Yes. Though a cat can eat tofu once in a while, it is not the best meal for this pet. This is because it can cause problems like a stomach ache or diarrhea in a cat.
If you are trying to cut down on meat, you have probably switched to a vegan diet. One of the famous meat alternatives that many people include in their vegan recipes is tofu. Though tofu is protein-rich and delicious, you should avoid giving too much of it to a cat. If you are a cat owner and wondering whether tofu is healthy for a cat, this post is for you. Enjoy!
Find out if tofu is suitable for a cat
Though tofu is not toxic to a cat, it is not healthy for this feline. Experts do not recommend tofu for a cat since it may not give the pet the adequate amount of proteins it requires in its daily diet.
Tofu is also unhealthy for a cat since its ingredients are not easy for this pet to digest. A cat does not have the proper enzymes to digest elements such as sugar available in tofu. This soy-based food has two forms of sugars, namely stachyose and raffinose. The high levels of magnesium and phosphorus in tofu are also not great for a cat.
This feline can, therefore, start experiencing diarrhea after consuming tofu. Other side effects of a cat eating Tofu can include stomach problems, vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Since no cat owner likes seeing their furry friend in pain, you should avoid giving too much tofu to this pet. Tofu also comes in various types. Since some of it comes with spices and additives, it is not healthy for a cat.
Tofu that contains elements like garlic, onion, or salt can harm a cat. Onions and garlic can harm a cat since they can lead to anemia. If a cat consumes them in large amounts, they may suffer other long-term complications since they are poisonous.
A summary of the potential risks of tofu to a cat
Allergy |
10% of cats are allergic to soy |
It is plant-based |
Cats need protein from real meat and not from such plant-based foods. |
Lacks proper nutrients for a cat |
Tofu contains zinc, magnesium, and calcium. Cats require small amounts of these nutrients and can get them from better sources like red meat and poultry. |
The sugars in tofu are hard for a cat to digest |
A cat does not have the necessary enzymes to digest these sugars. Feeding a cat too much tofu can therefore lead to issues like diarrhea and weakness in a cat |
Some tofu contains spices |
Ingredients such as garlic, chives, onion, and shallots which are sometimes added to tofu can harm the cat. |
Serving tofu to your furry friend
Though tofu is not the best meal for a cat, some like it. If you notice that your furry friend likes it, you can let them have tofu in small amounts. Moderation is critical since too much can make them avoid their regular cat food.
Rather than making tofu part of their daily diet, you can make it an occasional snack for the feline. Do not go past two servings of tofu in a week. If you would like to introduce this soy-based food to a cat for the first time, you should begin with small portions as you assess how the cat reacts to it. In case of a negative reaction, consider taking the cat to a vet.
You can find out if your cat is intolerant to it by giving them one block of tofu and observing them closely. If you don’t notice any adverse reactions after this, you can continue giving them a small amount of tofu at least once or twice a week.
Also, ensure that the tofu you feed the cat does not have any extra spices like garlic. Rather than feeding a cat tofu from the store, consider homemade tofu. This is safer since it will not expose the cat to additives that can irritate their stomach. As you give tofu to a cat in moderation, you can even serve it alongside dry food.
Before you serve tofu to a cat, you can leave the curd at room temperature for a while for it to become sour. Fermentation is essential since it can neutralize the tannins that irritate a cat’s digestive system.
What to pay attention to when buying tofu
If you want to buy commercially produced tofu for a cat, you should only get it from a trusted source. Focus on getting tofu from only a quality brand that is keen on maintaining high hygiene standards.
If tofu is not prepared under great hygiene, it can lead to diarrhea in a cat. The soy-based food can also be contaminated with certain bacteria that can make the cat sick. If you are not sure of the hygiene standards of the brand, consider boiling the tofu before feeding it to a cat.
Conclusion
Some assume that tofu is better than cheese for a cat since it does not have lactose. Though this may be the case, you should avoid feeding a cat too much tofu. This soy-based food is not the best for a cat since it does not have the essentials that a cat requires to maintain good health. The sugars in tofu are also difficult for a cat to digest. If you must feed a cat tofu, you should do it in moderation.
FAQs
What is the proper nutrition for a cat?
Since a cat is a carnivore, its diet should mainly consist of meat. Rather than giving them tofu, you can feed them something healthy such as chicken or tuna. Such foods can give the cat essential amino acids that can strengthen its bones.
Can I feed a cat fried tofu?
Yes. It should be baked for a long time and at a high temperature to heat the harmful ingredients in this food. If you do this, stick to small amounts.
Maria Giovanni
Maria Giovanni is a pet lover and does have a variety of pets at home, from the lapdogs to parrots and cats. The latter however seems to be her favorite because she operates a shelter that caters specifically to injured and stray cats. You can also leave your cat with her if you have to travel out of town for a longer period and don’t want to lock your cat inside. Over the years Maria has championed for the rights of animals, because of the many vices that are done to the defenseless animals around the world. Compiling information for the Simple Catguide was quite fulfilling because it allowed her to share knowledge on how best people can care for their pet cats.
