Corn Nuts are those crunchy, often salty snacks that seem to be everywhere, from your local grocery store to the snack aisle of your favorite café. But what exactly are they made of, and should they be anywhere near your feline friend’s dish?
Can Cats Eat Corn Nuts?
So now that we know what Corn Nuts are, let’s go ahead and investigate whether your cat should be having these snacks.
Analysis of Ingredients
Corn
Cats can eat corn but it is not the most nutritious meal for them. Corn is high in carbohydrates which is not necessary for cats, and because it has a low nutritional value, it would not be as beneficial in large amounts. Ingesting a large amount may cause them to vomit or experience diarrhea.
Oil and Fat Content
Corn Nuts are generally fried or roasted and therefore contain added oils and fats. Cats require some fats in their diet but the types of oils contained in human snacks such as Corn Nuts are usually not the best for cats. Too much of it can cause a cat to suffer from an upset stomach and over time, it can make the feline obese.
Salt and Seasonings
Here is where it starts becoming an issue for cats. The excessive sodium content from salt and other seasonings can be harmful leading to health complications like sodium ion poisoning. Some of the signs are lethargy, and vomiting. Moreover, artificial flavors and colors may also induce allergic responses or sensitivities resulting in itching or respiratory problems.
Risks of Feeding Corn Nuts to Cats
When it comes to cat health, each ingredient present in Corn Nuts contains its own set of risks.
Specific Ingredients of Concern
High Sodium Content
Kitties are very prone to having too much sodium in their bodies. If you are one of those people that feed their pet human food, then this practice is potentially risky as it can lead to sodium poisoning.
Artificial Flavors and Colors
The use of artificial additives in snacks can cause allergies in cats, which can result in particular symptoms that include: itching, hives, and respiratory problems. Cats are sensitive creatures, so adding improvised substances to their diet can result in some bad consequences.
Hard Texture
The texture of the Corn Nuts is another worry. Due to their hardness, it can lead to dental problems, while for a pet cat, they are also a choking hazard as there’s a possibility of it getting swallowed whole.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats Corn Nuts
Accidents happen. It’s important to know how to respond if your cat manages to eat Corn Nuts.
Immediate Actions
First of all, figure out the quantity of food your cat ate and stay alert for any strange behaviors and any signs of distress. If the cat shows signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy then contact the veterinarian.
Nutritional Needs of Cats
Understanding the basics of feline nutrition is important. Cats are classified as obligate carnivores which means their dietary needs are fulfilled almost exclusively with meat as they require certain nutrients that are not available in plant-based diets.
Essential Nutrients for Cats
First off, we all know that cats are obligate carnivores, they require a high protein content in their diet. Additionally, a balanced diet for the cats would also require them to have a fair amount of fats, vitamins and minerals as well. For a cat to have a good heart and healthy eyesight, it is crucial that they are given food containing Taurine which is primarily found in proteins.
Commercial cat foods have been formulated to meet these dietary requirements, but a basic understanding is helpful for cat owners. This will hopefully improve the general knowledge of what the average cat needs and what to look for as additional treats.
Safe Treat Alternatives
Store-Bought Options
You can find taste-filled snacks that are healthy and safe for cats from several brands. Just make sure you check the main ingredient, select the treats that are made of actual meat, and avoid ones that contain artificial flavoring or too much salt.
Conclusion
While Corn Nuts can be an attractive bite because of their crunching texture and interesting taste, sharing them with kittens is not a good idea as they pose risks from sodium content to texture. From what we explored, cats can never have Corn Nuts; allowing such snacks to cats will get them many health problems. The reason behind that is that Corn Nuts do not fulfill a cat’s dietary requirements.
As such, it would be best to not feed your cat human snacks and instead give them cat-safe treats. Make sure to always get the experts’ advice, since every cat is different and has different requirements, and in addition to that, keep learning about your pet’s nutrition.
