When it comes to success, chia seeds prove that size is irrelevant. They’ve existed alongside humans for quite some time. Straight to the point, chia seeds are a health dynamite, and cats can safely consume them.
These tiny seeds have been around since ancient times. The Maya and Aztecs, two of the greatest civilizations of their time, are suspected of eating them.
Smoothies, puddings, baked goods, and granola/protein/energy bars are some of the most common modern uses for chia seeds. What’s the big deal about these tiny seeds, and how can you give them to your cat without harming her?
Can Cats Eat Chia Seeds?
To sum up, you can feel good about giving your cat chia seeds. In fact, your cat may benefit from the many healthful properties of these tiny seeds.
What are chia seeds?
Chia seeds can be found on two distinct plant species. Salvia hispanica is a species of sage that was originally from southern and central Mexico and Guatemala. Salvia columbariae is endemic to several western and southwestern states in the United States.
The Maya and the Aztecs were not the first to recognize the nutritional value of these tiny seeds. The Maya language is the source of the word “chia,” which means “strength.”
The chia plant is related to the mint family. Depending on the species, the seeds can be either black or white.
Water is drawn to the seeds because of their hydrophilicity. They can soak up water at a rate of 12 times their weight. In addition, they develop a special jelly-like exterior.
Chia seeds are widely used in a variety of human foods without first being soaked, including tortillas, pizza dough, granola bars, and salads.
After being soaked, they can be consumed as chia fresca, added to smoothies, or used to make chia pudding.
What do chia seeds contain?
The nutritional profile of chia seeds is quite extensive, with 100 grams of dry seeds providing:
- The number 486
- Carbohydrates, 12 grams
- Only 4 g of fiber
- Total fat content of 74 grams (including omega-3)
- Only 5g of Protein
They contain many nutrients that the body needs, such as:
- Vitamin A
- Folate
- Potassium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Niacin
- Phosphorous
- Calcium
- Copper
Antioxidants found in chia seeds may help prevent cancer and heart disease in feline companions.
There are a total of 18 essential amino acids in there, which contribute to normal growth and development.
Health benefits of chia seeds
The immune system of your cat will greatly improve if you feed her chia seeds. Chia seeds are safe for cats to eat, and many experts recommend them.
Chia seeds are an excellent source of nutrition for your cat because they are loaded with essential nutrients. Vitamin A, folate, and niacin, to name a few, are among the vitamins often cited as being crucial.
Vitamins
Your cat needs vitamin A for her overall health, but especially for her eyes. A lack of vitamin A can lead to blurry vision. Fortunately, this vitamin is abundant in chia seeds.
Night blindness is a common symptom of a vitamin deficiency in cats. Include chia seeds in your cat’s diet to improve her night vision.
The B vitamin folate is crucial for felines. Lack of this vitamin has been linked to a variety of health problems. She won’t get anemia because folic acid will help her body produce new red blood cells.
The medical term for this is anemia due to a lack of folate in the body. A scattering of chia seeds will do the trick to stop this from happening.
Niacin (B3) has significant effects on your cat’s health. Aids in the production of fats and cholesterol and in the conversion of food into energy. Your cat’s circulation and nervous system health can both benefit from niacin.
Minerals
Your canine friend needs mineral supplements just like you do. She would benefit greatly from the chia seeds’ potassium content.
The nervous system of a cat benefits from a diet high in potassium. This mineral has been shown to calm heart palpitations and aid in muscle contractions.
The iron in chia seeds is great for your cat’s red blood cell health. This aids the body’s ability to transport oxygen.
Magnesium, besides being important for your cat’s immune system, is another important mineral. It’s also important for the nervous system and can aid in muscle contractions. Selenium, found in chia seeds along with magnesium and iron, is essential for the health of your cat.
Do cats like the taste of chia seeds?
The taste of chia seeds is mild and unobtrusive. They have a mildly nutty flavor and are generally well-liked by feline finickiness.
What’s the best way to feed chia seeds to my cat?
It is recommended that you slightly grind the seeds so that your cat’s digestive system can extract more nutrients. You can feed them whole, but a certain percentage of the seeds will be expelled from your cat’s digestive system without being broken down.
Do chia seeds need to be soaked before I feed them to my cat?
Before giving the seeds to your cat, you should soak them. The seeds should be ground before use.
Can cats eat dry chia seeds?
