Carnivores like cats are often thought to dislike plant-based snacks like tortillas. A tortilla is a thin, flat pancake typically made with maize flour and served hot or cold with a savory filling. Are tortillas safe for cats to eat?
Cats are carnivores, so while you can feed them tortillas occasionally, you shouldn’t make them a regular part of their diet.
The safety of tortillas for cats and the potential consequences of unrestricted consumption are discussed.
Can Cats Eat Tortillas?
You only want what’s best for your furry friend, and this article will give you the facts you need to rest easy. Tortillas are safe for cats to eat, but they shouldn’t make up a significant portion of their diet due to the high sodium content and other ingredients.
Can Cats Eat Corn Tortillas?
Yes. Corn that has been refined can serve as a fast-acting, easily-absorbed energy source. Since cats are carnivores and depend primarily on protein, this shouldn’t replace any other food in their diet.
However, your cat can safely eat a few corn chips or tortillas without any ill effects. It will be a special treat for them. Don’t hand them a bag of chips; the high sodium content can lead to brain fog, coma, and even convulsions.
Making your own chips or tortillas allows you to regulate the amount of salt and other ingredients that go into them.
Can Cats Eat Flour Tortillas?
Again, the answer is “yes,” but only in extremely minute quantities. White flour is not good for your cat because it can overload its digestive system. Regular consumption of flour-based products is not recommended, but a small amount of plain, unseasoned tortilla as a treat is fine.
Because it is a common ingredient in cat food, white flour is probably already part of your cat’s daily diet. Remember this the next time you want to split a taco with a friend.
Can Kittens Eat Tortillas?
It’s important to remember that kittens have fragile systems whether you’re considering feeding it corn or flour tortillas.
And a kitten has greater nutritional requirements than an adult cat. Kittens require a diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to ensure the proper development and maintenance of their skeletal structure and all of their bodily systems.
If your kitten is allergic to corn or gluten, for example, you should know that its reaction will be much more severe than an adult cat’s.
Keep your pet away from human snacks and foods, even if your kitten enjoys nibbling on your tortillas.
If your furball has sampled a bit of your tortilla, you need not fear for its life.
Baby cats aren’t in danger from eating tortillas, flour, or corn. However, your pet’s health may suffer in the long run if they regularly consume these foods.
The risk of choking increases if you are not cautious about the size of the pieces you give to your pet.
What Ingredients in Tortillas Are Harmful To Cats?
Salt
Tortillas and tortilla chips contain a lot of salt, which is bad for your cat’s health. Their sodium needs are easily satisfied at much lower levels than ours.
A cat of a medium size only needs 21 milligrams of salt per day, and no more than 42 milligrams should be given all at once.
In contrast, 1 ounce (or about 15 chips) of Lay’s BBQ potato chips contains 150 milligrams of salt. Two chips are all it takes to provide the recommended sodium intake for your cat.
Your cat’s cells will not function properly if exposed to too much salt because of the resulting electrolyte imbalance.
Saturated Fat
Saturated fat, a common component of chips, is harmful to your heart and cholesterol levels because it thickens your blood. You should limit the amount of saturated fat in your cat’s diet. Excessive consumption is harmful to health. They require essential fatty acids for optimal health as well.
What Foods Are Good for Cats?
The first step in providing your cat with a healthy, balanced diet is to purchase a premium brand of cat food that contains all the essential nutrients. But if you want to feed them, you need to know what they can safely consume.
Here is a selection of human fare that you can feel good about feeding to your cat.
Meat
We’ve established that cats are strictly carnivores. Protein is essential for their health. Adding some cooked beef, chicken, or turkey as a treat is a simple way to increase their protein intake. Meats given to cats should be served raw or cooked without salt or fat.
Your cat could get sick from eating spoiled or raw meat, so be careful. If you wouldn’t eat it yourself, don’t give it to your cat.
Whole Grains
When prepared properly, whole grains like oats, corn, and polenta are perfectly healthy. Smaller grains like couscous and millet are more enticing to cats, so you can try offering those. Oats are a fantastic choice due to their high protein content and simple preparation.
Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in fish, are beneficial for your cat’s eyesight and cardiovascular health. Don’t give them any sushi to eat. The fish should always be cooked before being shared.
Eggs
Cooked eggs, like chicken, are a good source of protein that your cat can snack on. However, you shouldn’t eat any raw eggs. They can make your cat sick in the same way that raw meat and fish can.
Vegetables
Some cats may not enjoy eating vegetables, but those that do benefit their health thanks to their vitamin content, dietary fiber, and hydration. Broccoli and asparagus can be served raw or steamed.
Cheese
Cheese, when consumed in moderation, is a good source of protein. Cheese doesn’t have the same kind of protein that you’d find in foods like meat, fish, and eggs. You should probably go easy on the cheese and skip the milk if your cat has digestive issues.
How Often Can I Give My Cat Snacks?
Knowing how much snacking your cat can do is helpful now that we’ve covered what they can safely snack on.
Only about 10 percent of your cat’s daily caloric intake should come from treats and snacks. If your cat needs 200 calories a day, any treats should provide no more than 20 calories. As long as you don’t go over that number, it doesn’t matter how often or when you dole them out.
Obesity in cats is caused by overfeeding, and it can lead to a host of medical problems. Enjoying your cat’s good health for many years is preferable to the short-term pleasure of seeing them rush for a treat.
Conclusion
The good news is that you can enjoy the experience of sharing your food with your cat. As long as you monitor the serving size, you can share a tasty snack with your cat.
While you’re enjoying your tacos, feel free to give your cat a small piece of tortilla to nibble on, but don’t give it a whole tortilla or a whole bowl of chips. Knowing the risks of consuming too much salt will make it simple to ignore his pleadings.
You can eat a variety of nutritious foods without guilt. You can feel good about supplementing your pet’s diet with anything from vegetables to meat to fish.
They can safely and happily indulge in treats up to 10% of their daily caloric intake.
With some forethought and planning, you and your feline companion can share many satisfying meals together.