Can Cats Eat Doritos? (No & Other Flavors?)
My sister and me were having a discussion the other day about whether or not our cats could eat Doritos. She said that she saw on Facebook that someone had fed their cat Doritos and it was fine. While I wasn’t sure if it was, I began research, spoke with specialists, and learned the truth!
No, cats shouldn’t eat Doritos because they contain onion powder and garlic powder, which can be harmful to felines. While a small amount might not be harmful, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep Doritos (and other foods containing onion or garlic powder) away from your feline friend.
Here in this blog post I’ll explore everything you should know before feeding your cat Doritos (or any other snack food). I’ll also share some alternative snacks that are safe for cats to eat. So, if you’re looking for a tasty treat for your feline friend, read on!
Why does My Cat Like Doritos?
It’s no secret that cats are attracted to the scent of Doritos. The chip company even released a commercial featuring a cat who is drawn to the chips’ irresistible aroma. But why are cats so attracted to the scent of Doritos?
As it turns out, the answer may have to do with the way Doritos are manufactured. The chips are flavored with cheese, and the cheese powder is made from dairy products like milk and cream.
Cats are attracted to the milk proteins in dairy products, which is why they often beg for a taste of our yogurt or ice cream. In fact, the milk proteins in Doritos may be even more attractive to cats than the milk proteins in dairy products because they’re more concentrated.
So, if your cat seems particularly interested in the smell of Doritos, there’s a good chance they’re just responding to the powerful aroma of milk proteins.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you should start feeding your cat Doritos! While the occasional snack won’t hurt them, too much salt and fat can be bad for their health.
Is Doritos Bad for Cats?
No one’s gonna fault you for wanting to share your Doritos with your cat-we’ve all been there. You’re sitting on the couch, eating a nice bag of Doritos, and your cat just looks so cute and innocent.
But before you go ahead and give your cat a few Doritos, you should know that they might not be the best treat for them. Many veterinarians believe that Doritos are bad for cats because of the high sodium content.
Sodium is an essential nutrient for cats, but too much of it can lead to health problems like dehydration and kidney damage. In addition, the artificial flavors and colors in Doritos could cause digestive issues for your cat.
So while sharing a few chips with your cat might seem like harmless fun, it’s best to avoid giving them Doritos altogether.
Can Cats Eat Cool Ranch Doritos?
Cats are finicky eaters, that’s for sure. One day they’ll lap up milk like there’s no tomorrow, and the next they’ll turn their nose up at even the choicest cuts of tuna.
So it’s really no surprise that they might not be too keen on noshing on a few Cool Ranch Doritos. Doritos are, after all, quite salty and full of artificial flavors.
However, some cats seem to enjoy the taste of Doritos, especially if they’re used to eating a lot of junk food.
So if your kitty enjoys the occasional junk food treat, there’s no harm in giving them a few Cool Ranch Doritos to nibble on. Just be sure to offer them in moderation, as too much salt and artificial flavoring can be bad for their health.
Can Cats Eat Cheese Doritos?
Sure, cats can eat cheese Doritos – but that doesn’t mean they should. Just because something is technically edible doesn’t mean it’s good for you.
Would you eat a tire if someone told you it was safe? I didn’t think so. The same goes for our feline friends. Just because they can stomach something doesn’t mean they should.
Real cheese is an important source of nutrition for cats, providing them with protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. But the processed cheese in Doritos – not so much.
In fact, it’s basically just empty calories and unhealthy fats. Plus, the artificial flavors and colors can be hard on a cat’s digestive system. So while your kitty might love the taste of cheesy Doritos, it’s best to stick to healthier options like real cheese or catnip.
Can Cats Eat Tangy Cheese Doritos?
Tangy Cheese Doritos are basically the same as regular Cheese Doritos, just with a little extra tang. And like regular Cheese Doritos, they’re not particularly good for cats.
The artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives can be hard on a cat’s digestive system, and the high fat content can lead to obesity.
