Joanna Wilson
If your cat starts scratching your legs while you’re preparing snacks, you might question if it’s alright to give him a treat as well. Is it safe for your cat to eat peanuts if they are one of your favorite snacks?
In a summary, ordinary peanuts are safe to eat for cats. There are a few exceptions, so let’s learn more about whether or not offering them to your cat is a good idea. Before giving your cat peanuts, like with any meal that isn’t specifically created for cats, you should always consult your veterinarian.
Table of Contents
Facts about peanuts
The peanut belongs to the legume family, which also includes lentils and peas. They aren’t actual nuts, despite their name. Peanuts mature underground and are collected about 4-5 months after they are planted. Because they grow underground, peanuts are sometimes known as ground peas or groundnuts.
Peanuts are the most popular nut snack in the United States, accounting for 66% of all nuts purchased. Every year, the United States produces roughly 3 million tons of peanuts, with the majority of the crop coming from Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, and Alabama.
Most Americans eat 3 pounds of peanut butter per year. A 12-ounce jar of peanut butter contains roughly 540 peanuts.
There are four main varieties of peanut grown in the U.S.A.: Spanish, Valencia, Runner, and Virginia. Of the four, Runners account for 85% of production and are mostly used to produce.
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Peanuts have many advantages
Peanuts are a fantastic source of protein, and cats thrive on a high-protein diet as obligate carnivores. Peanuts have 7.31 grams of protein per ounce.
Vitamin E, niacin, magnesium, copper, and biotin are also abundant in peanuts.
Cats, on the other side, require animal protein. So, while peanuts are high in protein, they aren’t the most nutrient food.
Bad things about peanuts
Peanuts have a high protein content, but they also have a high fat content. If your cat ate them on a regular basis, they’d be more likely to become obese and acquire a variety of health problems as a result. Peanuts have 13.9 grams of fat per ounce of their weight. Your cat’s digestive system isn’t built to process nut-based fats, therefore this fat is monounsaturated, sometimes known as a good fat.
Many peanuts have salt or other flavorings on them, which your cat does not require. Your cat may have a hard time with these.
How to feed peanuts to your cat safely
Here’s how to feed your cat peanuts safely if you still want to.
Always give your cat raw, untreated peanuts. The salts, spices, and other flavorings that may be used to cover your favorite peanuts could cause gastrointestinal problems and make your cat sick. Make sure the outside hard shell has been removed, since even a small piece could clog your cat’s digestive system.
Because some cats are sensitive to peanuts, keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin irritation
- Gastrointestinal problems
Only give your cat a small piece of peanut, about a quarter of a nut. Keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort, and if your cat shows any signs of having difficulties digesting this, stop feeding them.
Can cats eat peanut butter?
What about peanut butter if peanuts aren’t poisonous to cats? Giving your cat this as a rare treat is fine, but make sure it’s a natural version with no extra salt or sugar.
Peanut butter is a common bait for mouse and rat traps, so keep an eye out for it. If your outdoor cat develops a liking for peanut butter, make sure they don’t have access to any rodent traps that have been coated with this tempting treat.
Wrapping it up
Although peanuts are one of America’s favorite nuts, it doesn’t imply they’re a healthy treat for our feline companions. While peanuts are not poisonous to cats and do include a significant amount of protein, there is no compelling reason for your cat to consume them.
You’d be better off going for a high-protein, meat-based treat made expressly for cats. Allow your cat to nibble a couple while you eat your peanuts, and you’ll be both happy.
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