When prepared in any way, potatoes provide humans with a wealth of beneficial nutrients. Can you feed your cat potatoes, though? What kind of people are they?
The feline species evolved to eat meat. Therefore, meat and meat by-products are the primary sources of nutrition for such people. Some premium dry and wet cat foods include not just animal products, but also plant-based ingredients like oils and by-products from vegetables.
But how can you say no to that adorable furball’s beseeching eyes when it wants a taste of your frozen yogurt, chocolate bar, or bag of chips?
Can Cats Eat Potatoes?
Associate Professor of Veterinary Nutrition and Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville is Richard Hill, VetMB, PhD. What is he suggesting? Occasionally, you can give your cat some cooked potatoes as a treat.
Hill claims that potatoes can “unbalance” a commercially-balanced diet because they are calorically dense and nutritionally deficient. Treats should account for no more than 10% of total caloric intake, per our recommendation. ”
Your cat can safely lick the mashed potatoes off your child’s high chair tray. Don’t make it a regular thing unless that’s the only way you can give her treats.
The American SPCA also stresses that cats shouldn’t eat plant-based diets because their digestive systems weren’t designed for it. Therefore, you should prioritize certain qualities when selecting cat potato treats.
The Safety of Different Potato Preparation Methods
Can Cats Eat Raw potatoes?
Cats can be poisoned by eating raw potatoes just like humans can.
The chemical solanine is found in high concentrations in raw potato plants. Toxic to all mammals, including cats, this chemical serves an important defensive function for the developing potato plant.
This chemical is not only found in the plant itself, but also in the developing potato’s green skin. Therefore, your cat should never come into contact with raw potatoes or potato peels.
Keep raw potatoes out of your cat’s reach for his or her own safety, or you may end up making an emergency trip to the vet.
Can Cats Eat Sweet potatoes?
There is no solanine in sweet potatoes or any other plant, including green ones. The American SPCA has determined that the sweet potato vine is safe for cats to eat.
However, there are a number of health problems that sweet potatoes can cause in cats.
When compared to humans, cats have a harder time digesting potatoes, and sweet potatoes don’t provide nearly as many health benefits.
You shouldn’t feed your feline furball potatoes because high-quality cat food already provides all the nutrition it needs.
While a nibble or two of mashed sweet potatoes here and there probably won’t hurt your cat, making it a regular treat could lead to weight gain, digestive issues, and even vomiting and diarrhea.
Can Cats Eat Cooked potatoes?
Can cats eat cooked potatoes if raw and sweet potatoes are harmful to them?
Your pet can safely eat potato in any form, including mashed, baked, or boiled. Potatoes are included as an ingredient in some cat foods. Toxins in potatoes are eliminated during cooking, making cooked potatoes safe to eat.
Even though it shouldn’t replace vitamin supplements, you can occasionally add some mashed potatoes to your cat’s dry or canned food to increase the protein and fiber content.
The cooked potato treats, however, should never include any harmful spices, herbs, artificial additives, or toppings. Cats are not permitted because toppings, especially sweet and sour ones, can be fatal.
The safety of fried potatoes is compromised in comparison to other preparation methods. The oils, acids, and fats in them are bad for your cat’s health.
The same goes for potato chips and French fries; don’t feed them to your cat because of the artificial flavors, herbs, salts, and other additives.
Potato Chips, Fried Potatoes, & Potato Salad
Can a cat eat a bag of potato chips? In addition to the fact that cats typically do not chew treats completely, the high sodium and fat content is bad for her (and us!). The same holds true for any variation on fried potatoes or potato salad.
Treats are a great way to bond with your favorite feline, even if a few potato crisps aren’t the best option for snack time with Fluffy.
It’s best to give her treats that have been made specifically for her diet, but if you think she might enjoy what you’re snacking on, pick something else that is safe for pets to eat.
You can feed your cat human foods like zucchini, blueberries, peeled bananas, cooked eggs, apple slices, and unsalted creamy peanut butter without worrying about its health.
Conclusion
Potatoes are safe for cats to eat, and they may even enjoy them. Your feline friend will be fine after a single serving of sweet potatoes or fried chips, but chronic consumption can be fatal. Cats can safely eat cooked potatoes such as those used in baking or boiling, but only in moderation.
Finally, it’s important to avoid spoiling your cat’s appetite, encouraging picky behavior, and upsetting its healthy cat food diet by feeding it table scraps too often.