As cat parents, we often get intrigued by the random foods that our feline friend is attracted to. Therefore, we feel obliged to keep our cats happy by providing the food they like.
Among which is gravy, so it brings us to the question, “can cats eat gravy?” If so, what is the most suitable gravy for cats? Find the answers in this article!
Should Cats Eat Gravy?
Just like humans, cats can easily get bored of the same food. Hence, cat owners should incorporate a variety in their kitty’s diet to stimulate the cat’s appetite.
Furthermore, cats are naturally carnivores. Therefore, they rely on a meat-based diet to have a protein-rich and nutritional food source. Giving your cat a delicious bowl of gravy can be a great way to keep your cat interested in their next meal, so long as it provides a fulfilling amount of nutrition.
So yes, cats can eat gravy, but there are a few exceptions. In general, giving your cat a bowl of gravy that is low in sodium and fat can be accepted as a balanced meal that is occasionally given.
Cat parents need to do research and become better educated about everything related to their pet’s species. What to feed them is just one of those factors. So if you are considering including gravy into your cat’s regular diet, then you need to know what type of gravy is safe for your cat and in what quantities.
Typically, gravy is not that bad for cats to consume, and they can enjoy a bowl of it now and then. However, it should be made clear that the gravy made for human consumption may not be perfectly ideal for cats, and they may not even slightly enjoy it.
Why is that the case, you ask? It is just a matter of ingredients used in human-prepared gravy recipes.
Some of the ingredients that we casually incorporate into our food can be quite detrimental to a cat’s health if consumed by it. Apart from that, some of the things listed below are worth considering before you opt for gravy for cats.
Not all types of gravy contain the necessary nutrients and enzymes required to keep your cat healthy.
Some gravy for cats may be too rich in fat, but this depends on how it’s made.
The gravy might be overloaded with grains and nutrients that can cause difficulty for your cat to digest.
Gravy for cats might also inadvertently contain too much salt that can be risky to their health.
As also mentioned above, not all gravy recipes for cats are free from harmful seasoning and ingredients and may lead to future health problems for your cat.
Feeding your cat too much gravy allows for the possibility that it may miss out on other more nutritional and healthy meals.
Is Gravy for Cats a Safe Meal?
On the other hand, this is not to say that feeding your cat gravy is entirely out of the picture, and your cat’s favorite food should not be completely taken away from them.
There are special gravy recipes prepared for cats that you can safely feed your cat from time to time. After all, keeping variety in your car’s diet is as important as providing a healthy and nutrient-rich meal.
Furthermore, one of the benefits of well-prepared gravy for cats is that it can support good hydration; this can be a game-changer for people whose cats do not enjoy drinking water and are dehydrated.
Subsequently, feeding your cat gravy prepared using recipes designed for a cat’s consumption may also contain decent amounts of collagen and other beneficial nutrients that will keep your cat’s joints healthy and well protected. So the safety of feeding gravy for cats can either be good or bad, which only depends on how it is prepared and its ingredients.
Why Is Gravy Prepared for Humans Not Suitable for Cats?
There is no doubt that human bodies function differently from cats; hence cats should not be fed the same food as humans do because their bodies may not be able to break down certain food contents, which may seriously compromise their health.
Generally, cats can be allowed to eat gravy as long as it is prepared, especially for them using suitable ingredients. Your cat has potential health risks if a gravy made for human consumption is fed to your kitty. And the reasons for that are as follows:
Gravy made for humans may contain too many carbs or grains that may not suit a cat’s consumption.
Almost every human meal contains salt and sometimes too much; this is not good for your cat and may directly impact their kidneys.
Another common ingredient in human meals is the addition of garlic, onion, and other seasonings that are very toxic for a cat.
Food made for humans contains nutrients that match the human body’s requirements. Therefore, a gravy for humans may not efficiently supply the necessary supplements and enzymes that a cat needs for good health.
Gravy for cats can be deemed a proper meal as long as it is made with no seasonings or flour, allowing your cat to digest it easily. A gravy for cats should be especially plain and consist mostly of proteins and water.
What Kind of Gravy Is Best for Cats?
Suitable gravy for cats is easily digestible and, just as importantly, contains no added salt or seasonings that may threaten their health. Suppose you want to provide a safe bowl of gravy to your cat. You can opt for a store-bought option specially made for cats, or you can prepare it at home using a similar recipe that does not include any of the harmful ingredients mentioned, such as salt and seasonings.
Conclusion
Above all, your cat’s health should be the primary concern, followed by their need for stimulation and entertainment. A meal is seen as an exciting part of the day from a cat’s perspective; therefore, make sure to balance both by feeding cats a nutritional, safe, and delicious bowl of gravy.
