Ever watched your feline friend gaze longingly at your dinner plate? Maybe they even vocalize their desires with a hopeful meow. It’s natural to want to share your food with your beloved cat, but ensuring their safety and health is paramount. While sharing some human food is okay, knowing what’s safe and beneficial is crucial.
You can even elevate treat time by selecting delicious cat treats that offer extra health benefits. If you’re curious about what human food cats can eat or want to explore homemade treat options, this guide from Sploot Veterinary Care highlights 10 of the healthiest human foods that are safe for cats.
Important Note: Some cat-friendly human foods listed can double as cat food toppers to encourage picky eaters to eat their regular meals.
Understanding Your Cat’s Diet: Obligate Carnivores and Food Sensitivities
Before we delve into the list of healthiest human food options for cats, it’s important to understand feline dietary needs and potential food allergies.
Cats: True Carnivores
Cats are classified as obligate carnivores. This means they require nutrients found exclusively in animal tissue for survival. Unlike omnivores, cats cannot efficiently process plant matter due to their inability to break down cellulose in raw plants.
This obligate carnivore nature means:
- Cats don’t naturally crave fruits or vegetables. Many cats will instinctively reject these, especially when raw.
- Fruits and vegetables only offer benefits if properly prepared for cats. Some cat food brands include vegetables in their formulas, but these are processed for digestibility.
Important Note: For plant-based treats from this list of healthy Food For Cats, cooking and pureeing vegetables is key. These methods break down cellulose. This applies to fruits like pumpkin and peas as well.
Homemade pureed treats are ideal for controlling ingredients. Be cautious with store-bought pureed foods not specifically for cats, as they might contain garlic, onions, shallots, or scallions, which are toxic to cats.
Feline Food Allergies
While meat-based treats seem naturally safe for cats, some cats experience food allergies to certain meats. Common feline food allergens include:
- Beef
- Fish (or seafood)
- Eggs
- Chicken or turkey
- Dairy (distinct from lactose intolerance)
Knowing that cats are obligate carnivores and prone to specific allergies helps pet owners make informed treat choices. Here are top recommended healthy cat treats.
1. Cooked, Unseasoned Chicken or Turkey
Kicking off our list of healthy human food for cats are top protein sources: chicken and turkey.
Cooked, unseasoned chicken or turkey provides excellent protein for cats. They also offer vitamin B6, selenium, phosphorus, and Omega-6 fatty acids. Chicken and turkey are lean meats, lower in calories than beef, making chicken a popular ingredient in commercial cat food.
Turkey is a common chicken alternative. While nutritionally similar, chicken has slightly more protein per ounce.
Close-up of cooked, unseasoned chicken, a top human food choice for cats
2. Cooked, Unseasoned Beef
Cooked, unseasoned beef is another protein-rich option for cats. Beef is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin C. Its nutritional benefits lead to its inclusion in some commercial cat foods.
3. Cooked, Unseasoned Fish
Cooked, unseasoned fish is a tasty treat many cats adore. Fish offers protein and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for a healthy feline coat and skin.
Cooked, unseasoned fish, a delicious and healthy human food treat for cats
4. Cooked, Unseasoned Eggs
Whether scrambled or hard-boiled, cooked eggs are great to share with your cat. Eggs are on this list of healthy human food for cats because they are excellent sources of protein, vitamin D, selenium, and riboflavin.
5. Cooked, Pureed Pumpkin
Moving to fruits on our list of people food for cats: pumpkin. Cooked, pureed pumpkin in moderation aids feline digestion. It’s particularly helpful for cats with constipation or diarrhea.
Bowl of cooked pureed pumpkin, a digestive-friendly human food for cats
6. Cooked, Pureed Broccoli
Next, broccoli joins our list of healthy food for cats. Cooked, pureed broccoli is a safe, healthy treat thanks to its vitamin C, carotenoids, and dietary fiber. Broccoli is also a good source of antioxidants for cats.
7. Cooked, Pureed Green Beans
Most cats aren’t veggie enthusiasts, but if yours likes green beans, offer some! Cooked, pureed green beans are low-calorie and a good fiber source. High fiber in green beans aids digestion. They also provide calcium, potassium, and iron.
8. Cooked, Pureed Peas
Pureed peas are another healthy human food for cats. Cooked, pureed peas are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
Close-up of cooked, pureed peas, a vitamin-rich human food for cats
9. Cooked, Pureed Carrots
Cooked and pureed carrots offer fiber, vitamin A, and beta-carotene to cats. As a healthy vegetable treat, pureed carrots support vision, skin, and digestion.
10. Cooked, Pureed Spinach
Cooked and pureed spinach is a safe, healthy treat. While not a strength booster like for Popeye, spinach provides fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium.
Close-up of cooked, pureed spinach, a nutrient-packed human food for cats
Final Thoughts on Healthy Food for Cats
We hope you found this list of healthy human food for cats helpful. Remember, cats are obligate carnivores. While they might enjoy veggies, their diet should primarily be animal protein. These treats are supplements, not replacements for nutritionally complete cat food.
Note: Looking for vet-approved cat food and treats? Visit SplootRX, your trusted online pet store for vet-recommended pet food and supplies!
For diet and nutrition questions, we’re here to assist! Sploot Veterinary Care offers primary and urgent care vet services for cats, with daily appointments and extended hours at all Sploot locations!
Book online or via the Sploot Vets app. For urgent drop-offs, call us.
We’re with you every pounce!
Note: Refer to our cheat sheet on healthy people food for cat treats.
Infographic summarizing healthy human food options for cats
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What human food is safe for cats?
Moderation is key, but safe options include cooked, unseasoned, deboned meats like chicken, turkey, and beef. Small amounts of certain vegetables like carrots and peas are also okay.
2. Can cats eat dog food?
While a little dog food won’t immediately hurt them, cats have different nutritional needs. Relying on dog food long-term can cause deficiencies and health problems.
3. What to feed a cat without cat food?
If you’re out of cat food, offer small portions of cooked, unseasoned meat (chicken, turkey) or a hard-boiled egg. Avoid spices and oils. Plain, steamed, cat-safe veggies like peas or carrots are also options in small amounts. For homemade alternatives, see: Is Homemade Dog Food & Cat Food Better? [Ask a Vet]
4. What human foods are toxic to cats?
Never feed cats chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, alcohol, caffeine, or xylitol (sweetener). See our article: Safe vs Toxic Foods For Cats – Can My Cat Eat… [Ask a Vet] for more on toxic foods.
5. What’s the best cat food for indoor cats?
Indoor cats need food high in protein, low in carbs, and formulated for their lower activity levels. Look for “indoor cat food” formulas.
