Broccoli is a veggie favourite amongst many adults, and even kids like it, like the cute little girl in this video who’d rather eat it, than eat candy! Whilst you may not assume your cat would like broccoli, you may have wondered if its health benefits could benefit your kitty. After all, it’s full of vitamin K and calcium and scientific studies show it could even help to reduce blood sugar and inflammation, so if your kitty can get those benefits from eating it, that can only be a good thing, right?
Well, you’re right to check first. Cats are obligate carnivores and so, they don’t digest plant proteins like we do. There are also lots of human foods that are toxic to cats so, it’s important to always be sure before giving your cat anything other than the cat food for older pets, grain-free cat food or standard pet food you usually give them.
So, can cats eat broccoli? Let’s take a closer look:
Can Cats Eat Broccoli?
Cats can eat broccoli at any age safely and the fibres in the florets may even help clean their teeth and satisfy their need to eat on grass outdoors (or your beloved houseplants). Of course, cats are obligate carnivores which means their diet has to be made up of meat, predominantly. Unlike avocados, certain plant foods, like broccoli or carrots, can be consumed occasionally, but they should not form the main part of your cat’s diet.
How To Feed Broccoli To Your Cat Safely
It is so important that you only give your cat broccoli if it is safe for them to have. Diabetic cats with blood sugar issues or overweight cats should not have broccoli or other carbohydrates as treats.
For cats without any health issues, broccoli that is fed to them should be free from any dressings, seasonings or other toppings like butter or cheese. It is also important to make sure the broccoli is bite-sized to minimise the choking risk. The fibres in the plant will still benefit their teeth, but the smaller size makes it easier for them to get their mouth around the food and consume it safely.
Can cats eat cooked broccoli safely?
Steamed broccoli that has cooled and has been chopped up is the safest way to give your cat the vegetable. It should have no seasonings or sauces on it.
Can cats eat raw broccoli safely?
Most Veterinary professionals would prefer you feed your cat cooked broccoli rather than raw broccoli. This is because there might be some toxicity in raw broccoli, perhaps because of pesticides, that could cause tummy issues. In addition, your cat is more likely to get an upset tummy with raw broccoli consumption.
Top pointers for serving broccoli to your cat safely:
- Be cautious with feeding your cat plant matter for the first time, watching out for allergic reactions or tummy issues
- Only give your cat a small amount of cooked broccoli occasionally with their usual food
- Wash the broccoli before cooking
- Steam the broccoli through so it is soft before being served
- Cool and chop or mash the broccoli before serving
- Do not serve broccoli topped with any salt, pepper, butter or sauces to your cat
So, can cats eat broccoli? Yes, they can, as a small treat alongside a predominantly meat-based diet.
Yay, Little Trees For Kitty!
So now you know, cats can eat broccoli, which is great news if you want to share a bit of your favourite veggie with your favourite furry friend.
Just remember to keep it safe and always check with your vet if you’re unsure. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our previous feline family members.