Human children are often told to “eat their vegetables” if they want to stay strong and healthy, but did you know that veggies are also a healthy and wholesome addition to your cat’s diet?
Whether you want to share a special treat with your fur baby or give their bodies a nutritious boost, these are some of my purrsonal favorite vegetables for cats that you may already have at home.
The Best Vegetables for Cats
1. Carrots
Carrots are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients including:
- Vitamins A, K, and E
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Zinc
- Folate
- Phosphorus
They are also especially beneficial for a cat’s eye health thanks to the high amounts of beta-carotene, meaning your little friend will enjoy expertly stalking their toys and navigating dark rooms for years to come.
Before offering carrots to your felines, be sure they’re cooked thoroughly and free of seasoning! Raw carrots are a choking hazard and many seasonings contain ingredients that are toxic to cats such as garlic and onion.
2. Peas
Peas are a low-calorie treat many cats enjoy, myself included!
They’ll enrich your cat’s body with an array of nutrients such as vitamins B1, K, and C, iron, and potassium while keeping the waistline trim. If your fur baby struggles with digestion troubles, adding peas to their diet is a great way to give them a boost of fiber that could set their tummy straight.
Be sure to avoid sharing canned peas with your cats! These options are usually high in sodium, which is a no-no for our hearts and kidneys. Instead, serve them up fresh or thaw out frozen peas.
3. Spinach
Spinach is becoming an increasingly popular ingredient in many cat food recipes, and for good reason. In addition to being a tasty and healthy snack, spinach’s long list of benefits for cats includes:
- Prevention of heart disease
- Regulation of blood pressure
- Improved eyesight with carotenoids
- High amounts of vitamins A, C, E, K, B6, B2, folate, magnesium, potassium, and calcium
- Prevention of cancer with compounds SQDG (Sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerols) and MGDG (Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol)
You should avoid sharing spinach with your cat if they suffer from a UTI (urinary tract infection) or kidney problems. Raw spinach could cause kidney stones, but cooking it beforehand will significantly decrease these odds.
4. Green Beans
Green beans, when served cooked, fresh, or frozen, add several essential nutrients to your cat’s diet including:
- Vitamins A, K, and E
- Folate
- Thiamine
- Calcium
- Niacin
- Iron
- Potassium
- Zinc
- Phosphorous
- Magnesium
- Manganese
They’re also one of the most highly recommended vegetables for overweight cats since they’re low in calories and high in fiber, which provides that “full” feeling after a meal and improves digestion.
5. Broccoli
Broccoli is a powerhouse vegetable that stores just as many benefits for felines as there are for humans.
The florets are packed with antioxidants that encourage regular bowel movements and settle the stomach. The high amounts of vitamin C and carotenoids help the body battle disease by enhancing the immune system.
If your little buddy has a house plant-eating problem, broccoli could kick this bad habit to the curb. When they’re tempted to snack on your plants, offer them some unseasoned steamed broccoli instead. They just might find it to be tastier than your parlor palm.
6. Zucchini
Zucchini is a safe and nutrient-rich snack for your feline friends. One of the most beneficial is magnesium, which minimizes the risk of urinary infections and helps control hairballs.
Manganese is also present in zucchini and is ideal for kittens because it helps their little bodies with cell formation and bone development.
Don't Forget the Protein!
While there are many great vegetables for cats, we felines can’t go without our meaty protein sources, and not just because we love the taste. Cats have very specific dietary needs, and protein is essential to maintain our energy levels and help our bodies build muscle.
If you’d like to make veggies a regular part of your cat’s diet, it’s best to contact their veterinarian for advice. The cat doctor will be able to help you make well-informed decisions that are suited to make your furry friend’s unique body thrive.
Give Your Cat the Best of Both Worlds
Love, Nala’s wet cat food combines the meaty flavors your felines love with the vitamin-packed vegetables they need to stay happy and healthy.
Our recipes such as Chicken Flaked With Carrot & Sweet Potato and Tuna With Spinach are made with wholesome ingredients, the most important of which is love. We also left out the not-so-great preservatives, artificial colors, and grains so you feel confident knowing your cat is eating exactly what they deserve…the best!
Explore our Cat-a-logue to view our current and upcoming recipes and don’t forget to subscribe to your favorites to save valuable cash on each order.
My family and I are so happy you’ve joined us today and we look forward to having you as a part of our community of loving pawrents.
Love, Nala
