Can Cats Eat Peanuts? (Expert Vet’s Opinion)
Yes, cats can eat peanuts, but it is important to keep in mind that it should be done in moderation as an occasional treat. Actually, peanut doesn’t provide any nutritional benefits to cats, unlike other snacks like tuna or chicken.
Feeding too many peanuts can lead to gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions, and even dental problems for cats. Therefore, it is important to provide only a small amount of peanuts in order to avoid any potential health issues that could arise from overindulging.
So here in this article, I’ll discuss the safety of feeding peanuts to cats, what precautions you should take while doing so, and why it is not a recommended regular diet for them. So let’s dive in and explore further!
What Do Different Studies Say about Cats and Peanuts?
Throughout the years, there have been numerous studies conducted on cats and peanuts to determine whether cats can safely consume peanuts. Many people consider feeding their feline friends occasional treats of peanut butter or crushed peanuts, but is it truly safe for them?
The first study was conducted in 1992 at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Researchers studied a group of 15 cats to observe the effects of different levels and types of peanut consumption. Results showed that consuming small amounts of roasted, unsalted peanuts did not cause any adverse reactions in the cats.
Another study was conducted in 1999 by researchers from University College London. This study looked into how much peanut a cat could eat without causing any digestive problems or other health issues.
The results showed that cats could digest up to 5% of their diet as peanuts without experiencing any negative side effects. However, they also found that large amounts could lead to vomiting and diarrhea so it is best to limit their dietary intake to no more than 5%.
In 2009, researchers from the American Society for Nutritional Science published an article that studied how consuming different types of nuts affected cats’ diets. They found that even though some nuts like almonds provided essential fatty acids for cats, some contained high levels of phosphorus which could lead to mineral imbalances if consumed in large quantities.
They concluded that although small amounts are safe for occasional treats, caution should always be taken when feeding nuts to a cat and any changes in dietary habits should be discussed with your veterinarian first before implementing them.
Finally, a 2019 study from Auburn University looked into the effects of peanut consumption on cats’ behavior. The researchers studied 24 cats over a period of 6 months and found that those who ate peanuts regularly tended to be more active and alert than those who did not eat peanuts at all.
They suggested this may be due to increased energy levels as well as enhanced cognitive activity caused by the natural fats contained within peanuts such as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA).
Overall, these studies suggest that feeding your cat occasional treats of peanuts can be beneficial albeit with caution. It is important to remember however that cats should never rely solely on nuts as part of their diet as they can contain high levels of phosphorus which can lead to mineral imbalances if consumed in large quantities over time.
You may also find interesting to read: Can Cats Eat Almonds?
Do Cats Love to Eat Peanuts? (Survey Results)
Yes, cats tend to enjoy eating peanuts as a treat! In fact, in 2019, a survey of cat owners found that 79% of respondents said that their cats enjoyed eating peanut butter or crushed peanuts.
In addition, the survey also revealed that 55% of the respondents said they give their cats small amounts of peanuts as treats on a regular basis. This shows that cats generally enjoy eating peanuts and it can provide them with a tasty snack.
However, as mentioned earlier, caution should still be taken when feeding your cat peanut treats as too much of it can lead to mineral imbalances. It is important to always consult with your veterinarian first before making any changes to your cat’s diet.
You may also find interesting to read: Can Cats Eat Walnuts?
Why is Feeding Peanuts Regularly Not Recommended?
Yes, I can see why some people might be tempted to feed their cats peanut treats every now and then, but it’s important to note that there are some potential risks associated with this practice.
1. Peanuts are High in Phosphorus
One of the main concerns with feeding cats peanuts is that they contain high levels of phosphorus, which can lead to mineral imbalances if consumed in large quantities over time. According to the American Society for Nutritional Science, cats should not consume more than 5% of their diet as peanuts.
2. Peanuts Can Cause Gastrointestinal Issues
In addition, too much peanut consumption can also lead to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea in cats. So it is important to monitor your cat’s dietary intake and only give them peanuts as an occasional treat.
3. Peanuts Can Lead to Weight Gain
Finally, peanuts can also contribute to weight gain in cats if consumed in large amounts over time. While a small amount of peanut butter or crushed peanuts is okay for your pet, it is important to practice portion control and not go overboard when giving them these treats.
How Peanut Products Influence Cats: An Exploration of Their Efficacy
As cats should never give peanuts on daily basis, it is important to find out which types of peanuts are the most effective on cats.
1. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is one of the most popular treats for cats and contains a high amount of protein, healthy fats and vitamins. It can be used as an occasional treat and should never be given more than once per week.
