Despite being obligate carnivores, cats cannot eat hot dogs. Here is why.
When the food in question is something like a hot dog, it’s only natural to want to share some of it with your cat.
Cats technically “can” eat pretty much any food item that isn’t poisonous to them. However, they shouldn’t eat hot dogs. Because a hot dog is a highly processed food and cats’ digestive systems aren’t designed to handle that kind of thing, this happens.
Keep reading to find out the answers.
Can Cats Eat Hot Dogs?
Yes, in a nutshell. Should a cat eat hot dogs? Realistically, no.
Hot dogs are not a good treat for cats because they pose a few logistical issues in addition to being less than healthy (more on that later). For instance, hot dogs are larger than many cats can safely eat, even when cut into pieces; Colareta advises giving cats treats no bigger than 1/4-inch. Training best practices are yet another issue.
We want to be certain that we are using treats with your cats in a deliberate way. Instead of rewarding them for being cute, this entails reinforcing desired behavior. Treats should be easily accessible in order to enable this. Hot dogs cannot be easily stored around the house because they are perishable.
What Are the Risks of Feeding Cats Hot Dogs?
Not exactly a nutritious food are hot dogs. Snacking on too many of these processed meats, which are high in sodium and fat, can have negative health effects on both humans and cats. Cats shouldn’t eat hot dogs due to the risks of:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
“These symptoms might not be brought on by a single tiny piece of a hot dog, but if you are training your cat with treats, you are probably giving her quite a few treats each time. Using hot dogs in these situations may make your cat feel ill and necessitate a trip to the veterinarian.
Even though other kinds of hot dogs, such as those made entirely of beef, chicken, or turkey, maybe a little healthier, Colareta advises against giving your cat leftovers from your barbecue. For use as cat treats, they are still too big and unusable.
What If My Cat Already Ate a Hot Dog?
Don’t freak out if your cat ate a bite of your hot dog. I believe he will be alright. Even though a small hot dog bite may not be the healthiest treat for your cat, it’s not the end of the world.
You might have reason to be concerned if your cat ate more than a few nibbles. The amount of fat in a hot dog won’t be harmful to your health if you eat it once, but the amount of sodium may.
To find out how much sodium your cat consumed, check the nutrition facts on your hot dog. You may need to keep an eye out for sodium poisoning symptoms if he consumed more sodium than 1 gram (1000 mg). If your cat experiences any negative side effects, such as lethargy, seizures, or tremors, get immediate veterinary care.
That is, of course, the worst-case scenario. Although most hot dogs don’t contain enough of anything to be seriously harmful, it is always preferable to be safe than sorry.
Despite the fact that hot dogs aren’t on the list of cat-friendly human foods, there are other meat-based foods that you can give your pet without risk because cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to survive.
There are wholesome substitutes available, including freeze-dried chicken, shrimp, and other snacks that are convenient to store. Churu is a fantastic smearable treat that most cats go crazy for if you’re looking for a high-value substitute.
Other meats, when consumed in moderation, can be given to your cat.) include:
- Turkey, boneless and cooked
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Boiled chicken, skinless and boneless
Conclusions: Cats Eat Hot Dogs
Even though they are a type of meat, hot dogs are not very intelligent for cats. Your cat is better off sticking with his kibble due to its high-fat content, sodium content, and potential for dangerous additives.
If you are using treats to train your cat, you are probably using a lot of treats per training session, even though just one tiny piece of a hot dog may not cause these symptoms.
FAQs
Can Cats Eat Chicken Wieners?
While other types of hot dogs (including all-beef, chicken, and turkey dogs) can be a little healthier, Colareta says you should still resist feeding kitty scraps from your barbecue. Still too big and cumbersome to be used as cat treats.
Can Cats Eat Eggs?
Yes, cats can eat eggs. Cats love the nutritious treat of fully-cooked eggs. In addition to being incredibly nutritious and highly digestible, eggs are also a great source of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Whatever method of preparation you choose is acceptable, including scrambling and boiling.
Is It OK to Feed My Cat Boiled Chicken?
For your pet cat, always ensure that any chicken you feed them is cooked – preferably boiled and does not contain any bones. Don’t forget to feed your cat chicken as part of its daily treat allowance along with a balanced diet. Nutritional deficiencies can result from feeding only cooked chicken for an extended period of time.
