Can Cats Eat Asparagus?
Asparagus is a favorite among some humans. It is a vegetable that has loads of nutrients and zero calories. It’s considered a negative calorie food because it burns calories during the digestive process. Many of the foods that are good for humans can be unhealthy or even toxic for cats. Eating asparagus is healthy for humans, and it can help with a weight loss diet, but can cats eat asparagus? Here are the facts that you need to know about cats and asparagus.
Is asparagus toxic to cats?
Cat Time explains that asparagus contains nothing poisonous or toxic to cats. Now that you know it’s safe for cats to eat, and will not poison them, we look at the benefits of feeding asparagus to your feline friends. Asparagus is not only safe for cats, but it is also full of healthy nutrients that can give your cat a healthy snack or alternative food for inclusion in his or her regular diet.
Benefits of eating asparagus for cats
Asparagus contains high amounts of fiber. When consumed by cats, it can help to keep their digestive processes on track. It’s a vegetable that also contains high levels of vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. There is a lot of potassium in asparagus that helps maintain healthy blood pressure and a healthy heart. Asparagus also contains antioxidants. These nutrients provide the body with additional resistance against illness and disease by killing free radicals that lead to health problems. They can help the body to regenerate new cells and to heal faster. It gives your cat’s immune system a boost, according to Excited Cats. With these facts in mind, it’s not only safe for cats to eat asparagus, but it’s also healthy when fed in small amounts. Since asparagus is a negative calorie food it can also help cats that are overweight to return to healthier body weight.
How much asparagus can cats eat?
It’s important to remember that you can overdo even on healthy foods. Cats are carnivores by nature and their regular diet should contain more protein than anything else. They need diets that have a higher ratio of protein daily, but you can integrate asparagus as snacks or mix it in with their regular foods. It’s okay to give them asparagus regularly because it will not hurt them, but you should keep the portions small. Asparagus is a vegetable that is high in alkaline. Too much alkaline can put cats at a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections. Additionally, too many plant-based foods can cause digestive upsets. It’s best to start feeding your cat small portions of asparagus then watch your pet to make sure he doesn’t have any adverse reactions.
Will cats eat asparagus?
Cats are not a lot different than humans when it comes to the foods they like and those they don’t. Some cats will like the taste of asparagus and some will not. Better With Cats confirms that most cats do like the taste of asparagus and will eat it without much coaxing. It’s a new and interesting food which piques their interest as curious animals. Most cats sniff the offering of new food, such as asparagus, then give it a nibble. The texture is something that most cats are comfortable with. It is sinewy and gives them something to chew on. Cats love to chew. It likely feels good on their gums. It can help to keep the teeth and gums clean, plus the texture gives them comfort. Cats are not typically veggie eaters, but most are willing to give anything a try at least once. Cats will eat grass as an instinctual behavior to help rid their bodies of parasites in the wild, so it’s not that foreign of behavior to eat a vegetable now and then.
Can asparagus be harmful to cats?
Anything given in excessive amounts can be unhealthy. Asparagus can cause UTIs or digestive problems in large amounts. Worse yet, kidney stones can form. When given to cats in small quantities, it’s healthy for most cats. Cut the asparagus into small bite-size chunks. Did you know that asparagus appears in commercial cat foods? NomNomNow is a premium food delivery service for pets that includes asparagus in their chicken cuisine formula. It lists as the fifth ingredient in the mix. The key to getting the maximum benefits from feeding your cat asparagus is to offer it in small amounts that are not harmful to most cats unless your kitty has a pre-existing urinary tract condition.
Final thoughts
If your cat likes asparagus, it’s fine to share this healthy food with him. Asparagus is one of those human foods that contain ingredients that are toxic or poisonous to cats. Asparagus is feline-friendly. It is chocked full of healthy nutrients that can help to provide your cat with a healthy and balanced diet. It’s best to include asparagus as a snack or as a small percentage of his overall dietary intake as it is not a food that is a part of his natural diet. Cats are carnivores who need more protein-based diets than any other ingredients. If you love asparagus and your cat wants you to share your snacks with him, it’s okay to give him a few bites now and then. Asparagus fed in small amounts can help give his body nutrients that will improve his blood pressure and cardiac health, keep his digestive system on track, and boost his immune system so he can better fight off illness and infections. If you’re planning to add asparagus to your at’s regular diet, it’s always a good idea to consult with his healthcare provider before adding this or any new food to his meal plans.