Can Cats Eat Plantains?
Being a cat owner can be as healthy and fulfilling as it is strenuous. From being scratched to dealing with a very picky eater, taking care of a cat requires quite an effort.
Because they are carnivorous, cats are most likely to turn up their noses at certain foods omnivores eat, like plantains, fruits and vegetables in general.
If you're considering giving plantain-based treats to your cat then read on to know more about the benefits of plantains to cats, if any.
We provided answers to questions like; what plantain does to your cat, how much is just enough or too much, and if your cat should even eat them in the first place.
Is Plantain A Healthy Meal?
Plantain is a fibre-rich food that provides a number of essential vitamins and minerals. It is a common source of potassium as it contains even higher amount than bananas. Other common nutrients include magnesium, calcium, vitamin A, B, C and K, along with other trace minerals.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a cup of plantains contains about 58grams of carbohydrates. Plantain, being a nutrient packed food, is highly beneficial to humans and many other organisms but can cats eat plantains?
Can Cats Have Plantains?
Healthy cats generally do not need to have plantain or other carbohydrate-rich foods in their diet. While the need for energy is essential, Dr. Dottie P. Laflamme DVM, PhD, DAVCN of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, notes that energy in the form of glucose is better processed by cats than carbohydrates.
Cats possess very little amylase and other important enzymes which are the starting point for the digestion of starch. The internal amylase activity of cats is quite low compared to other animals. As such, increased amount of carbohydrates is not advised.
Are Plantains Toxic To Cats?
Plantain is completely non-toxic to cats, so if yours takes a bite, it should not be a cause for alarm. If your cat seems to like plantains, simply give them just a small amount as a treat. About a thin slice a day is enough for a cat (a whole, or even half a plantain is too much). An increased amount would only put their system under stress to digest what they do not even need.
Can Cats Eat Plantain Lilies?
There is a common misunderstanding about plantain being toxic to cats. This is due to poisonous nature of plantain lilies, which is another plant entirely that causes diarrhoea, vomiting and depression in cats.
Plantains themselves are safe provided that not too much is eaten and your cat is not allergic to it. Be sure to observe any allergic reaction that might result from eating plantains and make sure to refrain from giving them to your cat.
Can Cats Eat Fried Plantains?
When giving your cats plantain treats to eats, it is important that it is properly cooked to ensure easy digestion. The plantain should be prepared in a healthy medium and shouldn't be cooked in oils (like in fried plantain) or other fatty substances. So, no fried plantains for cats.
In all, cats can eat plantain but do need to, therefore the amount should be kept to barest minimum to avoid putting your cat at risk of obesity which can, in turn, lead to diabetes. If you already have a diabetic cat, then you probably should remove plantains and other carb-rich foods from your cat's diet.