Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require a diet high in protein to maintain optimal health. However, finding healthy snack options that meet this requirement can be challenging.
Here are 7 healthy snack ideas for cats that provide essential nutrients while being appealing to their taste.
These options can be easily incorporated into your cat’s diet, and can help to support weight gain, promote healthy digestion, and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Keep in mind, it’s important to always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s diet.
Snacks list
Cooked chicken or turkey
Cooked chicken or turkey is a healthy protein source for cats.[1][2] It can be served as a standalone snack or mixed with their regular food to increase the protein content.
It’s a great way to provide essential amino acids to support muscle growth and repair, and it also promotes healthy digestion.
Also read: Healthy snacks for high blood pressure
Cooked fish
Fish such as salmon or tuna are excellent protein sources for cats and provide essential omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat.[3]
It’s a great way to provide essential fatty acids that cats need, and it also has a great taste that most cats enjoy.
Steamed or boiled vegetables
Vegetables such as carrots, green peas, and broccoli are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for cats.[4][5]
Whether served as a standalone snack or mixed with their regular food, it’s a great way to provide essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and wellness for your cat.
Eggs
Cooked eggs, such as scrambled or boiled, are a good source of protein and healthy fats.[6][7] They are also a source of choline,[8] which is important for a cat’s liver function and can help to maintain a healthy nervous system.
They can be served alone or mixed with their regular food, it’s a great way to provide a variety of essential nutrients that cats need. It’s important to use eggs that are fully cooked as raw eggs can contain salmonella bacteria.[9]
Also read: Healthy snacks for runners
Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is a good source of protein and calcium,[10] which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It is also low in fat and calories,[11] making it a great snack option for cats that are overweight. However, it should be fed in moderation to ensure a balanced diet.[10][11][12]
Cottage cheese can be served alone or mixed with their regular food. It’s a great way to provide essential amino acids and minerals that cats need to support overall health, but remember to offer it in moderation.
Cooked liver
Cooked liver, such as chicken or beef liver, is a nutrient-rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and iron.[13] Vitamin A is vital for cats’ health, but it should be given in moderation to avoid potential toxicity.[13][14][15]
Cooked liver can be served alone as a treat or mixed with their regular food. It’s a great way to provide essential nutrients that cats need, but remember to offer it in moderation to ensure a balanced diet.
Also read: Healthy snacks for school
Small amounts of fruit
Fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or cantaloupe, are a good source of antioxidants and vitamins.[16][17][18] It’s a great way to provide essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and wellness, but it should be given in small amounts as cats are obligate carnivores and fruits are not their main food source.
Conclusion
Providing healthy snacks for your cat is an important part of maintaining their overall health and wellness. These 7 snack ideas are a great starting point for those looking for options that are high in protein and provide essential nutrients.
Remember, it’s important to always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s diet, and to adjust the portions accordingly to your cat’s needs and activity level.
With these snack ideas, you can provide your cat with tasty and nutritious options that will support their overall health.
Related
- Healthy snacks for high blood pressure
- Healthy snacks for runners
- Healthy snacks for school
- Healthy snacks for athletes
- Healthy weight loss snacks
References
- One veterinarian’s experience with owners who are feeding raw meat to their pets – National Institutes of Health (.gov)
- Can Cats Eat Cooked Chicken? – Waldo’s Friends
- Three Protein Choices: Chicken, Fish, and ? – North Carolina State University
- 10 Fruits & Veggies To Give To Your Cat – National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
- What Human Foods Can Cats Eat? – Purina
- Can Cats Eat Eggs? Learn if Eggs Are Safe for Cats – Australian Eggs
- Can Cats Eat Eggs? – Waldo’s Friends
- Choline | The Nutrition Source – Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Can Cats Eat Eggs? Here’s What Experts Recommend – Daily Paws
- Can Cats Have Cottage Cheese? – Modern Vet
- Can dogs or cats eat cottage cheese? – ManyPets
- Can Cats Eat Cottage Cheese? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ – Catster
- Can cats eat liver, or would it cause toxicosis? – Untamed Cat Food
- Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat – WebMD
- How To Safely Feed Your Cat Chicken Liver – Hyaenidae
- What Human Food can Cats eat? – Animal Trust
- Which Fruits Can Cats Eat? – petMD
- Top 10 Fruits Cats Can Safely Eat – Purina
External links
- 17 Human Foods That Cats Can Eat Safely – BeChewy
- The 10 Best Healthy Cat Treats of 2023 – The Spruce Pets
- Top 10 Healthiest Human Foods That Cats Can Eat – Sploot Veterinary Care
- The best cat treats in 2023, according to veterinarians – NBC News
- Best Treats for Cats – My Pet Naturally
- 30+ Human Foods That Cats Can Eat – PetHelpful
- 14 Human Foods That Cats Can Enjoy – The Honest Kitchen
- List of Human Foods Cats Can And Can’t Eat – Pawlicy Advisor
- 10 Healthy Cat Treat Tips and Recipe Ideas – WebMD
- Healthy, Veterinarian-Approved Treats For Cats and Dogs – Ingleside Animal Hospital
- What Human Food can Cats eat? | Answered by Vets – Animal Trust
- 12 human foods that are safe for your cat to eat – WKBW
- Cat Treats – VCA Animal Hospitals
- What Cat Treats Should You Buy And Which To Avoid? – Coops and Cages
- The 9 Best Healthy Cat Treats: Delicious and Nutritious Snacks for Kitty – Rover.com
- 10 homemade cat treats your kitty will love – Care.com
- The 11 Best Cat Treats Of 2023: Unbiased Review – Cats.com
- Foods that make great cat treats – Animal Wellness Magazine
- BCP’s Favorite Healthy Cat Snacks – BCP Veterinary Pharmacy
- 9 Human Foods That Are Safe for Kitty to Snack On – Daily Paws
- 6 Healthy Treat Ideas for Cats – petMD
- 9 Snacks You Can Spoil Your Cat With – iHeartCats.com
- 10 Human Foods That Are Safe for Cats – The Wildest
- Living Treats – Healthy Gut Probiotic Snack For Cats – Whole Life Pet
Deep
Tendsrecord.com was founded by Deep Rana, who is an engineer and passionate blogger with a keen interest in health and wellness. He shares reliable information and resources on a wide range of topics to help you achieve optimal well-being. He enjoys learning new things every day and believes in the importance of continuous self-improvement.