Can Cats Have Teriyaki Chicken?
Cats are carnivorous creatures, so most people would assume that cats can eat anything we eat. However, when it comes to specific dishes like teriyaki chicken, the answer isn’t as simple. Teriyaki chicken is a staple of Japanese cuisine and while cats may enjoy some of the ingredients in it, there are certain aspects that could be harmful to their health. In this blog post, we’ll cover whether or not cats can have teriyaki chicken and what alternatives you can offer if they cannot.
What Is Teriyaki Chicken?
Teriyaki is a cooking technique that dates back centuries ago in Japan. It involves marinating meat (usually poultry or fish) in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin (a sweet rice wine), sugar, and garlic before grilling or broiling them over high heat for an intensely flavorful dish. It’s often served with vegetables on top for added flavor and texture. The combination of savory-sweetness from the marinade makes teriyaki chicken one of the most popular dishes around the world today!
Is Teriyaki Chicken Safe For Cats To Eat?
In general terms – no! While many cat owners may think feeding their furry friends human food such as leftover teriyaki chicken is okay every once in awhile, there are several reasons why it’s not safe for felines to consume this type of dish regularly:
1) The soy sauce used to make teriyaki contains large amounts of sodium which is bad for cats’ health; too much salt can lead to kidney damage over time since they don’t naturally process excess levels like humans do. Additionally, some brands also add MSG which has been linked with neurological issues like seizures when ingested by felines at high doses over long periods!
2) The sweetness from the honey/sugar used in making traditional recipes may be enticing but unfortunately these sugars aren’t healthy either – they can cause obesity due to its high calorie content plus tooth decay due to its sticky nature sticking around teeth surfaces longer than other foods tend too
3) Lastly – garlic & onion powder both contain thiosulfate compounds toxic for cats if eaten even small amounts over extended periods – these two spices should always be avoided if possible when preparing meals as well as treats specifically designed just for kitties!
Alternatives To Consider For Your Cat
If you’re looking for ways to give your feline friend something special without risking their health then consider offering cooked meats without any additional seasonings e.g., plain boiled beef cubes; cooked whitefish fillets; steamed boneless skinless poultry breast etc… These proteins will still provide plenty of nutrition while being low sodium & free from potentially toxic compounds found within some common human food condiments & additives/seasonings typically used during preparation/cooking processes such as those mentioned above (soy sauce/MSG). Additionally adding fresh fruits & veggies into your cat’s diet will help ensure they get all essential vitamins needed daily while providing extra variety compared stickier wet canned products only available through pet stores etc… With careful consideration given towards ingredients chosen plus appropriate portion sizes consumed each day – any pet parents should feel confident offering homemade meals tailored just right for kitty palates whilst ensuring safety first remains top priority always!
