Can Cats Eat Grains?

Grains are one of the oldest food groups, and humans have been consuming them for around 20,000 years, according to Smithsonian Magazine. But can our kitties have them?

Cats can eat most types of grains; in fact, grains like rice, quinoa, and wheat are common ingredients in commercial cat foods. While grain-free diets are on the rise, studies show that grain-free diets aren't any healthier than grain-inclusive foods and are very similar in calorie and carb content. Unless your kitty has a grain allergy or sensitivity, grain-free foods are unlikely to benefit them more than any other nutritionally balanced commercial food.

That being said, there are some things you need to consider before you offer additional grains to your feline or switch up Fluffy's diet. This article will be a deep dive into all the different kinds of grains cats can have and the benefits and risks of feeding them.

A cat's natural diet in the wild is mainly comprised of small animals and little else. However, it was common for Fluffy's wild ancestors to consume small amounts of grains and veggies by consuming the stomach (and, coincidently, the stomach contents) of herbivores and omnivores. Over the years, cats have become quite adept at digesting carbs from grains, and grains comprise the base of many cat food recipes and even comprise the bulk of most lower-quality cat foods.

If your cat scarfs down their Iams, Blue Buffalo, or Canidae cat food, and you don't buy grain-free recipes, chances are they love grains, and you might not even realize it!

Just because grains aren't inherently a part of your cat's natural diet doesn't mean they don't have benefits for your furry friend! Let's talk about some of the pros of adding grains to Fluffy's diet.

Fiber 

Whole grains are a fur-rific source of fiber for cats, which can help prevent constipation, alleviate upset tummies, minimize blood sugar spikes, and keep cats feeling full and happy. Bulgur, oats, and barley are three grains that are highest in fiber among all the grains.

Protein

Protein is a cat's purr-ferred energy source, and grains are a great source of plant-based proteins. Cornmeal, wheatberries, and quinoa are particularly high in protein, which is essential for maintaining muscle mass, and contain amino acids that help form all the body tissues that make up your cat!

Iron

Whole grains are a fur-rific source of iron for kitties. While refined grains like white flour contain some iron, processing removes the most nutrient-dense parts (the bran and germ), so they don't have nearly as much iron as whole grains. Amaranth is the grain with the highest iron content — however, whether it is safe for cats is a contested subject — so we don't advise feeding it to your kitty. Instead, we recommend opting for safer grains like whole wheat and quinoa, both of which contain 4.6 mg of iron per 100 grams!

Niacin

Niacin (better known as Vitamin B3) is essential for the feline diet — and luckily, grains are a natural source of it! According to a publication by the National Research Council, cats need 10 mg of niacin per 1000k calories of food they consume — and a cup of buckwheat has over 11 mgs! Sorghum and brown rice are also fantastic sources of niacin. While we certainly don't suggest feeding your cat that much grain, a small amount of grain along, with a balanced and complete cat food, can help supplement your furbaby's Vitamin B3 intake.

Folate

Folate is essential for your cat's health down to the molecular level, assisting with vital processes like DNA synthesis and the production and repair of cells. Offering your cat whole wheat from time to time is the paw-fect way to up their folate intake since just half an ounce of wheat germ contains almost 40 micrograms of folate.

In the wild, cats only eat about 1-2% of carbs, which usually come from the veggies and grains in the stomachs of their prey. However, many commercial cat foods get as much as half of their calorie count from carbs, which oftentimes are derived from wheat and corn.

Since grains aren't a big part of their natural diet, there aren't recommended guidelines for feeding your cats grains. Still, it's important to remember that treats and supplemental foods (including grains) shouldn't make up more than 5-10% of a cat's diet.

Your cat should get at least 90% of their calories from a complete and balanced cat food since these cater to cats' specific nutritional needs based on their life stage. Commercial foods must meet state minimum and maximum requirements for the amount of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and taurine within them.

Feeding a cat too many grains could cause them not to get enough of the essential vitamins they need and even cause malnutrition. What's more, feeding an unbalanced diet could cause weight changes or even obesity (which comes with its own health risks.)

Yes, cats can eat a pinch or two of your wheat toast or sandwich occasionally, provided that the bread does not contain toxic ingredients like the artificial sweetener xylitol.

In moderation, no. Grains are a cost-effective and nutritious way to bulk up your cat's diet, which is why grains are commonly added to commercial cat foods. 

As long as grains are given in moderation and your cat still gets 90% of their calories from complete and balanced cat food, they are a safe and healthy treat. 

Cats have very specific nutritional needs and require an animal-based diet to meet their protein and taurine needs. Overfeeding grains (or feeding your cat nothing but grains) can put them at risk for malnutrition. 

Cats don't go foraging for grains in the wild, but they may inadvertently consume them by eating the stomach contents of smaller prey like mice and rabbits.

There's no one grain that is best for cats, however quinoa and brown rice are nutritious and filling options that will give your kitty a nice boost of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Grains can be a healthy addition to your kitty's diet when served in the proper amounts and when given alongside a complete and balanced cat food. Whole grains are a great source of fiber, which can keep your cat regular and help with hunger and blood sugar spikes. Whole wheat, brown rice, quinoa, barley, oats, corn, and sorghum are all safe for our feline friends, though conflicting sources suggest staying away from amaranth when serving your kitty.