Cats have a thing for human food, often showing interest in the food we consume on our sofas, dining tables, and bedrooms. While we may sometimes give in and slip them a piece of the treat, is it really safe for them? Take yogurt, for example, can cats eat yogurt?
The short answer is yes, cats can have yogurt. Plus, it can be a healthy treat. However, because a cat’s digestive system is sensitive, there are some things to consider before giving your cat some yogurt.
Is It Safe for Cats to Eat Yogurt?
Many treats are safe for cats, and yogurt is one of them. This treat provides plenty of benefits for a cat’s health.
Protein
Yogurt is a good source of protein. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means protein is one of the most important nutrients they need due to their reliance on this nutrient for energy, muscle production, tissue building, and other enzymatic functions.
Yogurt does not contain a huge amount of protein, but it has a good amount that can be added to a diet to give a little boost of protein.
Probiotics
Another benefit of yogurt is that it’s a probiotic good for cats. This can be a big help for your cat’s digestive system, helping their gut microbiome. Yogurt is also good for helping ease your cat’s stomach, making bowel movements and overall digestion better.
Probiotics make it easier for your cat to digest and absorb nutrients from food.
Vitamins
Yogurt has vitamins that support certain functions of your cat’s daily lifestyle.
Vitamin A. This vitamin supports eye, skin, and coat health. It’s also a huge help for maintaining the immune system.
Vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to tissue growth and repair in cats. It also helps in the production of collagen and the health of bones.
Vitamin B2. Riboflavin is a good vitamin for breaking down the nutrients your cat consumes. These carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are broken down to produce energy for your cat.
Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for keeping your cat’s digestive system up and running. It is also essential for the maintenance of cognitive function and the immune system while reducing the risk of anemia.
Vitamin D. Calcium and phosphorus are crucial minerals for your cat’s health, and Vitamin D helps retain these crucial minerals. It also helps in your cat’s bone, nerve, and muscle functions.
Minerals
Yogurt contains essential minerals to help maintain the bodily functions of cats. These minerals also constitute a balanced diet for cats, which helps in bone growth and enzyme formation.
Calcium. Calcium is a good nutrient for securing bone and teeth health. It also plays a role in blood coagulation, which prevents excessive bleeding when injured.
Potassium. Potassium plays a balanced role in maintaining several bodily functions, including the processes of muscles, nerves, and the heart.
Magnesium. Magnesium keeps your cat’s overall health balanced by helping it absorb nutrients. This balanced role helps your cat produce proteins, grow healthy bones, and regulate the functions of its enzymes.
Water
Yogurt has water as its most abundant ingredient. Cats need water to regulate their organ functions and help eliminate waste from the body. It also contributes to nutrient absorption while regulating body temperature.
However, even if yogurt has water content, it’s better to focus on providing fresh water for hydration.
Is Greek Yogurt Good for Cats?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be safe for cats in very small amounts. It’s often better than regular yogurt because it contains less lactose and more protein. This makes it easier for cats to digest, while also being healthier.
What Are the Risks of Giving Yogurt to Cats?
While there are potential benefits, it’s also important to weigh the potential risks of giving cats yogurt. However, with strict moderation, these risks can be easily avoided. Here are some of the possible risks of giving cats yogurt:
Lactose Intolerance
Because adult cats cannot produce lactase, they can still experience digestive problems even with the reduced lactose content. Even though yogurt has less lactose than milk, some cats may still react badly to it. This can cause vomiting, bloating, gas, and other gastrointestinal problems.
Added Sugar and Sweeteners
Other types of yogurt have additives, flavorings, and ingredients that can be deadly for cats. If cats eat too much sugar, then it increases the risk of obesity and diabetes. Additionally, ingredients like raisins can be toxic.
Overfeeding and Weight Gain
Even plain yogurt contains calories and fat that can quickly add up if given too often. Since cats are small, even a spoonful of yogurt is a big snack compared to their daily caloric needs. Overfeeding always leads to weight gain, which can cause a lot of problems.
Possible Allergic Reactions
Some cats may have dairy allergies, not just lactose intolerance. An allergic reaction could cause itching, skin irritation, or digestive upset. Since it’s not always obvious if a cat will react, you should try giving yogurt a little bit only at the start.
How to Give Cats Yogurt
Even if yogurt is not an essential part of your cat’s diet, it can be healthy and nutritious for them. The probiotics in yogurt are certainly worth looking at, and if you plan on giving it, then follow these tips:
Choose the Right Type of Yogurt
Choose yogurt that is plain, sugar-free, and without any additives. Greek yogurt is your best bet because it contains a lot more protein than regular yogurt. This means you’re getting a higher amount of protein without giving too much that can upset the stomach.
Start Slow and Low
When introducing yogurt, begin with a small portion and give it slowly. Don’t give too much too fast, as some cats may also eat too much and too fast. Also, take note that the treats should not exceed 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. While yogurt is healthy, focus on your cat’s main meals.
Monitor for Reactions
Keep a close eye on your cat in case it experiences any digestive problems. This can be vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or sounds of pain. If any of these symptoms happen to your cat, then stop giving yogurt immediately. If this worsens, contact our experts.
Consult Our Vets
The best way to make sure that the food your cat is safe and healthy is to visit our vets. A quick visit can easily educate you to better serve your cat’s nutritional requirements. Expert advice goes a long way in your cat's diet.
“Your cat’s health starts with providing the food they need for growth and development.”
- Dr. Paulina Czerska
Final Thoughts
In summary, cats can have yogurt. However, it should be noted that yogurt should only be given in moderation and small amounts. Plain, unsweetened yogurt should be the only choice for your cat as it poses no significant threats to its health and well-being.
While the benefits of yogurt seem promising for cats, their diet would be better suited to food sources with higher amounts of protein. But you can still give yogurt as a treat sometimes.
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