It can be hard for you to resist sharing your favorite food with your cat, especially when she starts rubbing back and forth against your leg. Vets say that human food can be seriously damaging for your cat. No matter how much your feline companion loves human food, it can cause havoc on her gastrointestinal system.
Managing a healthy diet can be difficult for us; however, it becomes more challenging to manage our cat’s diet. Although human food is different from cat food, some are considered superfoods for cats, having many benefits for our feline friends to stay healthy.
In this article, we have listed cat superfoods that you must add to your grocery list. The foods mentioned in the list will help your lovely cat have nutritional benefits and live a healthy life.
1. Yogurt
Yogurt, an alternative to a saucer of cow’s milk, is very rich in protein and calcium. Whole-milk yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics, making it one of the best superfoods for cats.
You might be wondering why yogurt is okay for cats but not cow’s milk. Its simple answer is that lactose is not suitable for a cat’s health. During the culturing of yogurt, lactose is already broken down. The proteins are either eliminated or limited, making them delicious and easy for cats to digest.
If you feed yogurt to a cat, it is suggested to start with a small amount and wait a day to ensure your furry friend does well. Still, if your cat doesn’t seem well with the cow’s milk-made yogurt, try giving her unsweetened yogurt, which is prepared from coconut milk. However, it lacks protein but still, it is an excellent source for your cat to get calcium and probiotics.
2. Cranberries
Cranberries are favorite among human beings for their effectiveness in urinary tract infections, and the same goes for feline animals. Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants help promote your cat’s immune, digestive, kidney, and urinary health. These yummy berries also prevent cancer in some cases. This superfood is a little tart, though your cat might not like its flavor if it eats it whole. You can provide her with supplements instead, as they also have the same benefits.
3. Eggs
Eggs are rich with protein and are easily digestible, and eggs also contain an essential amino acid that helps keep your cat lean and muscular.
Give your cat only cooked eggs, as they may get food poisoning by consuming raw eggs. Another problem is with the raw egg white, avidin, which troubles the absorption of the Vitamin B biotin, essential for a cat’s healthy skin and shiny coat. It is advisable to give your cat a bit of scrambled egg once a week.
4. Fish
Fish is the yummiest cat food. They are rich in omega acids, especially sardines, salmon, and anchovies. You don’t need to feed your cat the whole fish; you can freeze the leftover as a treat later. Keep in mind to defrost and serve it at room temperature as cats are fussy about frozen food.
While Tuna is the best treat for cats, it is not the best option because Tuna contains mercury and can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts. In addition, avoid adding sauces and spices while preparing fish for your cat.
5. Lean Meats
Cats are obligate carnivores, so lean meats make the top cat superfoods. Lean meats such as beef, cooked chicken, or pork can be your cat’s favorite treat while adding some extra protein to her diet. This meat is an excellent source of vitamin B and iron that help your kitty’s energy metabolism.
You can prepare lean meat in many different ways or share it straight in your cat’s food bowl as long as the cat superfood isn’t cooked with heavy sauce and spices. Resist the temptation of sharing too much meat with high fat with your cat because it can put your pet cat at risk for pancreatitis.
6. Dandelion
It might sound strange, but dandelions help boost your cat’s health if you see her chewing on your lawn or garden grass. Despite their weed-like tendencies and yellow flowers, dandelions help improve your cat’s allergies, boost nutrition and detoxify the liver.
The whole plate of dandelion is useful, and you can give your cat the leaves, flowers, and roots. This cat superfood is also super easy to prepare. First, wash it thoroughly with water, then dice it. After that, dry out the pieces and put them in an airtight container. You don’t need to add much more to your cat’s food; small sprinkles will also work.
7. Pumpkin
Cooked pumpkin, sliced into little pieces, or puréed pumpkin can be given to your cat. Unlike other vegetables, canned pumpkin is okay for your cat if it is pure of spices, additives, and flavorings.
Pumpkin is high in carotenoids, potassium, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C, and it is also rich in fiber content. It’s a great way to improve your cat’s digestive system, relieve constipation, and even keep hairballs at bay.
8. Carrots
Carrots are an excellent cat superfood when used in moderation to avoid digestive troubles in your cat. Carrots, like blueberries, are used in many high-quality cat food recipes. They can support your cat’s eyesight when softened by cooking and consumed in a moderate amount.
The beta-carotene in carrots is converted into Vitamin A, which helps improve your cat’s eye health. Your cat may not be able to convert beta-carotene into Vitamin A as other animals can; this is why moderation is essential.
Conclusion
Cats might not be able to eat human food as much as dogs can, but still, the superfoods for cats mentioned above are beneficial for them. Rich with a balanced diet, the suitable cat superfoods will provide your feline friend with various health improvements from digestive problems to her fur condition.
