Kidney beans, available in both red and white varieties, are a very healthy legume.
Kidney beans are a healthy addition to a cat’s diet, if you can persuade your cat to eat them.
But you should never give your cat raw kidney beans because they are toxic.
Can Cats eat Kidney Beans?
You shouldn’t feed your cat primarily kidney beans because, as carnivores, they get the majority of their nutritional needs met by meat.
Important information to keep in mind is that raw kidney beans are toxic to cats and should never be fed to your cat.
Are Kidney Beans Safe for Cats?
Kidney beans contain no known poisonous substances, so they should be fine for your cat to consume.
Carnivores such as cats shouldn’t have their natural diet of meat and fish replaced with beans.
If you feed your cat kidney beans as part of a varied and balanced diet, there is no need to worry.
Nutrients in Kidney Beans
Beans are an excellent source of protein, which is crucial for the health of your cat.
It’s great for the development of kittens and provides energy for your cat even as it ages.
Kidney beans are a good source of protein, but they shouldn’t be used to replace your cat’s regular meat diet.
In addition to protein and iron, kidney beans (and other beans) are a good source of fiber.
This nutrient is great for your cat’s digestion and intestinal health.
Keep in mind that offering too many fiber-rich foods at once can cause loose stools and stomach cramps.
Potassium, which is abundant in kidney beans, is essential for your cat’s healthy muscle and nerve function.
Depression, weakness in the muscles, and loss of appetite are all symptoms of low potassium levels. It may also affect your cat’s fur negatively.
Kidney beans are an excellent source of the mineral zinc. Zinc is important for your cat because it helps with cell growth, wound healing, and maintaining supple, hydrated skin.
Signs that your cat needs more zinc include dry skin, hair loss, and ulcers.
Feeding your cat kidney beans is a simple way to increase its iron intake. Anemia, marked by fatigue, pale stools, a diminished appetite, and impaired immunity, can be avoided with the help of the essential nutrient iron.
Internal bleeding or another underlying health condition can cause iron loss in cats.
We advise that you consult a veterinarian as soon as possible if you are concerned about your cat’s iron levels. For a small fee, JustAnswer connects users with licensed veterinarians available for live chat.
Antioxidants can be found in beans of all colors, but the darker the bean, like red kidney beans, the more antioxidants it will contain.
Damaged cells make a cat susceptible to everything from viruses to cancer, so it’s important that antioxidants help prevent this damage.
Kidney Bean Concerns
Now that you understand the many benefits of including kidney beans in your cat’s diet, we’ll go over some of the things you should think about before making the switch.
One crucial point to keep in mind is that raw kidney beans (or any other type of bean) should never be given to a cat. Lectins, found primarily in raw beans, can cause severe toxicity in large doses.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to feed your cat kidney beans, even though cooked beans are generally safe when given in small amounts.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that cats are natural carnivores, so they should only be fed meat and not beans.
You can give your cat these beans as a supplement, but watch out for any symptoms that might suggest it isn’t processing the food properly.
Like eating a lot of beans in general, eating too many kidney beans can leave you feeling bloated and in pain.
There’s a chance your cat will have diarrhea and excessive gas.
Beans are often used as fillers, but they can be harmful to your cat’s health.
Your cat may not want to eat as much if it is uncomfortable, which can lead to malnutrition and other health issues if left untreated.
If you notice your cat isn’t feeling well after eating beans, it’s best to avoid feeding them beans and instead provide them with other treats.
What to Know About Canned Beans
You’ll need to figure out a delivery method once you’ve established that your cat enjoys kidney beans and can digest them without incident.
The most crucial point to remember is that canned kidney beans are toxic to cats.
Since most brands of canned beans are made for human consumption, they likely contain spices that are harmful to your cat.
Your cat probably won’t go crazy for these spices, and some of them may even be toxic, so it’s best to keep them out of the house.
One more risk with canned beans is that they contain too much salt.
Dehydration from eating too much salt can cause your pet to have stomach cramps, diarrhea, lose their appetite, become listless, and drink excessively.
If left untreated, your cat’s high salt diet can be fatal.
Canned kidney beans contain salt, a preservative that is fine for humans but toxic to cats.
The beans still contain too much sodium for your cat, even after you rinse them.
Can Cats Eat Cooked Kidney Beans?
You should only give your cat cooked kidney beans, as feeding raw kidney beans can cause a variety of serious health issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.
Can Kittens Eat Kidney Beans?
There is some evidence that kittens can digest kidney beans. As a result of their immaturity and lack of physical development, kittens are especially vulnerable to all the toxins and negative effects from eating kidney beans.
Do Beans make Cats sick?
Cats can get sick from eating too many beans, which can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach bloating. If you feed your cat raw kidney beans, it could get sick, too.
Serving Your Cat Kidney Beans
Dry kidney beans will have to be cooked from scratch because you should never give your cat canned beans.
The beans need to be presoaked for a number of hours to make them easier to work with.
After that, you’ll boil them for 30 minutes, or until the skin and flesh easily peel off.
Never season the beans with salt or any other kind of seasoning while they are cooking.
Once the beans are done cooking, you can let them cool and then give them to your cat.
Alternatively, you can mash the kidney beans and add them to your cat’s regular food.
They’re also a great way to get your cat used to eating vegetables. To increase your cat’s nutrient intake, mix the kidney beans with mashed vegetables after they have cooled.
Beans and any other food served with them should be cooked until soft enough to prevent choking.
Beans must be cooked thoroughly, not only to prevent cats from becoming ill, but also to prevent people from suffocating on them.
Under no circumstances should you ever give your cat raw kidney beans or any other type of bean. Lectins, a class of potentially toxic glycoproteins, are more abundant in raw beans.
They may also be contaminated with harmful bacteria like E. coli and staphylococcus that can cause food poisoning.
Finally, raw beans will absorb moisture from your cat’s digestive tract, which may or may not help soften them before they cause an obstruction.
Cats are more susceptible to phytohemagglutinin poisoning, which can be fatal even if only a small amount of beans are consumed, if they eat too many beans or beans that haven’t been fully cooked.
How to feed kidney beans to your cat
Kidney beans should be soaked in water for a few hours, then boiled for at least an hour, or until tender. Because of the potential danger to your cat, do not combine any seasonings, herbs, or spices.
Only give your cat a small amount of kidney beans the first time you feed them to her, and monitor her for any adverse reactions for at least 24 hours.
Importantly, before adding kidney beans to your cat’s diet, you should consult with your vet to determine the appropriate serving size. She may have underlying health issues that are made worse by eating kidney beans.
Conclusion
Even though kidney beans are packed with protein, the vegetarian variety isn’t enough to satisfy your cat.
Cats, being obligate carnivores, can’t function without the high-quality protein found in meat. If your vet gives the OK, however, your cat can enjoy the occasional meal of cooked kidney beans.