Superfoods are all the rage nowadays! There’s a new lineup of microgreens every week and you can’t wait to get your hands on them. Your kitchen looks like a beautiful rainforest with all the plants, flowers, and veggies. Makes you wonder… Can cats eat bean sprouts!?
These crunchy bean roots have been your newest find at the market. You have to admit you’ve noticed your feline friend circling around them with hesitation, probably wondering ”What the heck are those!?” You never thought to check whether bean sprouts are safe for cats, but it seems as if you might have to!
When you think about it, if your precious purrincess wasn’t lying in your bed waiting for you to feed her, she would be in the field hunting for other animals. She requires heaps of meat in her diet, so it doesn’t make sense that she’s interested in your crunchy bean roots.
On the other hand, even if she was hunting for her own food, she would probably munch on a bit of grass and sprouts to supplement her protein-packed diet. Argh, so many questions and not enough answers! Don’t worry, you came to the right place.
Bean sprouts are completely safe for feline consumption! But… There’s always a but when it comes to feeding your cat with human food. You should only use bean sprouts as an occasional treat or add a tiny sprinkle in their food bowl every now and then. Keep reading to find out why!
What exactly are sprouts?
Bean sprouts are basically tiny, crunchy roots that grow out of a bean. They’re mostly made out of water, which means they can be eaten raw or lightly cooked. They’re incredibly popular among humans because they add texture to any meal, and contain heaps of nutritional benefits.
There are many different types of sprouts, but the most popular are Mung bean sprouts and Alfalfa sprouts. You shouldn’t confuse sprouts with microgreens – sprouts are eaten with the seed intact, while microgreens are young seedlings (minus the roots).
Cats can eat bean sprouts safely, as long as you do it the right way. You can add some bean sprouts to your cat’s regular meal, or you can use them as an occasional treat, if she doesn’t mind the taste. They shouldn’t comprise more than 10% of her daily food intake.
If you’re planning on sharing a delicious bean sprout dinner with your precious purrincess, you should be mindful of the way you prepare your bean sprouts. Avoid adding salt, garlic, or any other harmful seasonings. Crispy, unseasoned bean sprouts are the way to go!
Can cats eat bean sprouts?
Absolutely! Bean sprouts are nutrient-dense veggies that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can benefit your cat’s digestive system. You should always consult with your vet before making any significant changes to your cat’s diet, but adding a couple of sprouts here and there shouldn’t cause any harm.
If you’re planning on adding bean sprouts to your cat’s regular diet, you should take a couple of things into consideration. So, let’s dive in!
What’s good about bean sprouts?
These incredibly crunchy roots are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. ”Oh, but cats don’t require vegetables in their diet!” While that’s technically true, your cat isn’t likely to go into the wild and source these nutrients from animals and roughage.
Bean sprouts make for a great treat for indoor cats because they act as a substitute for everything they’re missing out on. If you don’t believe me, look at their nutritional profile! Regular beans might be healthy, but bean sprouts are packed with vitamin C, calcium, iron, and fiber.
Vitamin C has an important physiologic role in numerous bodily functions including the growth of the tissue and regulation of the immune system. Cats with liver disease might benefit from bean sprouts the most, as they’re usually vitamin C deficient.
Calcium is incredibly important for your cat’s optimal health. Calcium deficiency is a real pain in the neck, with symptoms such as restlessness, stiffness, weakness, irritability, and hypersensitivity to touch and sound. Iron is essential in the production of red blood cells.
Lastly, fiber can do wonders for your cat’s digestive system. High-fiber foods like bean sprouts encourage proper bowel movement because they provide bulk. Not only that, they can help regulate digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea, diabetes, and even feline obesity.
But…
You should be careful when feeding bean sprouts to your cat. These crunchy roots are typically grown in warm and wet environments. This means that they’re at risk of becoming contaminated with dangerous bacteria.
Raw bean sprouts are the biggest culprit when it comes to several foodborne illnesses. Luckily, there are ways in which you can sanitize your sprouts and make them safe to your pet. You should wash them with lemon and baking soda, and cook them all the way through!
If your cat accidentally eats some raw, contaminated bean sprouts, she might experience gastrointestinal problems. The most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, breathing difficulties, depression, drinking, urination, appetite changes, and even a coma.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your vet immediately, who will provide your cat with proper care and medications, as well as tell you how to proceed in the future. If you’re worried her symptoms might be too severe, urgently get her to an emergency animal care center.
Final thoughts on bean sprouts
So, can cats eat bean sprouts? Absolutely! Don’t let this tiny possibility of contamination prevent you from including these delicious crunchy roots in your cat’s diet. As long as you wash them properly, cook them thoroughly, and feed them to your cat occasionally, you have nothing to worry about!
While your cat can live without vegetables, she can sure have the opportunity to enjoy a crunchy treat every now and then. Bean sprouts are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which makes them an excellent choice for your precious purrincess.
