Superfoods aren’t just for humans – cats can eat them too. Of course, not all superfoods for human consumption are safe for your feline furball. However, there are quite a few of them which are not only safe, but also beneficial for your cat.
Some of these superfoods can be found in high quality cat foods, either in cans or in the form of kibble.
They can boost your feline friend’s fiber, protein, and vitamin intake. What’s more, they’re extremely popular and you don’t have to look for them in your grocery store’s special healthy food section! These superfoods fall into the following main categories:
- Berries
- Vegetables
- Leafy greens
- Oily fish
- Lean meat
You might be surprised by exactly how many health benefits these food items have for cats. So, without further ado, let’s see which are the best superfoods for cats and what they have to offer for your precious kitty.
The Best Superfoods For Cats
Can Cats Eat Cranberries? Yep!
Various berries like strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries can significantly boost your pet’s digestive and immune system. Cranberries are among the best superfoods for cats as they promote good urinary and kidney health. Felines suffering from urinary tract problems will benefit from cranberry supplements.
Cranberries in general are rich in antioxidants, anti-cancer agents, Vitamin C, and fiber. Cranberry juice is a well-known pet-safe pain relief remedy against pains associated with the urinary tract.
Can Cats Eat Blueberries? Yep!
Similar to cranberries, blueberries are also packed with Vitamin C and have antioxidant properties. They are beneficial for cats when it comes to battling cancer, heart problems, and asthma. You can find this superfood as an ingredient in many high quality cat food items.
Can Cats Eat Dandelion? Yep!
You might be surprised by this fact, but dandelion is a superfood for cats. Its roots and leaves have high nutritional value.
You can dry clean pesticide-free roots from dandelion and crush them into your pet’s food. They work wonders for liver detoxification. On the other hand, dandelion leaves can also be fed to cats even without hiding them in their food. Many cats eat grass occasionally, and your furball will benefit from dandelion leaves much more than from munching on grass streaks.
Can Cats Eat Fish? Yep – But In Moderation!
It’s no secret that cats adore tuna and salmon. However, tuna can actually be dangerous as it poses risks of mercury poisoning for humans and cats alike.
Oily fish like salmon, anchovies, and sardines qualify as super-fish for felines. These types of fish are rich on Omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for leading a happy, healthy, and thriving life. They can be given as substitute to cat food or as cat treats every now and then. Just keep in mind that cats don’t like their fish cold or frozen and you shouldn’t add any herbs or seasoning to the fish prior to serving it to your feline pal.
Lean Meat – The Obvious One!
As carnivores, cats thrive mainly on meat. However, not all types of meat are good for your fluffy pet.
Lean parts of cooked pork, beef, or chicken without any fat are great superfoods for cats. They can be part of your pet’s raw diet or can be served as a homecooked meal. The same rule for the fish applies here too – make sure there are no seasonings, herbs, and sauces on the meat. And lastly, try to keep the fats from butter or oil as low as possible when frying meat for your pet.
Can Cats Eat Eggs? Yep!
Just like meat, eggs are extremely rich in protein. And yes, cats can indeed eat eggs as long as you serve them cooked and not raw.
Egg are high in thiamine, natural fats, lysine, amino acids, Vitamins A, B12, D, E, K, and other essentials. Egg yolks are higher in fats, whereas egg whites are higher on proteins. Cats can eat this superfood poached, fried, boiled, or baked as a treat or mixed with cat food.
However, there is another downside to eggs apart from their yolks being high on fats – too much of this superfood can be harmful. Giving an egg to your kitty every day is the same as giving several eggs to a human being every single day.
Can Cats Eat Carrots? Yep!
Who said carrots are nothing but bunny food? They are considered as a superfood item even for humans thanks to the abundance of various vitamins and beta-carotene in them (beta-carotene actually gets converted into Vitamin A!). Carrots are safe for cats and are part of the ingredients of some high quality cat foods. However, as felines can’t process carrots the way we can, this food should be given to cats moderately.
Can Cats Eat Coconut Oil? Probably!
Giving coconut oil to your cat has been a topic of controversy for quite a while. If you want to find out the pros and cons of using this superfood on your feline furball, check out our article on the subject.
It is, however, a known fact that coconut oil can help with hairball buildups and with your pet’s overall digestive system. Whether the downsides overrule the advantages and whether you should give it to your kitty – that’s for you to decide.
Can Cats Eat Broccoli? Yep!
Broccoli is a popular superfood for humans, but did you know it’s beneficial for cats too? This super-vegetable is extremely high in various antioxidants and dietary fiber. Humans and dogs need broccoli in their diet every now and then, but even carnivores like cats can benefit from them.
If your feline friend is constipated or in need of additional fiber intake, a tiny amount of steamed broccoli in its food will work wonders. Just remember to not overdo the dosage, otherwise too much fiber will result in diarrhea.
Can Cats Eat Pumpkin? Yep!
Digestive system disorders are common for cats of all breeds. And one of the most common supplements for such disorders is pumpkin.
Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and Vitamin A, cooked pumpkin or pumpkin juice can be given as a treat or mixed with your kitty’s food. Even some cat food manufacturers use small amounts of pumpkin in their formulas!
Regardless of whichever type of superfood you decide to feed your cat with, remember that everything has its pros and cons. As such, you should use these superfoods for cats only in moderate quantities and they should never be a substitute for your pet’s regular diet.
