We are not always prepared for what the cat can taste without danger. For example, can the cat eat sunflower seeds? Let’s find out together!
It is normal, having a pet, to be assailed by doubts about what it can and cannot eat. Often, faced with their pleading eyes, we are tempted to share our snack with them, sometimes without even knowing if it’s a food they can eat. For example, can the cat eat sunflower seeds? Let’s find out the answer together!
Sharing meals with the cat
There are several foods that we can share with our cat. Sure, we’re talking about small snacks, and certainly not a whole meal. Cats and humans have absolutely different nutritional needs, and that is why you absolutely must not vary the cat’s diet, except when necessary.
The cat is a carnivorous animal, and its diet must consist of 90% meat. A few meals, several times a day is ideal for our miniature tiger. In the 10% that remains, there may be some foray into sharing our foods, as long as they are among the foods that are not bad for the cat.
Sunflower seeds yes or no
Well, let’s get to the main question that we want to answer with this article: can the cat eat sunflower seeds? The answer is yes. Cats are greedy for this food, which is not among those we provide at the time of the daily snack.
And cats choose which are their favorite foods not only based on taste, but also the benefits that this food can give.
The properties of sunflower seeds
The sunflower is one of the most important and well-known plants in the world, both for its beauty and for its usefulness. In fact, oil can be extracted from this plant, which satisfies our nutritional needs and, especially in the past, was used for therapeutic ones (colds, intestinal discomfort or rheumatic pain for example).
Sunflower seeds are one of the best sources of vegetable protein, but at the same time also of various minerals (including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, magnesium, sodium and iron. In short, for the cat it is a food really rich in resources from which to draw fully… legs.
The benefits
No doubt about it, the benefits that cats derive from consuming sunflower seeds are different. Let’s find out what they are:
- Prevents cardiovascular diseases in cats: thanks to vitamin E, sunflower seeds have antioxidant properties, which prevent the appearance of heart disease in cats;
- Shiny coat: a diet based on the consumption of sunflower seeds (within the prescribed limits) helps keep the cat’s coat shiny, and heals skin lesions;
- Benefits for the pancreas: Regular consumption of sunflower seeds improves the activity of the pancreas and spleen.
Other tips
As we have seen, the benefits for cats of regularly consuming sunflower seeds in their diet are manifold. However, are there any contraindications? The answer is no, there are no particular specific risks associated with the consumption of sunflower seeds.
As usual, however, moderation is recommended. We always remember that the cat is a carnivorous animal and its diet must remain so. Therefore, a regular consumption of sunflower seeds is good for cats, as long as they are within certain limits dictated by common sense.
