Disclaimer: Always check with your vet on what “human foods” your cat can and cannot eat as information may vary based on their dietary needs and health conditions.
If you’re reading this article, chances are you turned your back on your sandwich and noticed a chunk of it has gone missing. If the guilty culprit is your cat, plain bread in small amounts is generally okay as long as it does not contain harmful spices, herbs, additives and ingredients.
Read on to learn more about whether bread is actually good for cats, how much should they be eating and more.
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Is bread good for cats?
Bread is not inherently good for cats, as it offers little to no nutritional value for them. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to thrive on a meat-based diet. While a small piece of plain bread won’t harm them, it doesn’t provide the protein, vitamins, and minerals they need for optimal health.
If your cat is curious about bread, it’s okay to offer a tiny, plain piece occasionally as a novelty snack, but focus on species-appropriate treats instead, such as:
- Cooked, unseasoned chicken or fish.
- Commercial cat treats formulated with healthy ingredients.
Is bread bad for cats?
Aside from fancy bread that’s got artificial sweeteners like xylitol (very dangerous for cats), herbs, spices and ingredients that are harmful to your cat (eg: onion, garlic, chives, raisins, coffee, chocolate), plain bread still isn’t beneficial for your cat as it has:
- Low Nutritional Value: Bread lacks the essential nutrients (like taurine) that cats require.
- High Carbohydrate Content: Cats don’t process carbohydrates efficiently and don’t need them in large amounts.
- Risk of Weight Gain: Regular feeding of high-carb foods like bread can lead to obesity.
Raw dough is especially dangerous as the yeast can expand in their stomach, causing bloating or alcohol poisoning.
Which is why at Petchef, we ensure that all the ingredients that go into your cat’s meal is made for obligate carnivores! All the meals tailored for cats contain:
It’s completely free of preservatives, additives, fillers and grains! If you’d love for your cat to eat the food they were born to eat, come have a chat with our friendly pet nutritionist to find the ideal meal for your pet
How much bread can a cat eat?
A small nibble (a piece about the size of your fingernail or a small corner of bread) of plain, fully-cooked bread is unlikely to harm your cat, but it should be a rare treat, not a regular snack.
How to tell when a cat has had too much bread?
Perhaps you had an overly enthusiastic guest who kept feeding your cat bread, or you came home to a half eaten loaf of bread/buns, here are digestive symptoms or other signs of discomfort to look out for:
- Digestive upset: diarrhoea, loose stools or vomiting; gas or bloating if raw dough was ingested
- Lethargy: your cat seems more tired than usual if their stomach is bothering them
- Reduced appetite: they might avoid food (even their favourite treats) if they’re feeling bloated or nauseous
- Excessive drooling: this can happen if they feel queasy
- Dehydration: they might lose fluids from diarrhoea or vomiting, so watch for signs of dehydration, like dry gums or reduced skin elasticity.
- Unusual behaviour: restlessness, pacing, or hiding could indicate discomfort.
If your cat shows any of these signs, keep them hydrated and avoid offering any more bread or treats for a day or two. If symptoms are severe or don’t resolve within 24 hours, it’s best to consult your vet for advice.
How often can cats eat bread?
A fingernail sized piece, once a month IF YOU MUST cave into those kitten eyes.
How to keep my cat AWAY from bread?
Cats are naturally curious, so keeping them away from your bread can be a challenge. Here are some practical tips to keep your curious cat from raiding your bread stash:
