Can cats eat wheat bread?
In this brief discussion, we will answer the question “Can cats eat wheat bread?” We will also talk about whether wheat bread is good for cats and the common symptoms observed in cats who have wheat allergies.
Can cats eat wheat bread?
Yes, cats can eat wheat bread in moderation. However, if your cat has a grain allergy then wheat should be avoided. Eating a modest amount of wheat bread occasionally won’t be harmful to your cat’s health. But because cats barely benefit nutritionally from eating bread, it shouldn’t be a staple of their diet.
Keep in mind that your cat should consume at least 90% of its calories from commercially available cat food that has been specially prepared to supply them with the nutrients they require.
Before introducing any new items to your pet’s diet, make sure to visit your veterinarian.
Is wheat bread good for cats?
Wheat itself is good for cats as it adds fibre in their diet. Compared to plain bread, wheat bread can add some nutritional value to your cat’s diet. Some commercial cat meals contain wheat, typically in the form of wheat gluten meal or wheat flour.
This protein concentration increases the food’s protein content chemically. Additionally, it fuses the components to create kibble. You may check if this is included on the ingredient label of the cat food you buy by reading it. Foods free of grains won’t include any wheat.
The amount of wheat in your cat’s diet is completely safe for them to eat if they do not have a grain allergy. By increasing the fibre in their diet, it can help with digestion. Wheat increases the food’s vitamin and mineral richness.
Are cats allergic to wheat?
Yes, it is rare but possible for cats to have a wheat allergy. It’s possible for your cat to develop an allergy to wheat even after eating a wheat-containing diet for years. Typically, allergic reactions are brought on by the gluten in wheat.
Your cat might experience the following symptoms if it has developed a wheat allergy:
- Scratching obsessively
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- excessive grooming that causes hair loss or cuts from irritated skin
- Skin inflammation, redness
- Persistent ear infections
- Recurrent, difficult bowel spasms
You can determine whether the symptoms go away and then come back if you stop giving your cat wheat for a set period of time, then start it again. If your cat has a wheat allergy, you will then be able to confirm it.
Your cat may occasionally be sensitive to a substance other than grain. More frequently, allergies and intolerances are brought on by protein sources. These typically show up as digestive disorders, such as diarrhoea and gassy, rumbling stomachs, as well as itchy skin conditions.
It might be fine to introduce a new food that still contains grains but uses a different protein source. The best person to ask for advice on feeding your cat correctly is your veterinarian.
Which foods that contain wheat are safe for cats to eat?
In terms of little treats, some wheat products are preferable for cats. Your cat should occasionally be able to eat the following whole wheat products:
- Whole wheat bread
- Rye bread
- Wheat-based crackers
- Whole-wheat pasta
- Pumpernickel
Your cat should only eat completely cooked whole wheat items. Uncooked dough has the potential to result in significant issues and possibly entail an urgent trip to the vet. Keep in mind that giving your cat wheat-containing food shouldn’t be the majority of its diet.
Instead of bread or pasta scraps, there are many additional treats and foods designed exclusively for cats.
What wheat based items should I keep away from my cat?
Your cat should never consume any refined, enhanced, or included wheat products because they are unhealthy snacks. For instance, since white flour, which is used to make pretzels, lacks any nutrients that a cat would need, it is not a healthy choice for cats to eat.
The white flour used to produce pretzels provides no nutritional value to cats, despite the fact that they can adapt to eating the salt in a pretzel without known risk of developing high blood pressure.
Keep your cat away from the following items:
- Pizza crust: We normally give our leftover pizza crust to cats because our furry friend looks so sad as we are busy devouring our food alone. However, this is strongly advised against. Don’t give your cat a lot of pizza crust on a regular basis. A small bite once in a while won’t hurt though.
- Garlic bread
- White bread
- Baked goods such as cakes and muffins
- Ritz crackers
These items are not the best for a cat’s diet, even if they are prepared with whole wheat flour. The oils and seasonings in many wheat items, including crackers, are unhealthy for your cat to eat.
Sugar, dairy, and oils are added to cookies, muffins, and cakes. Additionally, many wheat products contain artificial preservatives and therefore, any whole wheat foods with all these added ingredients should be kept out of sight of cats.
Conclusion
We answered the question “Can cats eat wheat bread?” We also talked about whether wheat bread is good for cats and the common symptoms observed in cats who have wheat allergies.
References
https://www.hepper.com/can-cats-eat-wheat/
https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/nutrition-feeding/can-cats-eat-bread
