There are some questions that are brought back over and over again by many cat owners. These questions are about cats’ diet on oats. The concerns are real when it comes to feeding cats with food made specifically for humans. As a feline owner, it becomes your responsibility to learn the pros and cons of human food on cats.
So can cats actually eat oats?
It’s a big yes! Cats can eat oats in small amounts. It is one of the few human foods that cats can eat in safe serving sizes. So, as a cat owner, you can add this to their diet, even though you should still measure its portion size. This means that oatmeal is not taken as a full meal.
Like any other pet, cats also have a distinct nutritional requirement. So, things that are edible to humans can cause cats to become prone to stomach sensitivities. Cats have a different digestive mechanism compared to the human race.
How much oats can cats eat?
Although cats can eat oatmeal, they will absorb many carbohydrates with very little protein.
Therefore, it provides a certain nutritional component. However, it can only be used as a secondary alternative for the cat, and it is ideal to offer it as a treat and not as a full meal.
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Add ¾ of protein and just ¼ of oatmeal filled with carbohydrates. This is the most oatmeal you should add to your pet’s daily diet.
Nutritional benefits of oatmeal in cats
So, what can cats get from oats? Cats can eat oatmeal for all of these nutritional benefits:
- A good source of iron
First of all, oatmeal is a very good source of iron. It is a completely valid choice to enhance the function of enzymes. Iron is needed to make more blood for the body. Thanks to oatmeal, your cat will no longer suffer from anemia.
- It has essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin B6
Oatmeal flour contains other nutrients such as calcium and vitamin B6.
Your cat may need more calcium because it is necessary for their bone formation. This is especially valid for cats as kittens.
Meanwhile, this nutrient is needed by the body to decompose all proteins into amino acids. Amino acids support the overall functionality of your cat.
They work to ensure that their nerves and muscles are well coordinated and function properly.
- Oatmeal has manganese for digestion and cholesterol level control
This consistent meal contains another nutrient called manganese. It will help your cat’s body to stabilize or control its cholesterol levels.
- The high fiber content and the low gluten level
The big thing about oatmeal is its level of gluten component. Yes, oatmeal is poor in gluten.
Moreover, it has just as much fiber to help eliminate digestive problems in your cat. Both will help calm the digestive tract and to regulate normal bowel movements.
Along with calming the digestive tract, properly prepared oats for cats can also help stabilize their hormones.
- An anti-inflammatory treatment
A bonus for eating oats is their high diuretic properties. It was considered anti-inflammatory, making it the best homemade food for cats.
Side effects of oats in cats
Anything generally good comes with a few side effects when consumed excessively.
Some types of oats are not purely safe. Say, for example, any brand of oatmeal that may contain chocolate or raisins. Unfortunately, anything with cocoa (chocolate) or raisins is generally unsafe for cats.
These two ingredients are very poisonous to your furry babies and can be the cause of food poisoning.
Can cats eat oats with milk?
Many cats are lactose intolerant. So, their intolerance to dairy makes them uncomfortable consuming oatmeal with milk. They should not consume oatmeal porridge prepared with milk.
This news may make you wonder how can you prepare oatmeal for cats now? This time, let it be a confirmation that you should avoid preparing oatmeal porridge with milk to eliminate their intolerance to any dairy product.
Water can be a great substitute for milk. To make oatmeal porridge, simply add a little water to make the oat beans soft, but not too watery. Amplify the flavor by combining it with their usual wet food, when the water has diluted the oats. This texture makes it easier for them to chew, swallow and then digest the oats. In this way, you can introduce nutrients into oatmeal slowly and safely to your cats so that they become comfortable with their consumption.
Can cats eat oatmeal cookies?
Even when oatmeal cookies are arguably the best thing we’ve learned to make out of oats, I still don’t think this treat is good for cats.
Oatmeal cookies are nutritious both cooked and as porridge. The difference is their crisp texture and sweet taste. If you’ve ever cooked or bought some oatmeal cookies, then you might be tempted to offer your cat a small piece.
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is a definite, no. Oat cookies often contain raisins and chocolate, which have been considered toxic to cats.
So, please, let me say it again: Do not allow your cat to eat oat cookies.
Can cats eat oats as a daily diet?
Of course, although the nutritional value of a portion of oats should be given considering your cat’s overall dietary needs. For example, most cats do best when they eat foods high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Even though oats contain a relatively large amount of protein for a grain of cereal, they are still quite high in carbohydrates. This means that the cat owner should limit this to a small portion of the cat’s diet.
As you can see, cats can eat porridge or oatmeal, as long as it is properly prepared and, above all, the amount of food is taken into account. Don’t fill your cat with food, because no matter how healthy it is, you could harm its health by making it gain weight. Be careful, and if you have questions about feeding, always go to a veterinarian for advice for your feline friend.
