Can cats eat beans? Does it depend on the type of beans we are talking about! Green beans? Coffee beans? Cocoa beans? Here we will talk only about beans – legumes. Know that green beans, coffee beans, and cocoa beans are absolutely suitable for cats! What about legumes? Can cats eat these beans?
Yes, cats can eat beans, but it depends on the type of bean and other factors that we will analyze in detail.
It is always a good idea to inquire about what the cat can and cannot eat because the last thing you want is a sick cat. Read on to learn more about beans and cats.
The cat’s diet
The most important thing to know about our beloved cats is that they are obligate carnivores. This means that their diet consists only of meat and that their body is physically unable to digest or absorb the nutrients found in vegetables properly.
This also means that cats should never be forced into vegetarianism or veganism – they would probably get sick.
Cats are natural hunters and usually eat their meals at dusk and dawn when they normally hunt in the wild.
Generally, commercially produced cat foods contain the right balance of meat, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. It is necessary to avoid foods rich in cereals, corn, soy, and animal derivatives. They are just fillers and do not really contribute to the cat’s health.
Now that we know more about what cats eat, let’s take a closer look at beans.
All About Beans
Beans are a major food item in many dishes all over the world. Beans are legumes, however, not all legumes are beans. Others types of legumes (that don’t belong to beans) include lentils, peanuts, and lupins. Legumes are plants that produce pods with seeds within them.
The most commonly used (and well-known) beans found in North America are kidney, black, pinto, and Fava beans. They are rich in protein, fiber, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. They’re also low in calories and fat.
Beans have many health benefits, including:
- They can help you lose weight.
- Beans can promote heart health.
- They can help fight type 2 diabetes.
However, beans have a drawback.
Problems with beans
Beans can cause excess gas, resulting in bloating, gas, and stomach pain.
Some beans can also contain toxins that are harmful to humans if they are not cooked properly.
But what about cats? What effect do beans have on cats? We analyze the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Cats and 5 common types of beans
While beans are high in protein, they are not the type of protein suitable for cats that need animal protein to survive.
Some beans can cause stomach upset in cats, especially cooked and refried beans. You also need to avoid raw and spiced beans. Raw beans contain toxins that can harm the cat as well. These toxins are lectins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain if beans, especially red ones, are ingested raw or undercooked.
Raw beans can also cause staph and z infections, and unwashed beans can contain other bacteria and chemicals.
Finally, if you want to give your cat some beans, they must not only be washed and cooked well, but they must not contain any seasoning: no salt, pepper, sugar, butter, or oil.
1. Refried Beans
Chilled beans are full of spice and fat, typically some kind of lard. They also usually contain garlic and onion, which are particularly toxic to cats. So your cat should never eat refried beans.
2. Baked Beans
Cooked beans, such as mashed beans, tend to contain extra ingredients that are best not fed to the cat. There may be onions and there is always some kind of sweetener. Too much sugar and fat in cat food can lead to pancreatitis. So don’t give your cat cooked beans.
3. black Beans
Washed, cooked, and unseasoned black beans aren’t bad for your cat if you eat a small amount. They won’t do your cat any good either. If they come from a can (which is not recommended), rinse them well before cooking.
4. pinto Beans
Like black beans, pinto beans are also not bad for cats in small quantities. Cook them well and do not season them.
5. Kidney Beans
Beans are acceptable to the cat, provided they are cooked and washed first. As they are usually bought canned, they need to be thoroughly rinsed before cooking. Most beans are packaged in salt water, which you should get rid of as salt can be harmful to cats.
Can Cats Eat Beans?
Yes, but it’s best they don’t. Meat contains the right kind of protein for cats. Beans, while high in protein, do not keep cats healthy in the long run.
If you insist on giving beans to your cat (or perhaps your cat insists), you should only give them once a week and no more than five beans at a time.
If your cat has digestive problems or a sensitive stomach, you should avoid beans altogether. They will only make the problem worse.
Can cats eat any kind of beans?
Some types of beans should not be given as cat food.
For example, avoid refried beans.
