Do you love pizza but are worried about sharing with your feline friend? Check out this blog post to see if it’s safe for them to enjoy a slice (or two).
<img “=”” src=”https://i4.ytimg.com/vi/5ukBXkyB7aw/sddefault.jpg” alt=”Can Cats Eat Pizza?” style=”display:none”>Checkout this video:
Introducing the question
We all know how much cats love to eat, but what about their favorite human foods? Can cats eat pizza?
The short answer is, unfortunately, no. While some people may think that it’s okay to give their cats a few bites of pizza here and there, it’s actually not good for them. Pizza is loaded with unhealthy ingredients like salt, fat, and sugar, which can be harmful to your cat’s health. In addition, pizza dough can be dangerous for cats if they eat too much of it.
A bit of history about pizza
Pizza is a yeasted flatbread typically topped with tomato sauce and cheese and baked in an oven. It is commonly topped with a selection of meats, vegetables and condiments. The word pizza was first documented in a Latin manuscript from the Southern Italian town of Gaeta in 997 AD; the provincial town of Campagnia also had records of the dish. Modern pizza evolved from similar flatbread dishes in Naples, Italy, in the 18th or early 19th century. The word pizza was originally spelled “pizza” but came to be pronounced “pidza” by Italian immigrants to America in the late 1800s.
The first pizzeria in America opened in 1905 in New York City’s Little Italy neighborhood. This pizzeria, Lombardi’s Pizza, is still open today and uses a coal-fired oven to make its pies. Pizza became very popular in the United States after soldiers stationed in Italy during World War II came home craving the dish. In addition to being sold at pizzerias, pizza started appearing on menus at casual family restaurants and as a frozen food item sold in supermarkets.
The ingredients in pizza
Pizza is a dish that typically contains bread, tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings. The dough is usually raised with yeast, although some recipes may use baking powder or a self-raising flour. Pizza has become one of the most popular fast foods in the world, with many different varieties and toppings.
Most commercial pizza doughs contain maida flour, which is a refined and bleached form of wheat flour. Maida flour is high in gluten, which gives pizza dough its chewy texture. It also uses less water than other types of flour, so it can result in a crust that is crispier when baked.
Tomato sauce is a common topping on pizza, and it is usually made from crushed tomatoes that have been cooked and strained to remove the seeds and skin. Some tomato sauces may also include seasonings such as garlic, oregano, or basil.
Cheese is another common topping on pizza, and there are many different types that can be used. The most popular type of cheese for pizza in the United States is mozzarella, which has a mild flavor and a smooth texture. Other popular cheeses include cheddar, provolone, Parmesan, and feta.
Pizza toppings can be either savory or sweet, and there are endless possibilities for both types. Common savory toppings include pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, chicken, beef, vegetables such as mushrooms or onions, and seafood such as shrimp or anchovies. Sweet toppings may include fruit such as pineapple or banana, chocolate or candy pieces such as M&M’s® or Reese’s Pieces®, and syrups or honey.
The dangers of pizza for cats
While cats are known for being finicky eaters, most love the taste of pizza. Cheese, in particular, is very appealing to them. However, pizza is not a good food choice for cats. The main reason is that it contains too much fat and salt.
Fat can lead to obesity in cats, and salt can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. In addition, the dough in pizza can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. If your cat eats pizza, watch for signs of gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting or diarrhea. If these occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The benefits of pizza for cats
Pizza may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of healthy food for cats, but it can actually be a good source of nutrients for your feline friend. Cheese and tomato sauce are both rich in protein and easy for cats to digest, and the dough provides a good source of complex carbohydrates.
Of course, you’ll want to avoid giving your cat too much pizza, as it is high in calories and fat. And make sure to remove any toppings that could be harmful to cats, such as onions, garlic, or chocolate. But a small slice of pizza now and then can make a nice treat for your kitty.
In conclusion
Pizza isn’t the best food for cats, but a small amount of cheese or sauce probably won’t hurt them. Just be sure to avoid giving them too much, and keep an eye out for any adverse effects.
