Potatoes are tasty, nutritious and a great staple ingredient in many of our favorite meals. No wonder our furry friends may be excited to investigate what’s so special about this starchy carbohydrate. Potatoes appear in many different forms on human plates, such as boiled, roasted, fried or mashed. But can cats eat potatoes safely? Unfortunately, the answer to whether cats can eat potatoes isn’t entirely straightforward! Here’s what you need to know about cats and potatoes, so you can make sure you don’t offer your pet something that could be unsuitable for them.
Короткий ответ
Yes, cats can eat potatoes occasionally, but not just any kind. Peeled and roasted potatoes, prepared without any fats, spices or salt are the best option for your pet. However, keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores who can get everything they need from complete and balanced cat foods containing animal protein. So, they won’t need extra potatoes as part of their main diet.
Почему осторожность необходима
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they require animal proteins (meat) to provide most of their nutrition and are not designed to digest carbohydrates very well. Potatoes fall in the heavy carb category. That said, properly prepared potatoes are not toxic to cats. But raw potatoes, the potato skin, and all parts of the potato plant contain a toxin called solanine, which is poisonous to our kitties.
Соланин - главный риск
Potatoes contain solanine, a toxic substance for many animals, including cats. This substance is concentrated in the sprouts, the green parts but also under the skin of the potato. This substance develops when the potato is exposed to the sun or daylight. Solanine is especially toxic if the potato is eaten raw. In humans, it causes headaches, diarrhea, or in the most serious cases, neurological disorders. In cats and dogs, it also causes diarrhea, but also vomiting and excessive salivation.
No. Raw potatoes, potatoes with green spots in them, and all parts of the potato plant are toxic to cats. The inner portion of the cooked potato, away from the skin, is safe to share in small amounts with your kitty. Potato skins in any form (raw or cooked) contain the toxin solanine and should be avoided. Remove all traces of the skin before feeding potatoes to cats. Talk to your vet if your cat eats any amount of potato skin.
Формы картофеля и их безопасность
- Сырые картофелины: No, cats shouldn’t eat raw potatoes as they contain a toxic substance called solanine, which is poisonous to cats when digested. Raw potatoes are also difficult for cats to digest.
- Отварные/варёные картофелины: As with raw potatoes, boiled potatoes can also contain solanine, which is poisonous for cats, so it’s best to always avoid feeding these to your cat unless точно очищены и приготовлены правильно.
- Печёный картофель (без добавок): Properly prepared potatoes are not toxic to cats. Peeled and roasted potatoes, prepared without any fats, spices or salt are the best option for your pet.
- Чипсы и жареный фри: No, cats shouldn’t eat potato chips or fries. These popular human snacks are too salty and fatty for feline digestion and can cause health problems even in small amounts.
- Масhed potatoes/пюре: Since mashed potatoes are prepared with salt, milk, butter and other spices, they aren’t safe for feline consumption.
- Сладкий картофель: Cats can eat sweet potatoes, but only in moderation. Unlike regular potatoes, sweet potatoes do not contain solanine and are considered non-toxic.
Польза картофеля в рационе кошек (ограниченная)
Potatoes are not particularly nutritious for cats, and your feline should be able to get all the nutrients they need from specially formulated commercial cat foods. Because of this, potatoes should be a once-in-a-while treat, rather than an essential component of your cat’s diet.
Potatoes contain several vitamins and minerals that are essential for cats. These include vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Potatoes also contain vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant to help support immune system health. The minerals found in potatoes play a variety of roles including supporting healthy muscle function, oxygen transport, and more. The carbohydrates found in potatoes are complex carbs that break down slowly during digestion. This provides cats with a steady source of energy.
In pet food, potatoes play a role as a source of starch and fiber: potatoes contain easily digestible starch, beneficial fibre and important vitamins such as C, B6 and B9. The fibre found in potato skins can also help promote digestive health. Additionally, potatoes contain a unique type of fibre called “prebiotic fibre” that supports a healthy gut microbiome in cats. Resistant starch acts as a prebiotic to feed good bacteria.
Почему картофель - «пустые калории» для кошки
Potatoes are considered empty calories for cats: food that doesn’t provide much nutrition. Cats need meat to thrive, and they digest proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins from it effortlessly. Your adult kitty needs a high-protein diet to live a long and healthy life. Because of this, adding potatoes increases carbohydrate intake, что может быть вредно при избыточном употреблении, приводя к ожирению и повышенной нагрузке на инсулин при склонности к диабету.
Как безопасно предложить кошке картофель
If your cat is determined to have a bite of potato, and your vet has given you the go-ahead, then you can start off by giving your pet a small taste. It’s important to pay attention to your cat’s reaction, especially if this is their first time trying potatoes. It’s safest to only feed one bite-sized piece of potato to start with. Look out for signs of an upset stomach, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
- Wash the potatoes.
- Remove the peel.
- Cut off any roots and discolored or green areas, as these may contain solanine.
- Chop the potatoes in small pieces so they’re easier for your cat to eat.
- Roast them without any additional ingredients such as salt or fats.
- Offer a small amount to your cat at first, either as a small potato piece or a little bit of mash - but always make sure the potato has cooled down first.
Симптомы при отравлении или непереносимости
If you think your cat has eaten raw potatoes or raw potato peel, make sure you contact your vet straightaway, and look out for signs of solanine intoxication, including vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Signs of solanine poisoning range from gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea to severe neurological signs (tremors, seizures, or loss of consciousness).
Альтернативы картофелю и что лучше давать кошке
If you’re looking for a nutritious food you can share with your cat, look for lean, cooked meats. Just remember to keep the portions less than 10% of the total daily calories your cat eats. Cats require animal proteins, essential amino acids like taurine and arginine, fats, vitamins A, D, E, K and minerals-всё это содержится в мясе и рыбе.
Картофель в промышленных кормах
Potato is mainly found in grain-free kibble because it is a source of starch. To make a kibble, it is indeed mandatory to use starch, a carbohydrate “stored by plants in the form of granules which, when crushed, provide a paste”. It is a kind of glue that allows dry food to hold together and have an airy and crunchy texture. The potatoes used in kibble arrive already processed: they’re washed, peeled, cooked and dehydrated before being added to the kibble. This means the starch is cooked under ideal conditions for optimal digestibility.
| Форма картофеля | Можно давать? | Комментарий |
|---|---|---|
| Сырой картофель / кожура | Нет | Содержит соланин; опасен |
| Печёный/отварной, очищенный | Да, в малом количестве | Без соли и специй, как редкое угощение |
| Жареный / чипсы / фри | Нет | Слишком много жира и соли |
| Сладкий картофель | Да, умеренно | Не содержит соланин, но богат углеводами |
| Картофель в корме | Да/зависит | Обработан и используется как крахмал; учитывать общий уровень углеводов |
Как легко и просто дать таблетку кошке — все способы
Практические рекомендации
- Не предлагайте кошке картофель регулярно - это не заменит полноценного мясного рациона.
- Если корм содержит картофель, проверяйте общий процент углеводов и источник белка.
- Избегайте картофеля со специями, маслом, молоком, сливками и другими добавками.
- Всегда удаляйте кожуру и зелёные участки; при малейших сомнениях звоните ветеринару.
- Угощайте не более 10% от суточных калорий и сначала давайте крошечную пробу.
Potatoes are a versatile veggie found in many main courses, side dishes, and afternoon snacks. While cooked potatoes are not toxic to cats, they’re not good for cats either. And there are some instances where potatoes can be poisonous for cats. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian for personalized advice.