YES, Cats Can eat Beans but it depends on what type of bean it is, perhaps the most asked question by cat owners around the world.
For instance, raw green beans can be terrible for your feline companion if they are cooked improperly. They can cause a blockage or other stomach-related issues. So is the case with black-eyed peas. Red kidney beans should never be given to your feline for the fact that these might contain a toxicant that will harm the cat and could in fact lead to demise if consumed at significant levels.
While it’s acceptable for cats to eat beans at times, their bodies are not intended to process them frequently which can be a reason for health issues eventually.
A cat’s digestive system is different from that of humans in many ways. Relatively, it is a lot more limited than a human’s since it is made to only process meat foods.
Nonetheless, a cat can enjoy beans as an occasional snack, if it is prepared correctly.
What Are The Nutritional Values Of Beans?
Beans are a naturally nutritious food. All types of beans including black, white kidney, dark red kidney, light red kidney, pink, pinto, navy, and small red are good sources of fiber, and protein, and are naturally cholesterol-free, fat-free, and sodium-free. Many types of beans are additionally good sources of potassium.
For instance, just a black bean has 0.5 fat, 114 calories, 20.4 carbohydrates, 7.6 protein, and 7.5 fiber. The amount of sodium present in this bean (1%) is also ideal for felines. Certain types of beans that are rich in zinc, iron, and potassium help in maintaining the overall health of a feline friend.
As per the experts, these nutritional profiles of beans make them the most affordable source of protein in comparison to fresh meat.
Are Beans Dangerous For Cats?
In general, beans are not dangerous for cats and don’t contain any toxic or poisonous elements. Even though they are a rich source of protein, it is not recommended to add beans to their regular meal.
Most of the time, even a small portion of beans can cause a cat stomach upset, pancreatitis, and vomiting. If you feed them repeatedly as the main diet, your feline companion may experience following health-related problems.
- Stomach pain
- Digestive distress
- Intestinal discomfort
- Excess gas
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Since cats are obligate carnivores, beans can be fed just as fillers to them. They can’t be used as a substitute for their main diet.
Health Benefits Of Serving Beans To Cats
Beans are high in fiber, protein, antioxidants, and iron. Serving beans to cats is an effective way of mixing up a variety of nutrients to their diet plan as well as contributing to the overall good health of the felines.
Foods rich in fiber like beans help with bringing down cholesterol levels by lowering the absorption of cholesterol from food. Fiber-rich food help cats feel full quicker which can decrease the possibility of overeating and putting on weight.
Furthermore, when you plan your cat’s diet to include both plant-based proteins and animal-based proteins, they get all the necessary amino acids which are important to prevent chronic diseases related to imbalances in amino acids.
How To C2+ook Beans For Cats?
There are many types of beans available that you can choose for your cat. But prior, it is always recommended to test your cat’s response to the types of beans before feeding them.
Below are the most common types of beans that your cat can savor:
- Black beans
- Black-eyed beans
- Cannellini beans
- Fava beans
- Flageolet beans
- Great northern beans
- Garbanzo beans (Chickpeas)
- Green beans
- Kidney beans
- Lima beans
- Mung beans
- Soybeans
Now, when you know the different types of beans, let’s discuss how to cook them for your feline companion.
- Wash the Beans Properly
Wash the beans at least three times to dispose of any bacteria that the beans’ surfaces might have. Try not to shed the outer surface as you might get rid of certain nutrients.
- Boil Until Cooked
Take an appropriate size pot, fill it with the right amount of water, and boil the beans until they become tender. Do not add any salt, sugar, or spices, as your cat might be susceptible to these substances.
- Serve the Beans Unseasoned
Serve a small number of unseasoned beans to your cat once in a while. However, do not force your pet to eat it, though. Allow your feline to get used to it. Eventually, your feline will develop a taste for the beans.
Can Cats Eat Canned Beans?
Feeding your feline canned beans is not advisable for their health. The flavors that are used in the canned beans are mostly for human consumption. Canned bean manufacturing companies add various formulas to make them taste better, and add extra salt to preserve which makes them contain approximately 400-500 milligrams of sodium.
Assuming that you add these canned beans to your cat’s eating routine, the extra amount of salt might cause a number of medical problems that incorporate laziness, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and so on. Furthermore, in extreme cases, an additional measure of salt can cause coma or even death.
Considering all the reasons mentioned, canned beans should not be included in the diet plan of a feline.
Can Cats Eat Beans Of Every Type?
Not all types of beans should be given to a cat. For example, avoid ‘baked beans’. Baked beans might contain onion and garlic, which can seriously affect the cats. The same is the case with refried beans as they contain garlic and onions that are profoundly toxic for cats whenever ingested.
A few canned baked beans may also contain salt and sugar that might cause hypoglycemia and pancreatitis.
Coffee beans aren’t good too. They can cause side effects like increased excitement and difficulty in breathing. You should likewise avoid feeding cocoa beans that make up chocolate as cats have a weak capacity to digest them.
Can Cats Eat Beans? – Key Points To Remember
- Beans are not for every cat. On the off chance your furry companion has a sensitive stomach, don’t test the effectiveness of beans on them. It can cause digestive issues and serious health problems.
- Never make the beans the primary source of protein for your cats. The diet plan of your cat should include animal protein in a great amount.
- Make sure the beans are properly cooked before serving them to your feline. Undercooked beans can cause Phytohemagglutinin poisoning in cats.
- Do not feed your cat beans if it has GIT (gastrointestinal tract) problems as it can be the reason for extra gas and digestive problems.
- Consult a professional veterinarian if you notice the extreme side effects of beans in your cat. Do not try to cure the issues with homemade methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a Cat Eat Chickpeas?
Though chickpeas are not toxic to cats yet it isn’t advisable to add them to a feline’s diet as they are not adequately nutritional to promote digestion and hence, can cause stomach issues to feline companions.
2. Can a Cat Eat Beans Like Pinto and Green Beans?
Pinto beans and green beans are great for cats and both are safe to consume in small quantities. Green beans are rich in protein, vitamins, iron, and calcium and low in fat, and can be added as a snack in cats’ diet.
3. Can A Cat Eat Lima Beans?
Yes, a cat can eat a small amount of lima beans that are cooked properly. The Linamarin compound present in lima beans can be harmful to cats so it is recommended to cook it at least for 10 minutes or more.
4.. Can A Cat Eat Kidney Beans?
Kidney Beans are a rich source of protein that comes in red and white varieties. Cats can eat both types of kidney beans that are properly cooked, but not raw as they can be toxic.
5. Can A Cat Eat Black Beans?
Yes, a cat can consume black beans. Black beans are rich in calcium, iron, and phosphorous that help build and maintain the bone structure.
6. Can A Cat Eat Lentils and Peas?
Yes, a cat can eat lentils and peas but in a little amounts as they can be the cause for indigestion issues.
Conclusion
Adding the right amount of beans to a cat’s diet can be a good source of multiple nutrients that will help in upkeeping the good health of your feline friend. However, as a cat owner, you should be concerned about the health issues it can bring to your cat. Additionally, you must be equally careful about your cat’s eating preferences and habits before serving beans to it.
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