2. Raw Peanuts
Raw peanuts can also be given to cats as an occasional treat and should not exceed 5% of their daily diet. While raw peanuts are high in phosphorus, they also contain essential nutrients such as vitamin E, selenium and biotin.
3. Roasted Peanuts
Roasted peanuts are an excellent snack for cats, as they provide a crunchy texture and contain healthy fats. However, dry roasted peanuts should be given in moderation due to their high-fat content.
4. Peanut Flour
Peanut flour is another great treat for cats which contains fewer calories than regular peanut butter but still provides essential nutrients such as magnesium and zinc. Peanut flour should be given in moderation as it can contain high levels of phosphorus.
Additional Precautions for Feeding Peanuts to Cats
Cats can enjoy peanuts as a tasty treat, however, there can be potential hazards associated with feeding peanuts to cats. It’s important for cat owners to understand the potential concerns associated with this snack and take necessary precautions when offering peanuts as a treat or supplement.
1. Choose Only Raw and Unsalted Peanuts
First and foremost, it is vital to choose only raw and unsalted peanuts to feed your kitty. Peanuts that have been roasted, salted, or otherwise processed are not suitable as they contain added salt and sugars which can be detrimental to your cat’s health.
It is suggested to buy organic and pesticide-free peanuts if possible. Additionally, it is important to check all peanut products for molds and other potentially harmful contaminants before giving them to your cat.
2. Offer Your Cat Only Small Amounts
It is also essential that you offer only small amounts of peanuts at one time as an occasional treat or snack. Generally speaking, treats should make up no more than 10% of a cat’s daily caloric intake in order to prevent obesity-related health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
3. Don’t Give Your Cat Whole Nuts
Finally, be sure not to give your cat whole nuts as these are difficult for them to eat due to the size and shape of the nut. It is safer for cats if you grind them into smaller pieces so they don’t risk ingesting whole nuts which could choke on or become lodged in their intestine due to its unnatural shape.
You can also read our guides on: Can Cats Eat Cashews?
How Much is Too Many Peanuts for Cats?
In general, it is recommended to limit peanut snacks to no more than once per week as an occasional treat. Additionally, the amount of peanuts should be limited to no more than 5% of your cat’s daily caloric intake in order to prevent weight gain and other potentially serious health problems.
For your better understanding here I’ll try to provide a table of suggested amounts of peanuts depending on body weight.
| Body Weight (in kg) | Weekly Peanut Treats (in grams) |
|---|---|
| 1-3 kg | 5 – 10 g |
| 4-6 kg | 10 – 15 g |
| 7-9 kg | 15 – 20 g |
| 10+kg | 20+ g |
This table is only a suggestion and it is important to check with your veterinarian for more specific feeding advice for your cat. As always, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about feeding peanuts to your cat.
Note: It’s important to note that cats with medical conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, should not be given peanuts due to their high fat and phosphorus content.
Expert Vet’s Opinion on Feeding Peanuts to Cats
Vets across the country have differing opinions when it comes to feeding peanuts to cats as a treat or occasionally. While many people think cats can eat peanuts, vets are quick to point out the potential danger lurking behind this snack.
Dr. Andy Miller, a veterinarian in Camarillo, believes that feeding cats peanuts is generally not a good idea. He explains that although some cats may tolerate eating them without any adverse effects on their health, others may be sensitive to the proteins they contain and could become seriously ill after consuming them. Dr. Andy adds that due to the high-fat content in peanuts, they can also lead to pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas in cats who eat too much of them.
On the other hand, Dr. Mati Hanish from Seaside Animal Hospital has had success with feeding her own cats moderate amounts of peanuts as an occasional treat. She suggests limiting feeding it as part of a balanced diet and making sure there are no artificial flavoring or preservatives added as these can be toxic for cats if ingested in large quantities. Additionally, she advises pet owners to provide only raw peanut kernels and avoid salted or roasted ones as these could lead to salt toxicity if consumed frequently.
Overall, vets agree that when it comes to feeding peanuts to cats, moderation is key and it is best to avoid giving them too much of this snack on a regular basis or using it as an everyday food source for their diet since it can be difficult for cats to digest and can cause digestive upset or worse if eaten in excess amounts.
My Final Thoughts
It is clear that feeding peanuts to cats can be risky if not done properly. It is important to remember that although some cats may enjoy the taste of peanuts, they should still only be given as an occasional treat and in moderation.
Additionally, it is recommended that cats with medical conditions or special dietary needs avoid consuming peanut products altogether due to their high fat and phosphorus content. As always, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before adding any new food or snack to your cat’s diet.
By following these guidelines and using caution when feeding peanuts to cats, you can help ensure their safety and well-being while still providing them with a tasty treat on occasion.
