Overdo It!
Broccoli’s high fiber content is one of its many advantages. As with most things, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Overfeeding broccoli can cause gas, bloating, and stomach pain in cats.
To avoid this, make sure to only supplement their regular diet with a small amount on occasion.
Cats who enjoy vegetables should only be given vegetables as a treat, not as a replacement for their regular cat food.
Protein and other nutrients found in premium cat food are essential for cat health. If they get too many treats, they won’t want to eat their regular kibble or wet food.
How Much Broccoli Can Cats Eat?
Broccoli is an excellent snack for your cat because it is low in toxicity and high in antioxidants.
However, there are many other antioxidant-rich foods that your cat is more likely to enjoy (such as a well-balanced diet of regular cat food) than broccoli.
The majority of a cat’s daily calorie intake should come from meat or a high-quality cat food (which will have a high percentage of meat protein) because cats are obligate carnivores. As with any snack, this means that moderation is required.
Other Tasty Vegetable and Fruit Treats for Cats
Getting your cat to try broccoli increases the likelihood that they will try other healthy treats made from vegetables and fruits.
If your cat prefers dry kibble but still needs a good amount of water, adding fresh vegetables and fruits to their diet can be a great solution.
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Steam-cooked carrots
- Steam or eat raw cauliflower.
- Cucumbers
- Steamed green beans.
- Honeydew
- Steamed or baked potatoes with no seasoning.
- Raspberries
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Seedless watermelon
Vegetables and Fruits to Avoid
Avocados, green tomatoes, and other members of the tomato and onion families are toxic to cats.
Onions, garlic, shallots, and chives are all included, both in their fresh and dried forms. Green potatoes, like onions and other alliums, are toxic to cats.
You must fully cook the potatoes before giving them to your cat. Last but not least, cats should never consume grapes or raisins, as even a small amount can cause kidney failure.
Conclusion: Cats Can Eat Broccoli!
Feel free to give your cat a taste of your steamed broccoli the next time you make it. They could benefit nutritionally, and they might even enjoy it. You can add some variety to your cat’s diet by feeding them broccoli, but only in small amounts.