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Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?

June 29, 2021

Several cat owners still question whether it is safe for their cats to consume peanut butter.  Can peanut butter be added to the diet of your feline? How does it affect your cat's health? Read on to find out more!

Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?
Cats can eat peanut butter, but it is not recommended due to the following factors:

  • No Nutritional Value

 Cats are obligate carnivores, hence they rely on nutrients found in animal products.

There is no nutritional value for cats in peanut butter. All the well-balanced variety of fish and meat that should be present in the diet of cats are missing in peanut butter. When you give your feline peanut butter, you deny them the vitamins and minerals needed for their body. 

  • High Fat and Sodium

"Too much of everything is bad" — This also applies to cats. Peanut butter has trans-fatty acids to ensure it is shelf-stable, and consuming too much of these fats will affect your cat’s diet negatively. Furthermore,  most brands of peanut butter have high levels of salt content which is not good for your cat.

Is Peanut Butter Safe for Cats?
Although standard peanut butter is not poisonous, it poses the following problems:

  •  Allergies

Are cats allergic to peanut butter?  Just like how certain humans do have peanut allergies,  your feline friend might be allergic to peanut butter as well. These allergies have various symptoms that range from ear infections and itchy skin to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

  •  Choking hazard

Due to the thick and sticky consistency of peanut butter,  even a small quantity of it may lead to an obstruction.

  • Gastrointestinal upsets

One of the common issues that peanut butter can cause when consumed by your cat is gastrointestinal upset including gas, diarrhea,  stomach pains,  and vomiting.

  • Xylitol Poisoning 

Xylitol which can be found in peanut butter is poisonous to cats. If you are intending to feed your cat peanut butter, ALWAYS check to ensure that your pet's peanut butter is free of xylitol.

Conclusion
Ultimately, peanut butter is not recommended for cats. Consult your veterinarian if you are ever unsure of whether a food is safe for your cat’s consumption.


This article is endorsed by perrovets' vet, Dr James Blanshard


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