Can Cats Eat Natto is a food made from fermented soybeans and it is traditional to the Japanese.
Its distinctive flavor and health advantages, including Vitamin K2 and probiotics that can improve your cat’s intestinal bacterial balance, have garnered attention. Natto offers many benefits, which we will cover soon. Can cats eat Natto?
As hands-on pet parents, we’re always wondering about the effects of the food we feed our pets. This article will decide if Natto is safe for your cat to eat and how to introduce it to their diet.
Nutritional Benefits of Natto To Cats
Before we determine if you should give your cat some natto, let us briefly walk you through the possible benefits your cat could get from consuming some natto:
Vitamin K2 content
Natto is rich in vitamin K2 (menaquinone), which supports blood clotting, bone metabolism, and heart health. Cats can generate vitamin K2 from other types of vitamin K, however supplementing their meals with natto may be useful.
Probiotics
Natto’s beneficial bacterium, bacillus subtilis, is one of its main draws.
We have little evidence on the effects of probiotics on cats, however feeding them a food high in probiotics will support a healthy gut microbiome. It is essential to consult your vet before integrating any new source of probiotics into your cat’s diet.
Protein and other nutrients
Natto contains approximately 18 grams of protein per 100g, making it a good source of plant-based protein. It is no news that cats require a high-protein diet, with most of their protein intake derived from animal-based sources.
Natto’s protein may excite you, but plant-based proteins lack the critical amino acids needed for the cat’s body system.
Natto contains trace amounts of calcium, iron, and magnesium, which help boost a cat’s nutrient intake. However, cat Quality Foods include enough of these nutrients.
Natto may benefit your cats, but cats are obligate carnivores, so their primary source of nutrients should be animal-based proteins like poultry and beef, which contain taurine and other beneficial amino acids that help your cat’s immune system, heart, and other body parts function well.
Potential Risks of Feeding Cat Natto
Let us take a look at ways natto could pose some risk to your cats below:
The fermentation process and potential toxicity
Fermentation produces chemicals and byproducts that may harm cats. Tyramine and histamine can be created during fermentation.
Ingesting a lot of these amines could cause vomiting, diarrhea, and serious allergic responses in your pet. Natto contains minimal levels of these chemicals, but it’s vital to consider when feeding your cat.
Soy as an allergen for cats
Soy is the primary ingredient in natto and can be an allergen for some cats, causing skin irritations, gastrointestinal problems, or other allergic reactions. I allergies are quite rare in felines, but it is still necessary to observe your cat for any strange reactions when natto is introduced the first time. Discontinue natto for cats that show signs of allergic reactions.
High sodium content
When natto is prepared, salts are added and this can significantly increase its sodium content. If your kitty ingests lots of sodium, it can be harmful to them, causing hypertension, heart issues, and kidney problems. Cats require low sodium in their daily food intake(200 mg/kg body weight per day for an adult cat), so it’s important to monitor their diets to avoid exceeding their sodium cap. Opting for a low-sodium version, or rinsing the natto thoroughly can mitigate the sodium impact.
Can Cats Eat Natto?
Yes, cats can eat natto as treat, as it could provide them with probiotics, Vitamin K2, and plant-based protein.
Cats need animal-based protein because it contains all the amino acids they need to operate properly. Quality commercial cat food will provide all the nutrients they need.
Can constipated cats consume natto? Natto’s dietary fiber has been shown to relieve constipation in people, but there is less data on cats. Natto worked for my ragdoll cat, but it may not work for yours.
How To Introduce Natto To Your Cat’s Diet
If you’ve decided to feed your cat natto after visiting your vet, start slowly.
Gradual introductions help your cat to get used to the new food and allow you to watch for any odd reactions.
Start with a little spoonful of natto, either alone to get your cat to like you more (winks) or mixed into your cat’s food, and gradually increase the amount if your cat tolerates the new diet.
Observe your cat’s reaction
Monitor your cat closely to see if there is a change in behavior, appetite, and overall well-being after introducing natto to their diet. Pay attention to signs of GI distress such as bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Also, you can observe the cat for allergic reaction symptoms such as itching, skin irritations, or issues with the respiratory system. Discontinue feeding your cat with natto if you notice any of these signs and consult your vet.
Mixing natto with other cat-friendly foods
To make natto more enjoyable for your feline friend, mix it with other cats friendly foods like mitten morsels, pickins, or cooked unseasoned meat. This will not only mask the unfamiliar taste but also ensure that your cat receives its ideal animal-based protein. Remember natto can be graded as a supplement, and should not replace your cat’s regular food.
Finding a balance
Natto is beneficial, but your cat should only eat 10% of its regular diet in combination with other treats. The other 90% should be high-quality animal-based protein that provides all the key amino acids your cat needs.
Periodic reassessment and adjustments
Particularly as they grow older or experience changes in their health, it is crucial to periodically reevaluate your cat’s nutritional requirements and make any necessary adjustments.
Discuss your cat’s diet with your vet frequently to see if natto is still a good supplement.
Always be prepared to alter your cat’s diet to their specific requirements and the expert counsel of your veterinarian.
Alternatives to Natto For Cats
Poultry
For a properly functioning heart and immune system, your cat will require essential amino acids such as taurine from the darker parts of poultry meats, such as the thigh, heart, and liver.
Also, the neck of a turkey(uncooked) can prove to be effective for cleaning the teeth of a cat who doesn’t like its teeth to be brushed. Ensure not to give cooked bone as they splinter into shards that could be lodged in your furbaby’s throat.
Freeze-dried liver treats
One sort of food that is gaining popularity among pet owners is freeze-dried beef liver. This treat is prepared from real cow liver that has been ground into a fine powder after being freeze-dried. The bland but nutritious pet treat is made by rehydrating the beef liver powder with water.
The snacks can give your pet a nutritious snack and are easy on the digestive system thanks to their excellent digestibility. Your pet will undoubtedly like these because they are also wonderfully delectable. They are also a fantastic source of protein and other necessary elements, making them a tasty treat for your pet that is both healthy and nutritious.
Is Natto Safe For Cats? -Final thoughts
In deciding if natto is safe for your cat, you should take into consideration; the cat’s health status, and age. Natto can be cat friendly if prepared with lesser salt, but you should remember it’s a treat and should be given moderately from time to time.
