Imitation crab, made from surimi, is a type of fish food that has been deboned, washed to remove fat, and then minced into a paste. This article will cover the concern, “Can cats eat imitation crab?”, the nutritional benefits and risks associated with its consumption in cats, etc.
Can cats eat imitation crab?
Yes, cats can eat imitation crab but only in small quantities. Since imitation crab meat is not real meat, if fed in large amounts, can make your cat sick. Moreover, the ingredients of imitation crab are considered unsafe for your cat if eaten often or in larger quantities.
Cats are obligate carnivores, and their main nutritional requirements comprise animal-based proteins. As for the name of imitation crab, it just imitates real crab meat. It should only be given as a treat to your cat.
What are the benefits of feeding imitation crabs to your cat?
Following are the nutritional benefits of imitation crab consumption observed in cats:
- Imitation crab is made out of Pollock fish, which lives all around the world. This fish content can be a great source of protein for your cat.
- Surimi, in imitation crab, also contains whitefish and it’s rolled into a paste with Pollock.
- Imitation crab meat is rich in proteins and contains several essential amino acids.
- This meat also contains some essential minerals such as potassium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, etc.
- Vitamins like niacin, thiamine, folate, and riboflavin are also high in imitation crab.
- Vitamin D in imitation crabs functions as a steroid hormone. It protects your cat from cardiovascular diseases and also cleans the bloodstream.
- Eating imitation crab helps your cat in brain development.
- Vitamin B12 in imitation crab enhances your cat’s immunity. Plus, it can also protect the brain and digestive system of cats.
What are the risks associated with imitation crab meat consumption in cats?
Following are the risks of feeding imitation crabs to your cat:
Salt
Cats mostly get their nutritional salt from cat food. However, the extra salt in treats like imitation crab can cause dehydration in them. Salt is added to imitation crab to give it some flavor. Too much salt consumption can also lead to hypernatremia in your cat.
Sugar
The sugar content of imitation crab is not beneficial for your cat and can lead to weight gain. If your cat is diabetic, the sugar content can spike blood sugar levels.
Starch
Starch is used in imitation crab to help firm up the surimi. Starches are also involved in increasing blood sugar levels and can lead to weight gain.
Phosphorus
Imitation crab meat is containing high phosphorus content in them and can cause kidney dysfunction in your cat.
Artificial flavors
Artificial ingredients are added in imitation crab for flavoring, which makes them detrimental to your cat. Gums are added to stabilize the meat, MSG (mono-sodium glutamate) to enhance the flavor, red colorants, and preservatives to extend the shell life.
Greens
The ingredients like alliums, onions, garlic, chives, leeks, scallions, and shallots, found in imitation crab are considered toxic for your cat.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise in imitation crab is not toxic to cats but can lead to weight gain, which can have several negative impacts on your cat’s health.
Bone fragments
Bony fragments mixed in imitation crab can lead to intestinal blockage in cats or can potentially kill them.
Fish allergies
Some cats are allergic to fish and may experience itchy or inflamed skin, and respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms.
How to feed imitation crabs to your cat?
There are three ways by which your cat can enjoy imitation crab:
Make a homemade fishy broth
Fill water in a pot and add in canned tuna fish. Boil it and simmer for 10 minutes. Then add ½ cup of imitation crab meat per serving size before removing from heat.
Make a sandwich
Take white bread with a bit of crust to handle pressure when being bitten. Add imitation crab meat, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper for taste.
A simple but delicious option
Imitation crab meat can also be served to your cat with some breaded fish sticks from local grocery store.
One thing you can do instead of feeding the whole product at once is to break it into smaller pieces and serve one piece at a time. It works because sodium bisulfate can be toxic in high amounts when eaten over an extended period.
Conclusion
Today, we covered the article “Can cats eat imitation crab?”, the nutritional benefits and risks associated with its consumption in cats, etc. From the above discussion, it’s concluded that your cat can eat imitation crab meat occasionally but only in smaller amounts.
Excess intake of imitation crab in cats can cause pancreatitis and kidney function failure. If your cat shows any abnormal signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration, immediately consult your veterinarian about the situation.
