Many people are switching to sweet potatoes instead of ordinary potatoes, as they are a highly nutritious and versatile source of food for humans. And, let’s face it, they taste better too! But have you ever wondered if your cat might like to eat some sweet potato? Can cats eat sweet potatoes, or are they toxic to cats?
Can cats eat sweet potatoes?
Cats can eat sweet potatoes, but they should only be fed to cats in very limited amounts. Sweet potatoes are a treat that many cats will enjoy, but they are not a particularly healthy snack for your cat.
What are the health benefits of sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are neither harmful nor toxic to cats, but unfortunately, they have very few nutritional benefits either!
Cats do not digest vegetables in the same way as humans do – they are obligate carnivores and obtain the bulk of their nutrients from meat.
High-carbohydrate foods like sweet potatoes are likened to junk food for cats – they provide easily digestible energy, but do not meet any of the cat’s basic nutritional needs.
There only notable health benefit of feeding sweet potatoes to cats is the high fiber content. This helps maintain the health of your cat’s digestive system, and also ensures your cat’s appetite is satisfied for longer.
What should I be aware of when offering sweet potatoes to my cat?
Cats should only eat sweet potatoes as an occasional treat, and they should only be fed in very small amounts. The high fiber content of sweet potatoes can cause digestive upsets, such as bloating, vomiting, or diarrhea.
If sweet potatoes are fed to cats in large amounts on a regular basis, your cat will not consume the essential nutrients it requires to maintain a healthy body. Deficiencies of vital vitamins and minerals can occur, leading to health issues.
Sweet potatoes should always be cooked before being fed to cats – never feed your cat raw sweet potatoes. Although we like to season and flavor sweet potatoes with ingredients such as oil, garlic, and salt, these should be skipped when preparing sweet potatoes for cats.
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