Can Cats Eat Beans?

Beans are a perfect source of fiber and protein. They are very nutritious and good for humans, but can cats eat beans? Know more about them before adding beans into your cat’s diet.

Nutritious and delicious. These are the perfect words to describe beans. However, as much as people love adding beans to their meals, can cats eat beans? The short answer there is YES, but it is not recommended for them. This is because beans are not necessary to complete their diet. 

Benefits of Beans

Beans are crops that are produced for thousands of years already. It is one of the world’s superfoods because of its nutritional value. Beans are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. They are low in calories and gluten-free. Moreover, beans contain vitamins B9, A, C, Iron, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, and Potassium.

While beans are high in protein and fiber that are good for the health and digestion of humans, you should first consult your vet if you’re thinking of feeding beans to your cat.

Risks of Beans For Cats 

Cats are a carnivore, which means that their digestive system can perfectly digest meats, but not other food like beans or other plants. They cannot digest or absorb the nutrients of beans in their body the same way humans do. Additionally, feeding them beans can result in stomach problems for cats like diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. 

Because cats are known to be curious creatures, they might get nosy around you while you’re eating beans. Note that the safest beans for cats are the plain and cooked ones. Do not give them raw, baked, refried, or canned beans. Also, avoid feeding them beans that have additives like salt, seasonings, or sweeteners. 

Uncooked beans have toxic glycoproteins which are called lectins. Unwashed beans may also carry bacteria such as E.coli or other toxins that can lead to food poisoning or other diseases for your cat. And if your cat regularly eats beans, this could lead to long term effects on the digestive system and the pancreas. 

Final Words: Can Cats Eat Beans?

The short answer to the question “cat cats eat beans?” is yes, however, it’s best that you don’t. There are hazards that you need to be aware of before even thinking of giving beans to your cat. Beans cannot provide the protein or nutrition the cats need. Hence, feeding them beans is less beneficial for them than for humans. On the other hand, it is safe to give them a few pieces of beans occasionally as a treat such as plain, pinto beans, black beans, and green beans. There’s nothing significant in beans that can be harmful to your cat. On top of it all, you should talk to your vet about any changes you would like to your cat’s diet.

Now that we know about what beans are for cats’ health, read more in our blog for more nutritional facts about cats.