Because cats are obligate carnivores, they get most of their calories and nutrients from meat and they thrive on a high-protein meat-based diet.  However, some inclusion of greens is ideal to provide roughage and vitamins.

We’ve all seen cats chewing on grass and leaves in the garden, and cats can safely eat many kinds of grass and vegetables.

Cats actually love vegetables, and these are recommended in their diet in order to keep them healthy.  Since our meat-loving feline friends love to try new tastes and textures, giving your cat some of their favourite vegetables occasionally is considered safe.  By occasionally, we mean this should only be given in small amounts as a treat and not a regular part of your cat’s diet.

So why are vegetables in cat food? It turns out that they’re a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, all of which are important for cats’ health. The antioxidants in particular help keep the immune system healthy, while the vitamins and minerals can help keep cats’ coats shiny and their muscles strong. 

What are the best vegetable choices for cats’ sensitive stomachs?  They can vary depending on the brand of cat food, but some of the more common ones include corn, peas, carrots, and green beans.  Occasionally feeding these vegetables will provide extra vitamins and minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Vegetables for Cats

Let’s take a look at the most common vegetables for cats found in canned cat food:

Carrots: These are a favourite among cats, and for good reason! Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, which helps keep your cat’s vision healthy.  They also contain antioxidants, vitamin A, calcium and vitamin K.  Carrots are a good source of fibre, which can help keep your cat’s digestive system healthy.  Carrots should not be fed to cats with kidney problems.

Peas: Another popular choice, peas are a great source of protein, vitamin C and fibre. They also help keep your cat’s fur looking shiny and promote healthy eyes, muscles, nerves, and skin.

Pumpkin: Pumpkin is full of fibre and nutrients and is often recommended to cure constipation and diarrhoea in cats. Most cats love pumpkins, which can be fed as a paste or in small chunks.  Roasted pumpkin seeds fed in small amounts are full of fibre and vitamins.

Green beans: Green beans are high in fibre, which is great for keeping your cat’s digestion on track. They’re also a good source of iron, protein, and antioxidants, which can help protect your cat from disease.

Corn: Corn is rich in fibre and easily digestible, and high in protein for energy.  Particularly good for the intestine,  it reduces the risk of diabetes, obesity, diarrhoea, constipation, and hairballs.

Broccoli: Broccoli is packed with antioxidants, to keep your cat’s immune system strong. This nutrient-rich vegetable is also a good source of vitamins A and C, which help keep your cat’s skin and coat healthy.  A great source of dietary fibre, broccoli can be fed cooked or raw.

Sweet Potato:  Sweet potatoes contain many vitamins, fibre, calcium, sodium, iron, selenium, potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc.  Cats can safely eat an occasional small amount of cooked sweet potato (never feed raw).

So if you’re looking for a way to get your cat to eat their vegetables, canned cat food is a great option.  However, not all vegetables and fruits are safe. Some of them are toxic and can cause digestive issues, vomiting, and nausea.

Some other favourite vegetables to give cats as an occasional treat :

Celery: Celery is high in antioxidants, and fibre and is a powerful anti-inflammatory.  It is also a good source of vitamins A and K, both of which are essential for keeping your cat’s eyes and bones healthy. It’s a great way to help keep your cat hydrated, and many cats love a piece of crunchy celery to chew as a healthy treat.

Cucumber:  Cucumber has a high water content for good hydration, and contains vitamin K for healthy blood and liver.  Potassium, magnesium and copper are beneficial for long-term health.

Asparagus: Asparagus contains potassium for a healthy heart and blood pressure.  It is rich in vitamins A, C and K, and a good source of fibre.

Bell Pepper:  All colours of bell pepper are rich in vitamin C, beta carotene and iron to support vision and immunity and reduce the likelihood of anaemia.  They are also a great source of fibre.

Brussels Sprouts:  Brussels sprouts are good for the immune system and add a good amount of fibre, vitamins C, K and B, and antioxidants.  Brussels sprouts should be cooked first, and not given raw.

Cabbage:  Cabbage is packed with antioxidants, calcium and fibre.  Vitamin K keeps the blood healthy, and vitamin B6 helps the nervous system.  High levels of potassium and magnesium are good for digestion and skin health.  Cabbage should always be cooked first.

Cauliflower:  The anti-inflammatory health benefits of cauliflower helps joint conditions such as arthritis.  Cauliflower can also treat constipation, and is high in proteins, vitamins, minerals and fibre.  Cauliflower should always be cooked first.

Lettuce: A great source of vitamins A, C, B6, potassium, iron, and calcium.  It is beneficial to add one small slice of lettuce to normal food.

Courgette (Zucchini):  Helps constipation and is high in vitamins A and C.  It can be safely fed raw or cooked.

These vegetables can be fed in small quantities, as a supplement to a predominantly meat diet.  Vegetables should not be fed daily since consuming too much can wreak havoc on your cat’s digestive system.

Vegetables should not be given to cats with gastrointestinal problems.  Any gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea are usually temporary.  If in doubt, it is a good idea to speak to the vet before introducing a new food.  Always speak to the vet before feeding kittens any vegetables.

Make sure the vegetables for cats are fresh, plain, and washed. They should not be covered in any seasonings, dressings, or oils if you intend to feed your cat with some.  Onions, chives, leeks, garlic, nuts, grapes, coconuts, sultanas, raisins, avocados, eggplants and dairy products (which can cause digestive issues) are also not safe for cats.