Tofu, made of coagulated soy drink, is one of the most popular choices for humans who avoid eating meat. If humans can eat tofu, does it mean that it’s safe for felines to do it too? Can cats eat tofu?
Can cats eat tofu?
Tofu is not toxic to cats, but it is not a recommended food for them either. Besides not supplying any nutritional benefits, it can also cause some digestive problems.
What are the signs of toxicity?
Again, tofu is not toxic to cats – but it can cause some upset tummies out there.
Cats do not have the enzymes needed to digest some of the sugars present in tofu, which means that no absorption occurs. Tofu passes through their digestive system and comes out, in most cases, in the form of diarrhea. Vomits and discomfort can also be present.
Cats have very different dietary requirements from us. Keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores, so they are primarily dependent on meat. Meat alternatives are not real meat, so they do not contain the amino acids cats need to stay healthy. They can not digest plant material very well, and only meat can provide some nutrients that are essential to them.
Besides, it is important to note that most of the time tofu is prepared with a wide variety of different seasonings and ingredients that can pose a threat to your cat. Onion, which is highly toxic to cats, is one such example.
What to do if my cat eats tofu?
Thankfully, there is no reason to sound the alarms if your cat gets a little bite of tofu. As previously mentioned, tofu is not toxic for cats.
If you want to offer a small piece to your cat once in a while, always make sure that it hasn’t been cooked with any extra spices or ingredients. Additionally, if you do it, remember to always feed tofu as a snack and in moderation, never as a part of the meal.
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