Have you ever seen your little kitty looking at your bowl of Lucky Charms with a twinkle in his/her eyes? It is rather inviting to toss in a marshmallow or two, isn’t it? However, the more important question is are these treats safe for your cats? In this blog, the focus will be on the nutritional effects of giving human food like Lucky Charms to pets and what some pet-friendly snacks should be offered. Let’s begin this paw-some journey of exploring what your feline’s tummy should be filled with!
Can Cats Eat Lucky Charms?
Lucky Charms have held and maintained tremendous popularity in the cereal space as a breakfast treat to kids and adult alike. With that said, these oats and treat fillers have graced the American table since their introduction in 1964. It is difficult to ignore the inspirational ad campaigns developed for this product including its primary catchy tuxedo wearing leprechaun, However should your furry baby be enjoying such a breakfast meal? Let’s look further below.
Analysis of Lucky Charms’ Ingredients
Now, let’s take a look at the ingredients in Lucky Charms and see if it is suitable for cats. Lucky Charms are made up of whole grain oats, sugar, oat flour, corn syrup, modified corn starch, artificial flavoring, and artificial colors. Although none of these contain any harmful substances for cats, these should not be considered healthy as well.
Whole Grain Oats:
Cats can benefit from this as it is usually non-toxic to them, but it should not constitute a large portion of their nutrition. This is due to the fact that cats are designed to exclusively be carnivores.
Sugar, Corn Syrup and Modified Corn Starch:
As a matter of fact, these are just sweeteners in different forms which are detrimental to a cat. Just as with human beings, excessive sugar consumption can accelerate obesity and wellbeing disorders of cats.
Artificial Colors and Flavorings:
These do not pose any toxicity to cats, but neither are they beneficial. Some cats may also respond negatively to the artificial additives resulting in gastrointestinal disturbances.
Preservatives:
Like most cereals, Lucky Charms has a long shelf life thanks to the presence of BHT as a preservative in their formulation. Though these substances are deemed safe for ingestion by humans in minimal doses, their effect on animals such as cats is not so well understood. There are certain preservatives which are considered to be hazardous to the health of animals like causing cancer and damaging organs. When you consider many natural preservatives found in cat food, these synthetic preservatives could be much more harmful to your cat.
Feline Dietary Needs: The Meat of the Matter
Let’s now return to the simple and basic concepts. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they have a high requirement for animal derived proteins in their diet. They also require some specific essential nutrients such as taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A, which are available from almost meat only. Grain and seeds or fruits and some vegetables must only constitute a small part of their dietary intake.
Immediate Risks of Feeding Cats Lucky Charms
Gastrointestinal Upset: The Sugar-Coated Trouble
Felines are strange creatures. They are obligate carnivores; however, this does not stop some of them from enjoying sweet cereal like Lucky Charms. While this may bring your kitty joy in the moment, it is bound to create a mess in its stomach. Upset stomachs often occur with vomiting and diarrhea after the cat has had a taste of food it should not have eaten. No one enjoys that, least of all the cat.
Keep in mind, cats do not have a high sugar diet. This has been validated by research and lots of other cat owner anecdotes. There’s no need to panic if your cat has found its way into a cereal container. First of all, give them enough water to avoid dehydration, and later, observe their behavior. Go see your veterinarian if symptoms don’t go away.
Allergic Reactions: Not So Lucky After All, Huh?
Although rare, some cats can be allergic to the cereal grains used in human food. Any signs of the cat scratching its body excessively, having a puffy head, or the struggle with breath should be taken very seriously. In case of an allergic reaction, you should rush to the vet with your furry friend immediately.
Long-Term Health Risks
Obesity: The Weighty Issue
Did you know that the sugar found in Lucky Charms can assist in the development of an obese cat? Yes, those cute little marshmallows can be considered as a lot of calories for your feline. Being overweight can lead to other weight related diseases which include heart disease and joint disease. Prevention is better than cure – feed your cat in a balanced way.
Dental Problems: The Sweet Trap
Not only is sugar bad for your cat’s waistline, but it is also damaging for their teeth. Problems with teeth such as cavities and gum diseases are common in people who consume too many sweet foods. When it comes to maintaining good oral conditions, regular check-ups and cleaning of those teeth can greatly help as well.
Diabetes: The Bitter Side of Sugar
Feeding sugary meals like Lucky Charms to cats can increase the risk of diabetes. Diabetes management in cats is not easy requiring frequent veterinarian check-ups, treatments, and a dedicated diet plan. Instead, the best solution is prevention based on a well-balanced diet and physical activity.
Toxicity from Additives: The Hidden Danger
Cats can get sick by artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives which you can find in cereals like Lucky Charms. If the elements are ingested regularly over an extended period, they may cause a variety of health issues. Different pet food health studies emphasize the need of not including artificial additives in the food.
In summary, even if your cat likes the colorful marshmallows that come with your breakfast, don’t go ahead and give her those sugary types of treats but stick to his diet which is good for his health. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it concerns your pet’s health.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats Lucky Charms
Picture this, you’re indulging in a bowl of Lucky Charms, and the next second, there’s your cat stealing some of your cereal. How should they be treated? First, there’s no need to rush. Your cat will probably not be harmed in any way by the small amount of Lucky Charms that she has consumed. After enjoying your breakfast however, check that there are no particularly distressing symptoms which might include vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite.
If a lot of Lucky Charms have been eaten, or these symptoms occur, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian. They will be able to guide you better and if required will also be able to offer treatment options. However, in these cases, be sure to act quickly so that your cat will not face any lasting damage.
Alternative Treats for Cats: Treat Them the Healthy Way
For those cat parents with picky eaters, why not throw in some healthy options for them? There are actually some commercial treats that are both safe for cats and quite nutritious. Make sure to check on the reviews and most importantly, the needs of your cat before making the selection.
Just as much as cats are carnivores, some human foods are in fact safe, and healthy for cats. Salmon or other fish, for example, provides omega-3s which enhance the health of your cat’s fur and its overall well-being. Just be sure to bake the fish properly and do not season it.
For those of you who are a bit more daring, you could also consider making your own cat treats at home. Designed treats allow you to choose what goes in them including harmful ingredients to your pet. And the best part is, these are enjoyable to make!
Final Thoughts
Remember, it is ok to give them a taste of treat because of their giant beholding eyes but it’s better to offer them the vet-approved goodies and meals. Being a cat owner myself, I always recommend my fellow cat parents to pet properly nourish their cat. Before you put any new food into your pet’s diet always recommend a professional’s advice. Also, it is really about not letting a cat eat Lucky Charms but letting a cat have well-balanced food according to its requirements. Let us all ensure that our cats do not only have many years here on earth, but also the best quality of life available.
