While pork is not toxic for cats, it does contain a higher amount of fat and sodium than skinless chicken or turkey. High amounts of fat can be dangerous for our cats and lead to health issues.
In this article, I’ll quickly cover if cats can eat pork and if it’s safe. You might also ask, why is there no pork in cat food?
Keep reading to find out why.
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Can Cats Eat Pork Safely?
Most of you will be looking for a short answer, so the short answer is Yes, cats can eat pork. But, like always that doesn’t mean that they should.
Giving your cat small amounts of pork products is going to be okay but, you should only allow pork as a treat on rare occasions and in very small amounts.
Can Cats Eat Raw Pork?
The short answer is, Yes! However, some raw meats can be toxic to cats and contain parasites.
Cats can indeed eat raw pork but should avoid eating ham or bacon. Smoked or salted meat should never be consumed by your cat as they contain high amounts of sodium, smoke flavorings, preservatives, and nitrates.
Raw pork loin can be a really good source of protein and amino acids for your cat as can boneless ribs, rump, or the shoulder. These cuts contain acceptable amounts of fat and are actually low in saturated fats compared to red meats.
What about pork fat I hear you say. Well, below are some numbers on the protein and fat content for some common commercial meats.
When pork is cut to a ¼ inch it consists of 79% protein and 18% fat. Lamb is 76% protein and 20% fat while farmed rabbit is 74% protein and 20% fat.
Surprisingly chicken with skin is around 55% protein and 44% fat and is similar to beef which is, 50% protein and 40% fat.
These numbers may surprise you, they certainly surprised me when I first read them. So feeding your cats lean cuts of pork such as loin in small amounts shouldn’t be a problem.
If you still are unsure about feeding your cat anything new, always consult with your local vet first.
Should Cats Eat Raw Pork Sausage?
Although cats are carnivores and can eat raw meat, feeding your cat large amounts of raw pork can present the risk of stomach upset or even Salmonella poisoning.
There is also a chance they could have an allergic reaction. A rare illness called Pseudorabies can also occur from feeding your cat too much raw pork.
Don’t be too alarmed just yet! Feeding small amounts of raw pork to your cat should be just fine but, I suggest keeping it to a minimum or at least cooking the pork first.
Can Cats Eat Cooked Pork?
Pork is not toxic to cats and can be served to your cat when thoroughly cooked. Try not to serve undercooked pork and avoid any pork bone. Feeding your cat large amounts of pork can have side effects to their health as it is high in fat and sodium.
These are nutrients your cat doesn’t really need therefore you should limit the amount of pork they eat.
Is Ham Toxic To Cats?
Every wondered can cats eat ham? Ham contains a high amount of sodium or salt as well as a high fat content and should not be included in your cats diet. High amounts of sodium in your cat’s diet can be toxic and cause your cat medical issues such as weight gain.
Can Cats Eat Pork Liver?
Cats can eat a small amount of pork liver but, feeding your cat too much liver could possibly cause vitamin A toxicity according to PetMD. Vitamin A toxicity can cause your cat serious problems that can affect their bones.
I’d suggest you avoid feeding any liver products for your cat just to be safe, after all they don’t really need it.
Why Is There No Pork In Cat Food?
Often pork won’t be included in commercial cat foods because any waste from pork is used to make sausages or is fed back to pigs which are omnivores.
This is why it’s not common to see many pet food products containing any pork meat.
Alternatives To Pork
Lean white meat such as chicken or turkey makes great alternatives to feeding your cat pork. With less fat and sodium they provide your cat with a lean source of high protein content meat.
Fish is another alternative and one that cats love. I like to add a little bit of fish to my cat’s dry food to spice things up for them every now and then.
Some cats can have specific diet requirements depending on their health, age, or condition. If you have a cat that has a sensitive stomach, you’ll need to provide them with sensitive stomach cat food.
There are many great cat food options available today and formulated to give everything your cat needs. Orijen cat food is a great option if you’re looking for an all-round balanced diet.
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Further Reading: Can Cats Eat White Rice
Pork can be a great source of protein for your cat. Stay away from feeding them bacon or smoked meat as this can be toxic for your cat.
Conclusion On Can Cats Eat Pork
Keep pork to the occasional treat alongside your normal cat’s diet. Ideally, you should give your cat cooked pork.
If you are feeding your cat a good formulated dry food there is actually no need to supplement their diet with any other foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cats Eat Pork Jerky?
Pork jerky is likely to be salted and contains preservatives, for this reason, you should avoid feeding your cat any kind of jerky.
Can Cats Eat Pork Ribs?
Cats can eat the meat of pork ribs however, avoid feeding them any bone or fat.
Can Cats Eat Bacon?
Avoid feeding your cat bacon as it is high in fat and sodium. A single slice can contain 10 times the amount of sodium your cat should eat in a day.
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 13:24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
