Can Cats Eat Pesto?
Pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce, often made from basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and salt. It can be added to pasta dishes or used as a dip for bread. Many people enjoy pesto for its unique flavor and texture but are left wondering if their cats can also benefit from this tasty treat.
The Answer
The simple answer is that cats should not eat pesto on a regular basis. While it may seem harmless to share some pesto with your cat every now and then, there are some ingredients in the sauce that could potentially harm them if consumed in large quantities over time. As such, it’s best to err on the side of caution when feeding your cat anything containing these ingredients.
Why Cats Can’t Eat Pesto
There are several potential risks associated with feeding cats pesto on a regular basis:
•Garlic – Garlic contains thiosulfates which can cause anemia in cats if consumed in excessive amounts. Additionally, many experts believe garlic has toxic properties which could be harmful to felines when ingested too frequently or in high quantities.
•Onions – Onions contain compounds called disulphides which can damage red blood cells leading to hemolytic anemia (a condition where the body’s red blood cells break down prematurely). This type of anemia can lead to serious health issues so it’s important not to feed onions (or any products containing onion) to your cat regularly.
•Nuts – Nuts like pine nuts or walnuts found in pestos provide crunchy texture but they’re also high in fat content which can be hard for cats’ digestive systems to process efficiently over long periods of time resulting in intestinal distress or worse yet pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Additionally some types of nuts like almonds contain toxins like persin which could make your pet very ill if consumed regularly.
•Cheese – Cheese is one ingredient found commonly within most varieties of pestos however due its high lactose content it may cause stomach upset for some animals including cats who have difficulty digesting milk products properly thus making cheese something you should avoid giving them altogether unless otherwise recommended by your vet first hand specifically tailored towards them as individuals . Lastly dairy based cheeses often contain unhealthy fats/sugars further adding onto why they’re best kept separate from kitty diets all together regardless whether we’re talking about plain old cheddar slices versus things such as ricotta incorporated into recipes like lasagna etcetera .
Alternatives To Feed Your Cat Instead Of Pesto
If you want give your cat something tasty without putting their health at risk there are plenty safe alternatives available! You might consider offering cooked chicken breast diced up into small pieces –– especially beneficial since poultry provides essential nutrients kittens need during growth stages while adults enjoy muscle building proteins plus other minerals vitamins etcetera necessary maintaining balanced diets overall ! Fish such as tuna sardines or salmon likewise offer great sources omega-3 fatty acids contributing towards cardiovascular wellness plus coat sheen maintenance . Liver treats store bought soft foods prepared specially feline consumption additionally viable options though remember keep portion sizes controlled preventing excess caloric intake promoting obesity related illnesses down line . Alternatively homemade meals comprising lean meats boiled vegetables unsalted broth even fruit occasionally always welcomed provided nutritionary requirements taken account course so seek guidance trusted veterinarian ultimately deciding what works right particular pet respective needs always paramount consideration ! All said done whatever decide upon remember moderation key positive thing after all both humans four legged friends alike !