Dry chia seeds are safe for cats to eat. But tread lightly. It’s not advised to consume chia seeds in their dry form. This is because water is absorbed by the material.
If your cat consumes dry chia seeds, they will draw water from their system. As a result, it can cause her to feel bloated and may even cause an obstruction in her digestive system.
Your cat will benefit greatly from a tablespoon of soaked chia seeds. Throw it in the bath and let it soak. You can put them in your cat’s bowl once they’ve begun to grow in size.
The other piece of good news is that chia seeds don’t have much of a flavor. It may not seem like a benefit, but if your child is a picky eater, you won’t have to worry about this. These tiny seeds are versatile enough to add to any dish.
What amount of chia seeds should I feed my cat?
In the end, you should be giving your cat half a teaspoon of chia seeds for every five pounds it weighs.
If you’re using dry measurements, soak the seeds first. Add as much water as is recommended by the manufacturer of the chia seeds you’re using.
You can either mix the soaked seeds into your cat’s wet food or sprinkle them on top. Soaked chia seeds may be consumed by some felines, either on their own or with a small amount of meat broth added for flavor.
You can begin giving your cat chia seeds by giving them a small amount, such as a quarter teaspoon of soaked seeds.
During the next 48 hours, keep an eye on your cat’s actions. Keep an eye out for any discomfort your cat may be experiencing, as well as signs of diarrhea or constipation. Before introducing a new food to your cat, it’s best to get their approval from the vet.
Cat my cat eat chia seeds in smoothies?
How about smoothies then? Is it okay to give them to our pets?
Cats can, to a limited extent, consume chia seeds in smoothies. Smoothies are a wonderful way to get your daily dose of beneficial nutrients. It’s true that chewing can get boring after a while.
Your cat also shouldn’t eat berries, tomatoes, and onions. Also off-limits are raisins. However, you can prepare a delicious fruit salad for your cat by combining peaches, blueberries, strawberries, and even watermelon.
If you use non-dairy milk, these smoothies will be a delicious treat for your cat. Regular milk, contrary to popular belief, can give cats the runs.
This treat may be refreshing, but remember that treats shouldn’t account for more than 10 percent of your cat’s daily calories.
Can cats eat puddings with chia seeds?
Pudding with chia seeds is fantastic. However, you should exercise caution when feeding pudding to your canine companion. It’s full of things that are safe for humans but won’t do anything good for your cat.
Milk, cornstarch, sugar, and other ingredients commonly found in pudding are not recommended by veterinarians. Your cat can get by on the occasional lick or two, but too many at once could lead to stomach issues.
This means that puddings are safe for your feline friend. The chia seeds are probably the only redeeming quality of these.
Granola/protein/energy bars with chia seeds
These nutritious snacks can give you a boost of energy when you need it most. However, cats should stay away from them. Some of them do include chia seeds, but that isn’t enough to outweigh the negative effects of the other ingredients.
Granola bars typically feature whole grains as their main ingredient. Even though they aren’t toxic, cats shouldn’t eat these. Predators like cats rely on a diet of meat for sustenance.
She can eat grains without risk, but they won’t provide her with enough nourishment. Typically, these are used merely as a cheap filler in cat food.
The fruit and sugar content of energy or granola bars is another reason why your cat shouldn’t eat them. There are some fruits that your cat can eat without harm. But not these refined varieties.
These sugary treats, like fruit, can contribute to feline obesity and diabetes. In addition to these drawbacks, a variety of nuts can be found in protein and other bars.
Nuts such as almonds, pecans, peanuts, and walnuts all have a high fat content. If your cat consumes too much of it, it could cause stomach upset and diarrhea.
In this situation, sharing isn’t what’s needed. Instead of taking the chance of her eating your food, offer her some treats that are safe for cats.
Wrapping it up
Chia seeds are packed with a wide variety of useful nutrients that can improve your cat’s health in many ways, including strengthening their immune system, providing antioxidant protection, and promoting healthy digestion.
Chia seeds are a healthy addition to your cat’s diet, and you can give them to them in a variety of ways. In order to prevent a blockage in your cat’s digestive system, you must always feed the seeds after they have been soaked.
Introduce chia seeds to your cat’s diet gradually, as you would any new food. They are not meant to make up for feeding your cat low-quality, low-nutrient meat-based cat food.
When in doubt, go for the best quality cat food you can afford and think about adding in treats like chia seeds as a treat.
We’re very interested in hearing more about chia seeds and feline consumption.