So while your cat might enjoy the taste of Tangy Cheese Doritos, it’s best to stick to healthier options like real cheese or catnip.
Why you Shouldn’t Feed your Cat Doritos?
So we’ve established that Doritos are bad for cats. But just in case you’re still on the fence about whether or not to feed them to your feline friend, here’s a recap of all the reasons why you shouldn’t:
1. High sodium content
Did you know that Doritos are one of the saltiest snacks around? A single serving of Doritos contains nearly half of the daily recommended sodium intake for cats.
And while a little sodium is essential for cats, too much can lead to health problems like dehydration and kidney damage.
2. Artificial flavors and colors
In addition to being high in sodium, Doritos are also full of artificial flavors and colors. These can be hard on a cat’s digestive system and may even cause vomiting or diarrhea.
3. Empty calories
While all that salt and artificial flavoring might make Doritos taste good, they don’t offer much in the way of nutrition. In fact, they’re mostly just empty calories.
And since cats are obligate carnivores, they need a diet that’s high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Feeding them Doritos is basically like feeding them junk food – not something you want to do on a regular basis.
4. Obesity
Because of their high fat content, feeding your cat Doritos on a regular basis can lead to obesity. And as we all know, obesity can lead to a whole host of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and joint pain.
What’ll Happen If My Cat Eats Doritos?
Now that you know Doritos aren’t the best treat for your cat, you’re probably wondering what will happen if they eat them anyway. Here I’ll go over some of the potential side effects of Doritos consumption in cats.
1. Digestive Issues
I know, I know-you’re thinking, “My cat has never had a problem digesting anything before. Surely Doritos will be fine.” But just because your cat can stomach something doesn’t mean it’s good for them.
The artificial flavors and colors in Doritos can be hard on a cat’s digestive system, and may lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
2. Dehydration
Doritos are quite salty, and too much salt can lead to dehydration in cats. Symptoms of dehydration include lethargy, dry mouth, and increased thirst.
4. Kidney Damage
Too much salt can also lead to kidney damage in cats. Symptoms of kidney damage include increased thirst, increased urination, and lethargy.
5. Allergic Reactions
Some cats may be allergic to the artificial flavors and colors in Doritos. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Some Alternatives to Doritos
So now that you know Doritos aren’t the best treat for your cat, what can you give them instead? Here are some healthier options:
1. Real cheese
It’s no secret that most cats love cheese. The rich, creamy taste is irresistible to many of our feline friends. In fact, cheese is often used as a training treat for cats.
And unlike Doritos, cheese is actually good for them. It’s high in protein and calcium, and low in fat. Just be sure to give them only small amounts, as too much cheese can lead to digestive issues.
2. Catnip
Catnip is another popular treat for cats. Most cats love the way it smells, and some even like to eat it. Catnip is perfectly safe for cats and is actually good for them.
It’s a great source of vitamins and minerals, and can help keep them active and playful. Just be sure to give them only small amounts, as too much catnip can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
3. Cooked chicken
Cooked chicken is another great treat for cats (avoid rotisserie chicken). It’s high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy option for your feline friend. Plus, most cats love the taste of chicken.
Just be sure to give them only small amounts, as too much chicken can lead to digestive issues.
4. Salmon
Like chicken, salmon is a great source of protein and low in fat. It’s also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your cat’s health.
5. Plain yogurt
Plain yogurt is another healthy treat for cats. It’s high in protein and calcium, and low in fat. Plus, the live and active cultures in yogurt can help keep your cat’s digestive system healthy.
The Summary
In conclusion, while cats may enjoy the taste of Doritos, they are not particularly good for them. The high sodium content, artificial flavors and colors, and empty calories can all lead to health problems.
Besides, there are plenty of other, healthier options out there for treating your cat. So save the Doritos for yourself and give your feline friend something they’ll really enjoy-like a piece of real cheese or a toy filled with catnip.
