Can Cats Eat Edamame? (Yes & What’s about Edamame Beans?)

Sarah was my friend from work. We bonded over our shared love of animals and she would often bring her dog, Barkley, into the office with her. So, when she offered me a bag of edamame to take home for my cats, I accepted without hesitation.

I wasn’t sure what they were, but they looked like beans and my cats love beans, so I figured they would be a hit. It wasn’t until I got home and did a quick Google search that I found my answer!

Yes, cats can eat edamame! In fact, they are a great source of protein for our feline friends. But, as with anything, moderation is key. Too much of a good thing can always be bad, so make sure to only give your cat a few beans at a time.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about feeding edamame to your cat!

Is Edamame Toxic to Cats?

Some people think that edamame is toxic to cats, but that’s just a myth. Edamame is safe for cats to eat, and in fact, it’s actually good for them! Edamame is a good source of protein and fiber, both of which are essential for a healthy diet.

It also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that can help keep your cat healthy. So don’t believe the hype: edamame is not toxic to cats, and it’s actually good for them!

Can Cats Eat Edamame Beans?

Ah, the age-old question: can cats eat edamame beans? To be honest, I’m not sure why anyone would want to feed their cat edamame beans in the first place.

I mean, they’re not exactly known for being finicky eaters, so it’s not like you’re going to win any points with them by offering them something new and exciting. Plus, edamame beans are actually pretty healthy for people, so why would you want to share them with your cat? But I digress.

The answer to the question is yes, cats can eat edamame beans. They’re not poisonous or anything, and as long as they’re cooked properly (so that they’re soft enough for them to chew), they should be fine. Just don’t expect them to be as enthusiastic about them as you are.

Can Cats Eat Edamame Skin?

Look, I’m no veterinarian. But I have eaten a whole lot of edamame in my day–skin and all. And guess what? I’m still here. In fact, I’m thriving. So if you’re asking me whether I think your cat can handle a little edamame skin, I’d say the answer is a resounding yes.

Sure, cats are usually pretty finicky eaters. But that’s no reason to deprive them of the joys of edamame. Just because they might not go crazy for it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t at least give it a try. After all, variety is the spice of life. And who knows? Your cat might just surprise you.

So go ahead and give it a shot. What have you got to lose? Besides, it’s not like you’re going to be eating the skins yourself. So if it doesn’t work out, at least you won’t have wasted any good edamame in the process.

Why do Cats Like Edamame?

I was having trouble writing about this subject, so I asked Sarah for assistance. She describe me why her dog, Barkley, loves edamame.

“Barkley loves edamame because they’re small and easy to eat. He can pop a few in his mouth and be on his way. And, they’re a great source of protein!”

So, from her experience and my research I make a short list of reasons why cats like edamame:

1. They’re small and easy to eat

I know my cats like edamame because they’re small and easy to eat. My cats are picky eaters, so I was worried they wouldn’t touch them. But, I was pleasantly surprised when they gobbled them up!

2. They’re a great source of protein

As Sarah mentioned, edamame is a great source of protein. Protein is essential for a healthy diet, and it’s something that cats need in order to stay healthy.

3. They have a variety of vitamins and minerals

Edamame also has a variety of vitamins and minerals that can help keep your cat healthy. Vitamins and minerals are important for a variety of bodily functions, and they can help keep your cat’s coat and skin healthy.

4. They’re a low-calorie treat

Edamame is a low-calorie treat, which means it’s a great way to give your cat a little something without overfeeding them. Cats don’t need many calories, so a few beans here and there can be a nice treat.

5. They’re a healthy alternative to other treats

Edamame is a healthy alternative to other treats like processed kibble or table scraps. If you’re looking for a healthier way to treat your cat, edamame is a great option!

Now that we know why cats like edamame, let’s talk about how to prepare them.

How to Prepare Edamame for your Cat?

Here I’ll give some tips on how to prepare edamame for your cat.

1. Start with cooked edamame

The first step is to start with cooked edamame. You can either buy them pre-cooked, or cook them yourself. If you’re cooking them yourself, make sure to cook them until they’re soft. This will make them easier for your cat to eat.

2. Remove the shells

Once the edamame is cooked, remove the shells. You can either do this by hand, or use a food processor. I find it’s easiest to remove the shells if they’re already soft, so cooking them until they’re soft is key.

3. Mash them up

Once the shells are removed, mash the edamame beans up. This will make them easier for your cat to eat. You can use a fork, or a food processor.

4. Add them to your cat’s food

Once they’re mashed up, you can add them to your cat’s food. You can either mix them in with their wet food, or sprinkle them on top of their dry food. I like to add them to wet food because it’s easier for my cats to eat that way.

5. Give them a try!

Once you’ve prepared the edamame, give them a try! See how your cat likes them. If they seem to enjoy it, then you can keep feeding them edamame. If not, then you can try something else.

The Summary

I hope now you know everything about feeding edamame to cats. Edamame is a healthy and nutritious treat that your cat is sure to love. Just make sure to cook them until they’re soft, remove the shells, and mash them up before adding them to your cat’s food.

And, as always, if you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to your veterinarian. Thanks for reading!