Can Cats Eat Black Pudding?

When we look at the ingredients in black puddings, the answer to the question is a yes, but there are some caveats. Although black pudding is a very rich product, it is high in fat; therefore, giving your cat on special occasions or as a treat is usually advisable. Feeding your cat black pudding in small amounts will not cause any issues, and even if your cat manages to steal a small portion from your breakfast plate, it won’t cause any health issues. Do not consider feeding your cat black pudding regularly because of the high fat, calorie, and salt content.

Are black pudding ingredients safe for cats?

Black pudding contains ingredients humans can handle during digestion, but these ingredients are difficult for our furry friends to handle. The ingredients in black pudding include pork blood, beef suet, oatmeal, salt, onions, black pepper and spices, which can negatively impact your kitty’s health. So, let’s examine each of these ingredients.

Pork Blood

Cats should never be given blood as a part of their diet as blood is not a complete source of nutrition, and it can potentially carry pathogens that could harm your cat. While their wild counterparts may consume blood naturally as they eat their prey, domestic cats have different nutritional needs and health considerations.

Beef Suet

The high-fat content in beef suet could lead to weight gain and additional health problems such as pancreatitis.

Salt

The high salt content in black pudding can remove moisture from your cat’s body and cause dehydration. It can also lead to more complicated health issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, and kidney damage.

Onion

It is important to note that any amount of onion ingestion can cause stomach upset in cats, but the most severe effect occurs when more than 5 grams of onions are ingested per kilogram of their body weight.

Seasoning and Spices

Garlic is poisonous to cats if they repeatedly nibble on small amounts over time or if they eat a large serving at a time. The chemicals in garlic can enter your cat’s bloodstream and start rupturing its red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia, a hazardous health condition. Even if your cat doesn’t eat a toxic dose of nutmeg, nutmeg poisoning in cats can still occur with as little as one teaspoon of ground nutmeg or two whole nutmeg seeds. Nutmeg poisoning causes stomach upset in cats.

Salt, fat and spices are three of the main ingredients you need to moderate in your cat’s diet to keep them healthy and that’s why it is not advisable to make black pudding a part of your cat’s regular diet. In addition, as long as your cat is on a healthy diet, feeding them a tiny piece of black pudding as a treat is fine.

Can Kittens have black pudding?

Kittens cannot have black pudding due to their fragile digestive system. For their diet, kittens should only stick to a standard, quality formula suitable for their age group, as it is essential to provide a balanced diet for a growing kitten.

Safe Alternatives to Black Pudding

Although most cats will respond well to black pudding rewards or treats, it is important to note that many equally effective yet healthier alternatives could replace black pudding. The key is to select foods with nutritional value and no toxic ingredients. Here are a few options to consider:

Freshly cooked salmon

The best way to feed your cat salmon is when it is cooked thoroughly. Cooked salmon is ideal for your cat’s health, but do not add salt, dressings, or extra seasonings. Just serve the salmon to your cat once it’s cooled.

Fully cooked chicken

Cats are meat eaters and need protein from meat for good vision, a strong heart, and a healthy reproductive system, and cooked chicken is a great way to give them that. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the chicken is cooked and not feed your cat raw chicken.

Cooked Turkey slices

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning meat is essential to their diet. Turkey meat that has been thoroughly cooked is a tasty treat for cats, but it should only be offered in moderate amounts rather than large quantities.

Zucchini

Zucchini is one of the best vegetables to feed your cat. Zucchinis aid in weight loss and are particularly low in calories. They contain high levels of vitamins A, B6, and C, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, and dietary fiber.

Fruits

Many fruits such as bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and pears are safe for your cats to eat, but they should be in moderation. They’re high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants and can be a great support in maintaining good eye health and decreasing the risk of UTIs. Be sure to cut the fruits into small pieces and feed them in moderation.