Can Cats Eat Broccoli?

Cats are obligate carnivores. While a regular carnivore thrives off a meat-based diet, they can also get by on plant-based food sources. Obligate carnivores, however, will never get all the nutrients they need from plants alone, and must eat meat to stay healthy.

That being said, broccoli is completely safe for cats to eat, and can provide some nutritional benefits. Let’s go over the potential benefits your cat can gain from eating broccoli, as well as how best to include broccoli in your cat’s diet.

How Can Cats Benefit from Eating Broccoli?

Cats can receive a lot of the same benefits from eating broccoli that humans do.

• Broccoli is full of antioxidants. Antioxidants may help reduce free radicals in your cat’s body, help protect cells, and fight the risk of cancer.
• The fiber in broccoli can help aid in digestion.
• Broccoli is good for the heart and can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Potassium is an electrolyte in broccoli that regulates heart rhythm, keeps nerves functioning, and helps muscles contract.
• Vitamin K is needed to help regulate blood clotting.
• Folic Acid helps with cats’ red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and fat metabolization.
• Like humans, cats can also become anemic. Broccoli is a good source of extra iron.
• Broccoli contains Vitamin A, which supports teeth, bone, and eye health.

Another added bonus cats may get from eating broccoli is that it can satisfy their urge to chew on plants. Your houseplants may be grateful for your cat to discover broccoli. Many common houseplants are toxic to cats, and can lead to illness or death. Fortunately, broccoli is not toxic to cats, so it’s one plant that’s perfectly fine for them to gnaw on.

The novelty of the texture and taste of broccoli might be a source of enjoyment for cats as well. Not all cats will like it, but there’s no harm in letting them check it out. The stimulation to their senses from a novel experience is always a plus for pets. Not to mention, some extra calories might well be spent examining and batting around a new and intriguing treat.

How To Feed Your Cat Broccoli

As much as humans love adding olive oil, salt, pepper, cheese, butter, garlic, and other delicious ingredients to our broccoli, it’s important to bypass seasonings when feeding broccoli to cats. It may be tempting to slip a little of what we are cooking or dining on to a feline companion but try setting a little plain broccoli aside as you’re cooking to prepare just for your cat.

Steam or boil the broccoli. Cooked broccoli is easier for cats to chew and swallow. It may also be more enticing for your cat this way. Allow the broccoli to cool first so it’s not too hot.

Raw broccoli is fine for cats as well. It may even be extra helpful in satisfying your cat’s urge to chew on plants. Don’t give them too much raw broccoli, as it may be more likely to upset your cat’s stomach.

Broccoli can be fed to cats as a treat or mixed into their regular food. Either way, make sure to offer broccoli to cats in small pieces. Cats don’t necessarily chew food thoroughly, and large pieces of broccoli could present a choking hazard.

Don’t feed a cat too much broccoli. Again, cats are obligate carnivores; they need meat in their diets. While plants can supplement a cat’s regular diet, vegetables are not necessary. They should not make up a significant portion of a cat’s caloric intake. Not to mention, broccoli has a lot of fiber in it. Just like humans, if cats consume too much fiber, they can struggle with gas, bloating, and stomach aches.

Taking this into consideration, don’t try to force your cat to eat broccoli. Some cats may like it, but it’s fine if they don’t!

More About Improving Your Cat’s Diet

Broccoli is a safe, healthy treat for cats on occasion. But more than anything, cats need a well-balanced diet, suited specifically to feline nutritional needs. A lot of cat food is unfortunately loaded with preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, and added sweeteners and chemicals. Low-quality food directly impacts your cat’s health. Cornucopia Pet Foods were formulated by a veterinarian with over 50 years of experience. Contact us to learn more about which food and treats are best for your feline friend.