Can Cats Eat Bread? Is It Healthy For Them To Do So?

It will not kill your cat to eat bread and they sure can eat it at some point, however, it is not recommended that you feed your cat bread on a regular basis. Since cats are carnivores, some may not even be attracted to eat bread, but others who are may actually love it.

In short, it is okay for cats to eat bread in moderation. Even though it is not considered to be healthy for them to consume and does not supply any nutritional value, it won’t harm your cat. In the case of bread dough, it can be dangerous and you should never feed it to your cat.

The smell of freshly baked bread is one many people can’t avoid enjoying. This is a craving we share with our furry friends. Cats love sourdough bread, even though it is not a great meal for them.

Is Bread Good For Cats?

Most kinds of bread will not hurt your cat, nevertheless, it is not considered to be a great choice for a treat. Most of the nutrients they need come from meat-based sources. There are only a small amount of carbohydrates in kibble and canned cat foods that they are able to digest. Carbohydrates-rich and low-protein bread will not add any nutritional benefit to your cat’s diet. It may not be dangerous for it to consume it occasionally, but too much bread can lead your cat to obesity and diabetes.

Essentially, bread is not either bad or good for your cat. Your cat can be curious to taste some of your bread because it might be something new for them and they are intrigued by novelty, however, they will be better off eating cat snacks.

What Happens If A Cat Eats Bread?

Cats can eat a small quantity of plain bread without developing any issues. If your cat eats bread on a regular basis, though, he will eventually become nutrient deficient which may lead to fatal results. Meat or good quality cat food is a wiser choice. Cats’ main nutritional needs involve proper amounts of protein and taurine, none of them included in bread.

If your cat is meowing while it sees you cutting up a baguette or eating some kind of bread, giving it a fingernail-sized snack won’t hurt its stomach. If your cat eats more than a moderate amount of bread, it will fill up their stomach and they will not want to eat their cat food, which is what they really need to be eating to stay in optimal health.

Bread should only be reserved exclusively as a treat and it is advised that your cat is not fed more than 10-15% on a day of any type of human food. We are only referring to baked bread; bread dough can actually cause bloating, continuing to expand inside your cat’s small stomach, and other health problems. It should definitely be avoided. This can cause respiratory collapse and seizures. If your cat has eaten bread dough, do contact your veterinarian right away.

The fact that cats are carnivores means that they do not need to consume carbohydrates in order to survive. On the contrary, consuming too many carbohydrates can result in obesity. Keep in mind that some cats can tolerate certain types of food better than others. There are many more adequate snacks and treats options that will make your cat very happy. Moderation is key.

How To Use Bread In Your Favor

Bread is a great way to easily give medication to your cat, as recommended by veterinarians since most cats enjoy the taste so much. You need to make sure, however, that your cat does not have a health issue serious enough that can be negatively affected by eating even a small piece of bread.

If your cat is on regular medication and is closely being monitored due to an illness, bread may not be the best choice, however, if it is just a one-time case, it could be very useful. Your cat will most likely be delighted to eat the bread and not even notice the medication being administered.

Nutritional Value Of Bread

It is important to be aware of the nutritional value offered through bread to know if you would like to be feeding it to your cat or not. Bread is mainly high in calories and low in proteins and fat, these last two being the ingredients cats need the most in their daily diets.

Bread is a source of fiber and some B Vitamins, and it may also be invigorated with calcium and iron during the manufacturing process, thus making it a generally healthier option in some cases.

As a downside for cats, bread does not have taurine, a crucial element in their diet. If your cat is not getting the taurine supply it demands from its diet, it will eventually start showing signs of deficiency in hair loss, retina degeneration, and tooth decay.

Nutrition Required In A Cat’s Diet

Fat and protein are basic needs in a cat’s diet. Protein is so important because it contains essential amino acids which are provided through the food they consume. Cats don’t really need to eat foods with high carbohydrates amounts, that is why it is not necessary for a cat to eat bread.

Adequate cat nutrition should be based mostly on meat. They are innate carnivores and are built to survive on hunting and catching prey in the wild, meaning that their digestive system is perfectly designed to break down the meat. When a cat eats bread, it may become bloated and affect its natural gut flora.

Why Do Cats Love Bread?

Every cat has its likes and dislikes; some may beg for a piece of bread when they see you eating it, while others may not be interested at all. The type of bread also plays a factor.

A lot of people have reported how funny cats react when they seem to be obsessed with bread; they are even known to fight for a scrumptious piece of it. Cats are known to be infatuated with the taste of yeast. Yeast is used in considerable quantities as a flavoring instrument in many cat foods and snacks. Some cat medications also include the component. Their appetite is stimulated by yeast, therefore, they may be greatly tempted to steal bread from your countertop or cupboard.

On PetForums, a user says, “We have a grocery delivery each week and every time… Custard has found the bag with the bread in it and ripped open the bag. Not just sliced bread, either. Fresh uncut, garlic bread, any type of bread and he goes straight for it!”

Are All Breads Safe To Feed To Cats?

Most bread types in the market are non-toxic to cats, and when eaten occasionally, in very small amounts, will most likely not cause any unwanted side effects. Some toppings and seasonings on bread can, however, be very dangerous for cats to consume.

Bread loaves that contain added ingredients, such as, onion, chives, raisins, caffeine, chocolate, jelly, peanut butter, and macadamia nuts, should not be fed to cats.

If feeding bread for the first time to your cat, make sure you are paying close attention, as there is a possibility that some cats can have an allergic reaction to it.

Can Cats Eat Toasted Bread?

As long as it is not burned, it is okay for cats to eat a small quantity of toast bread. Once the bread has been burned, a substance called acrylamide is formed on the surface which is as dangerous a compound for humans as it is for cats. Consuming burnt toast can lead your cat to experience nerve damage and even cancer.

Final Recommendations

So, is bread good for cats? A very small amount of bread will pose no threat to your cat; it is the little nutritional value it carries that shouldn’t tempt you to feed it to your cat or allow it to eat it regularly.

Eating a lot of bread can unsettle your cat’s balanced diet. Always check the ingredients on the label, even if it is the smallest piece of bread you are feeding your cat. Also, be mindful of the fact that giving bread or other human food to your cat if your cat is suffering from any health conditions, is definitely not the best idea.

Cats’ bodies function differently than humans and aren’t supposed to eat foods that are meant for humans. If you are not sure about feeding your cat something, it’s better to not do it!