They are high in fat, which is not good for the cat’s general well-being. Additionally, refried beans contain some toxic spices such as garlic and onion. Other than that, even cooked beans shouldn’t be given to cats. They have artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which are only used in medical emergencies and are fatal in some situations.
Coffee beans are also not good. They can cause symptoms such as increased agitation and difficulty breathing. Although some cats consume them without problems, it is still best to avoid them because in some cases high doses can be fatal.
Cocoa beans, which make up chocolate, are also unsafe.
We know that cats like to eat chocolate, but they have a weak ability to metabolize it.
Especially the “theobromine” component present in coffee beans and chocolate is extremely dangerous for a cat. It causes abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, and death.
Its effects occur within 4 hours and symptoms can last up to 24 hours.
How to make beans for cats
Start with a small amount to avoid possible problems.
It is necessary to observe first the reaction of the cat with some beans as the main food. It will help you understand how your cat accepts it as food and how its nutritional value improves its health. Also, in the beginning, it is enough to give the beans once a week.
Leave them to soak for a few hours.
Boil for 30 minutes.
Make sure they are tender and that the meat has peeled off.
Do not add artificial ingredients or salt.
Don’t ignore the liquid: it’s also rich in starch and protein.
Freshly cooked beans are good for the cat.
Vegetables can also be incorporated and served with beans. You can cook them with beans to make high-quality cat food. Baked carrots, broccoli, and cucumbers are safe for cats. However, as with beans, don’t give too much of them, as they disturb the stomach and cause diarrhea.
Note that the cooking time of each bean is different. Kidney beans cook for 10 minutes before reducing heat, while black beans cook over low heat for 60 minutes.
They need time to become tender.
Apart from that, if you also cook and serve vegetables, make sure they are well-chopped. You can also use their pasta as an ingredient for seasoning so that the beans can absorb the flavor.
Can cats eat black beans?
Again, black beans are unlikely to be bad for the cat, but they are not the best choice for a snack. If you allow your cat to eat black beans, make sure they are plain and cooked. If black beans are canned, be sure to rinse off excess juice before serving.
Can cats eat green beans?
Green beans aren’t technically beans but forget it. Boiled or steamed green beans are a good option for cats interested in eating vegetables (most don’t!). Some vegetables contain additional nutrients, fiber, and water that any cat could tolerate, especially if they have digestive problems. But don’t give your cat dishes like green bean casserole, which usually contains onion and mushrooms.
Here are some frequently asked questions about “Can Cats Eat Beans?”. If you want to offer your cat some beans from time to time, read on.
The answers will surprise you.
Can a cat eat chickpeas?
It is not a good idea to add chickpeas or garbanzo beans to their diet. They are not toxic to cats, but they are also not easy to digest. Chickpeas are legumes that are very popular among humans for their flavor. Cats don’t have enough nutrients to aid digestion.
Can cats eat beans like pinto beans and green beans?
Pinto beans and green beans are great for cats; both can be consumed in small quantities.
Can cats eat lentils and peas?
If you are wondering if your cat can eat peas and lentils, the answer is yes, but only in small quantities. These are also difficult to digest, but they contain valuable nutrients that pets can benefit from.
Can the cat eat beans?
Beans are safe and great for cats. They have 127 calories, 67% water, 22.8 grams of carbohydrates, and 8.7 grams of protein.
Can a cat eat lima beans?
The short answer is yes: a cat can eat lima beans, especially if they are cooked and given in moderation. The only compound in lima beans that can cause cat problems is “linamarin”. If you cook the lima beans well for more than 10 minutes, this mixture can be avoided. It loses its lethality in hot water and does not interfere with the cat’s digestion.
Can a cat eat black beans?
Cats can eat black beans. The iron, calcium, and phosphorus they contain help build and maintain bone structure. In addition, the quercetin and the saponins contained in them protect the heart and lower the blood pressure of the cat. If a cat is already struggling with heart disease, the fibers lower the cholesterol level in the blood.
So the bottom line is that you shouldn’t feed your cats beans. But you don’t even have to worry if your cat breaks one. Avoid anything canned, anything raw, and anything that contains spice.
If you have any questions or are considering changing your cat’s diet, talk to your vet first. And be sure to avoid other beans.