Peanut butter is the go-to hack for many pet owners seeking to distract or please their pets. Dogs go crazy for the peanut butter treat. Some cats seem to love it, too, but you never know where you stand with cats, right? However, it is always prudent to watch what your pets eat.
Peanut butter seems harmless, but is it good for cats? Here is everything you need to know about feeding your cat this tasty treat.
Peanut Butter Contains Problematic Ingredients
Peanut butter is a type of processed food. The preparation process involves the addition of food additives and preservatives to prevent the paste from going bad too quickly. These ingredients also add to the peanut butter’s distinct taste and flavor, which is why pets love it so much.
However, some of the added ingredients in peanut butter are not good for cats. They include:
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that gives peanut butter its distinct flavor. It is harmful to all pets, even dogs are no exception. However, its effects can be especially profound on cats, and they may include:
- Drooling (which is easy to confuse for your furball lazing around)
- Balance issues (when your cat seems drunk)
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Seizures
Some of these effects can be serious. For example, your cat can easily get into accidents because of a lack of balance or seizures, which eventually causes sadness in cats. As such, it is important to consult a veterinarian as soon as you observe these symptoms.
Sodium
It is always advisable to avoid feeding your cat salty food. Unfortunately, most brands of peanut butter contain high amounts of sodium because they roast the peanuts before processing. This is bad for cats and can cause symptoms and side effects such as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Seizures
- Depression
It is also worth noting that prolonged intake of sodium can cause more serious conditions in the long term. Notably, it may lead to your cat’s premature death because of heart problems.
Fats & Oils
Fats and oils are good for your cat’s health. However, too much fat can make your cat obese and trigger a range of chronic, long-term conditions, including heart health problems that require immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, peanuts contain extraordinarily high amounts of fats and oils.
Precautions to Take When Feeding Your Cat Peanut Butter in 2023
So, does the information above mean that you shouldn’t feed your cat peanut butter under any condition? A bite of peanut butter is not lethal, and there are some precautions you can take to keep your pet safe. Veterinarians recommend doing the following if you have to feed your cat peanut butter:
-
Checking the Portion Sizes
One spoonful of peanut butter contains more calories than your cat needs in a day. As such, give them just enough for a lick – it is also advisable to feed your cat peanut butter less often, preferably only on special occasions.
-
Making Natural Peanut Butter
Processed peanut butter contains toxic additives and preservatives, as explained. However, you can make your own peanut butter that is safe and healthy for your cat using natural peanuts and butter at home.
Conclusion
Your cat may go crazy for peanut butter, but you know what’s best for their health. Too much peanut butter can be bad for your cat. As such, it is important to ensure that you take the necessary precautions whenever you give your cat a treat of peanut butter.