Kale is a healthy vegetable that is packed with nutrients, but can cats eat kale? The answer may surprise you.
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Kale
Kale is a type of cabbage, and is a leafy green cruciferous vegetable. It is considered to be a superfood due to its high nutrient density. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and also contains antioxidants, minerals, and fiber. Cats are carnivores and do not need vegetables in their diet, but kale can be a healthy treat for them.
What is kale?
Kale is a leafy green vegetable that belongs to the Brassica family. This family also includes other veggies like cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. It’s also a good source of fiber, calcium, and iron.
Nutritional value of kale
Kale is a highly Nutritious Food
Kale is very low in calories, containing only 36 calories per cup (100 grams). It is an excellent source of vitamins A, K, and C, and a good source of manganese. Kale also contains decent amounts of B vitamins, copper, potassium, magnesium, and calcium (1).
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one cup (100 grams) of raw kale provides:
Vitamin A: 206% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 134% of the DV
Vitamin K: 684% of the DV
Copper: 10% of the DV
Manganese: 26% of the DV
Potassium: 9% of the DV
Magnesium: 8% of the DV
Calcium: 10%of theDV (2)
Cats
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their bodies are designed to digest and use only animal-based proteins for essential nutrients.
What do cats eat?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their bodies are designed to digest and use only animal-based proteins. In the wild, the diet of a cat is primarily composed of small prey–mice, rats, rabbits, birds, and so forth. This diet is relatively high in protein and fat and relatively low in carbohydrates.
While the domestic cat’s diet has changed somewhat from its wild ancestors, it still needs to be mostly protein and fat with very few carbohydrates. Cats lack the ability to properly digest and use carbohydrates as a source of energy or nutrition. In fact, too many carbs can actually be harmful to your cat’s health.
Can cats eat kale?
Yes, cats can eat kale. Kale is a safe and healthy food for cats, as long as it is given in moderation. Kale is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and calcium. It can be fed to cats fresh, cooked, or dried.
Risks of feeding kale to cats
While kale is a healthy food for humans, it can be dangerous for cats. Kale is a member of the Brassica family, which also includes cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and mustard greens. These plants contain oxalates, which can cause health problems for cats if consumed in large quantities.
Health risks
While kale is not toxic to cats, it can cause some digestive upset and other problems. Kale is high in fiber, which can lead to constipation or diarrhea in some cats. It’s also high in oxalates, which can cause kidney stones or other problems in some cats. And some cats may be allergic to kale. So it’s best to avoid feeding kale to your cat.
Behavioral risks
Although there are many benefits to feeding kale to cats, there are also some risks associated with this practice.One of the most serious risks is the potential for behavioral problems.
Cats who consume large amounts of kale may start to exhibit strange behaviors, such as excessive meowing, restlessness, and even aggression. Some cats may also become fixated on eating kale and refuse to eat anything else. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.
If you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior after they start eating kale, it’s important to stop feeding it to them and consult with a veterinarian.
