Nuts and grains are part of a healthy, balanced diet for humans. They contain tons of nutrients, omegas, and protein. The effects of humans eating nuts can leave them with lower blood pressure, better circulation, a more robust immune system, less fatigue, and a healthier digestive tract. Can cats also reap the massive benefits of eating nuts? Which grains can contribute to their tiny bodies and health? Let’s dive into the research and find out what’s safe and what isn’t.
Which Nuts and Grains Should You Avoid?
Cats can act like small, furry humans, but sometimes, we must remind them that they are cats and require special cat snacks. Cats are carnivores and aren’t picky about what type of meat they eat. Their diet does not naturally call for ingesting nuts, seeds, or beans. That doesn’t mean they aren’t going to swipe any from your plate. They cannot help but be curious, though most typically find it more fun to bat around the nut as it races across the floor than to actually eat it. Cats do not require grains in their diet, either. You may have noticed that almost every cat food contains grain, typically wheat or rice.
Almonds
Almonds are delicious and healthy and can be found in many different forms, such as almond butter, sliced and salted almonds, raw unsalted almonds, chocolate-covered almonds, and so forth. They are also the perfect size to choke on if you’re a cat. Almond butter and other treats can contain other ingredients that aren’t safe for cats.
If you have chips or thin slices of plain, unsalted almonds, they should not cause any issues with your cat. However, they are very high in (good) fat and can lead to obesity and pancreatitis in cats. Never feed salted nuts to your cat. Their systems do not need but a tiny bit of sodium, so anything over that amount can negatively affect their hearts and kidneys and make them drink excess water.
Pistachios
Pistachios are wonderfully delicious, especially roasted and salted. Your cat cannot have salted nuts. Sometimes, they might also include onion and garlic to season them, which makes them toxic to dogs and cats. Their small size and generally shelled form make them a choking hazard unless de-shelled and crushed into tiny pieces. Pistachios are naturally high in fat and can cause intestinal obstructions in dogs and cats if swallowed whole or while in the shell. The shell can cause numerous issues in the gastrointestinal tract. It’s best to skip pistachios.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the healthiest and best grains for a healthy lifestyle. They also show up frequently in cat and dog food. Even with our tiny roommates being carnivores, they can reap the benefits of specific vitamin-filled grains, like oats. Oatmeal is a little different because it can come in many flavors, contain unsafe ingredients, and potentially cause severe issues. Offering some plain, unsalted oatmeal made with water is okay to do with your cat.
Peanuts
Peanuts that are out of the shell, chopped up, and unsalted are safe for your cat in small quantities. They can occasionally have peanut butter as long as it doesn’t have any toxic ingredients, like the birch sweetening agent xylitol. Xylitol can kill your cat or dog, so be sure the treat you are offering doesn’t contain any.
Walnuts
Walnuts are exceedingly high in fat, and their shells can be hazardous to the digestive tracts of cats and dogs. The shell also has the potential to get caught in their throat and choke them. Neither situation is one you want to experience. Walnuts have another dirty secret; they grow a type of fungus that can be deadly to dogs and cats, even in small increments. They aren’t a good snack for your cat because of their high-fat content. Cats generally don’t need to be talked down from eating a walnut.
Rice
Rice, in all its many colors and forms, is not toxic to cats. They are carnivores and, therefore, do not need carbohydrates, and their digestive tracts are not equipped to break down grains or nuts. It may hurt their tummies a little, but at other times, it can be used to settle a cat’s upset stomach. However, rice is commonly found in cat foods, and though it contains no nutritional value, cats still like it. They can enclose a tiny spoonful of plain rice, not the over-salted, buttery mess most of us like. Never feed them uncooked rice because it will expand in the digestive tract and could also be a choking hazard.
Is It Nutty to Feed Your Cat Anything Other Than Meat?
It’s never easy telling your cat “no” when eating something they want. Still, it is in their best interest unless you are sure the food is free of toxins and mold and is sized for feline consumption. This is not a complete list of grains and nuts your cat might think about trying. If you find yourself wondering if it’s safe to offer your cat a small amount of food, contact your vet first. They will be familiar with your cat’s records and know what they need to avoid. It’s also a good idea to do some research on your own. It will benefit you and your adorable, catnip-loving purr-friend.
