Can Cats Eat Broccoli? Is It Harmful or Beneficial?
Can cats eat broccoli? Unlike humans, our feline companions are not omnivores. They are carnivores. The cats have special dietary requirements which are met by consuming real meat.
You might ask yourself, is it safe to share your veggies with your cat? Adding the correct vegetables in your cat's diet will help her/him with digestive issues. However, if you are thinking about Spinach, stop! Do not feed your kitty spinach if he/she has any kind of urinary/kidney disorder because it is bad for her condition.
Can cats eat broccoli?
This question often baffles cat owner. Many humans foods are harmful to cats, but ‘cats can eat broccoli‘. In moderation, it isn't dangerous to your feline friends, especially if they have developed plant-eating tendencies.
Cats are obligate carnivores.
This means animal protein is the only type that fulfills their nutritional needs. It should always be included in your cats' food plates. However, according to the professional veterinarian, fruits and vegetables like broccoli are safe options too if they are given in small amounts.
In the American Society Toxic Plants' List also, broccoli isn't present. On the contrary, it is indeed beneficial for the good health of your cat.
It wards off free radicals in her body.
It is packed with anti-oxidant properties.
It helps in the prevention of cancer.
It calms an upset stomach.
It is necessary for a better bowel movement.
In general, with broccoli, you are helping your finicky cat get healthier.
Not just broccoli, there are other cat-friendly veggies too that are not poisonous for cats such as green beans, carrots, alfalfa sprouts, and winter squash; they are great for their digestive system.
Look at these kitties enjoying their veggie!
Effects of Broccoli
1. Good for Digestion. Brocolli contains a whole lot of fiber and a source of roughage which encourages bowel movement, hence a healthier digestive system. If you notice your pet munching on some grass, then this right here is your best option. Too much eating of grass can sometimes lead to stomach bugs, indigestion and even diarrhea.
2. Lower Cholesterol Levels. Yes, you read that right. One of the best actions of broccoli is lowering the accumulated cholesterol levels in the body, thus keeping your feline companion in a better shape.
3. Anti-carcinogenic. As mentioned earlier, broccoli is packed with antioxidants making it as one of the healthiest vegetables out there with the power to avert cancer cells in the body. Moreover, antioxidants will greatly boost your pet's immune system and help prolong his/her lifespan.
Are There Any Precautions?
Cats eat broccoli but don't expect them to distinguish between toxic vegetables and non-toxic vegetables. For example, some major offender plants and veggies are Aloe Vera, Corn Plant, and Philodendron. Make sure they are out of reach and shouldn't be included in your foods for cat list, as when they eat them, they can face severe side effects.
The radicals in these plants cause vomiting and diarrhea, and sometimes death as well.
Broccoli, on the other hand, is an ideal food of cats. Pet owners should opt for it if they want to provide full nutritional value to them. Though, they need to keep a few things in mind.
First, serve very small amounts of broccoli.
Since cats can eat raw broccoli and its sprouts in a large amount, as these types of veggies are delicious and have fiber and some special ingredients in the plant matter that has cancer prevention value. It also kills the stomach bug and kills all kinds of stomach pains.
Second, clean and cook the broccoli thoroughly before serving it to your feline friends. Raw broccoli has certain toxic compounds that can upset the stomach or cause constipation or kidney failure. When you cook it well, it doesn't give any kind of gastrointestinal problem.
Broccoli Compounds
Like other green vegetables (carrot greens/stems, asparagus, or even fruits), the chemistry of broccoli is also special.
When you chop it for cooking, it releases an enzyme (myrosinase) from the plant cells. It reacts with different compounds to create Sulforaphane, which is known for killing cancer cells.
It decreases the level of all those residues too that build inside the stomach and make your cat's tummy painful. This sulfur-rich compound has some other benefits also; it supports heart health, has anti-diabetic properties, and protects against brain damage.
There is another compound in this popular human food that is very beneficial for a cat too – indole-3-carbinol (I3C). This compound suppresses tumor growth that becomes the root cause of the development of cancer.
Apart from this, anti-oxidant is one of the most important elements in this veggie; it mainly prevents cell damages and protects them against free radicals.
How To Cook Broccoli
We all know cats like broccoli and constantly look for other friendly plants and grasses too that can ease their discomfort. That's why broccoli attracts them.
It is possible that after having broccoli (or houseplants like them) they vomit, however, it only happens when their digestive system fails to process the food. It doesn't mean it should be avoided in their diet. The only thing you need to do is to cook it a little.
Pet professionals recommend cooked broccoli and state that it can aid digestion and induce a decrease in the cholesterol level; enabling your feline pal to be in better shape.
The mechanism behind this logic is a cat doesn't have the correct digestive enzymes to break down raw plant matters. Therefore, after eating raw broccoli, they often vomit or poop within a few hours. Besides, raw veggies often have toxic residues that lead to different kinds of diseases.
The cats broccoli recipe is immensely easy; just cut it into small pieces, remove the large stems, boil them well, avoid herbs and flavorings like salt, and serve it with a small amount of floret.
Our Take Away
All in all, cats eat broccoli, either raw or cooked. It is one of the safest foods for cats.
A little boiled broccoli in your cat food can be a good health move; it works similarly to cat-friendly grasses. But, keep in mind, meat should be fed for the largest part of their diet. Since it has the only type of protein that fulfills your cat's nutritional needs.
For that reason, keep broccoli as a treat, not as a main dish.
You can't expect your cat to go utterly vegan.
Can Cats Eat Broccoli?
The good news is that broccoli is one of several vegetables and fruits that are OK for cats to eat. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means all they need is protein derived from meat. They don't need fruit and vegetables to have a balanced diet, and a vegan diet would be harmful to them.
Why do cats love broccoli?
Broccoli is also a good source of roughage, thus enabling for better bowel movement and a healthier digestive system for felines. Some cats may be drawn to broccoli as a method of calming an upset stomach, the same way that some cats will eat grass.
Which vegetables can cats eat?
Instead, serve up small portions of veggies to your cat. Some recommended vegetables include baked carrots, steamed asparagus or broccoli, green beans, winter squash, or chopped greens. Dr. Colleran advises cat owners to wash veggies thoroughly and avoid anything that might be indigestible, like uncooked carrots.
Can cats eat Chinese broccoli?
Cats do not have the digestive enzymes to break down raw plant matter, so by eating cat friendly plants, they may vomit afterwards. Broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, green beans and fresh alfalfa sprouts are not poisonous to cats, but they work similar to cat-friendly grasses.
A huge animal lover, born and raised around dogs, cats, chickens...
Self-educated pet care nerd. Currently parent of three adopted cats and one small mutt. Animal adoption advocate. Loves a good book (about animals) and playing the piano.
