Can cats eat peanut butter?

Pets have long since ceased to be just animals and have become essential family members. This giant leap has meant many changes in the routines of cats, who now have more vet appointments, go to the groomer, have photo shoots, and even have health insurance. While your cat may not like all of these changes, one that they enjoy is sharing food with them. And sometimes we might wonder, “can cats eat peanut butter?“

It is a fact that we like to spoil our cats, and it is also true that a cat will do anything to get a piece of whatever you are eating, so it is not uncommon to hear that some (if not most) cats eat human food. While there is nothing wrong with sharing food with our cats, it is always essential to ensure that the food is not toxic to them.

In this article, we will deal with an important topic, especially for those who also have dogs and want to give them the same type of snack. That’s right. I speak of the famous peanut butter that thousands of humans and dogs love in many homes. If you’ve ever wondered if your cat can eat peanut butter, you’ve come to the right place because I’m going to do my best to solve all your doubts.

OK. Can cats eat peanut butter?

Fortunately, peanut butter is not toxic for cats, but this doesn’t mean they should eat it. They are carnivorous animals. They don’t require vegetables, fruits, or grains to stay healthy. They get everything they need from meat. For this reason, any food they eat besides meat doesn’t benefit them. It simply fills their stomachs and widens their adorable cheeks.

Peanut butter is an excellent source of vegetable protein, prevents cardiovascular disease, is rich in potassium, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B6, has unsaturated fats, is rich in fiber, is a good source of energy, and even helps to control weight. Amazing, right?

But although peanuts have many health benefits for humans, they don’t help the cat because its body cannot process all these vitamins and minerals, so it discards them.

Is it safe for my cat to eat peanut butter?

There should be no problem if your cat tries peanut butter or whole peanuts; they are not dangerous. However, you must be careful about certain brands’ amounts and ingredients. The following are some Ingredients to avoid:

Xylitol: is an artificial sweetener added to peanut butter that is very toxic to animals. If a cat is poisoned with xylitol, it may vomit, become lethargic, drool, lose balance and coordination and even have a seizure. Ensure that any sweet food you give your cat doesn’t contain this element, as it is a sweetener often used in processed foods.

Sodium: Although it tastes sweet, it has salt, and too much salt is bad for anyone, but especially for your cat, who doesn’t usually consume it. Too much salt can cause diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and, in very severe and prolonged cases, heart problems.

Fats: Although the oil and fats contained in peanuts are good or unsaturated fats, these are an element that the cat’s body doesn’t require, so instead of contributing, they can cause gastrointestinal problems and, ultimately, overweight.

How often can cats eat peanut butter?

Now you know that peanut butter is not harmful to your cat, but this doesn’t mean that your cat should eat it daily at mealtime or as a snack. If your cat is healthy and not overweight, you can give your cat a small portion, for example, half a tablespoon, once or twice a week. Although first, you will have to see if your cat likes it since cats don’t usually like sweet foods, and that is because their taste buds won’t detect sweet flavors.

If this is the first time you give peanut butter to your cat, be very careful and observe it well. It is best to give your cat a little and watch for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or bloating, as some cats have a more sensitive stomach than usual or may even be allergic to peanuts (although this is rare).

Healthy peanut butter alternatives

Meat! They love it, and it is also the best option. You can give them salmon, turkey, tuna, liver, chicken, or beef. Remember that they should always be well-cooked, unseasoned, and preferably without fat. You can even give them dehydrated meat. Nowadays, there are many options in the market.
Fruits and vegetables are also a good choice: apple, carrot, banana, celery, broccoli, cucumber, peas, pumpkin, strawberry, melon, sweet potato, zucchini, raspberries, pear, tomato, blueberry, peach, and mango.
More options? Cooked eggs, oats, unsweetened yogurt, and cheese.