Tostitos are a common snack that is eaten at events such as birthday parties, or on game nights while watching television. These are usually thickened tortilla corn chips made with vegetable oil and salt. They come in a variety of tastes like the normal one which is Original Restaurant Style, Lime, and even spicy ones like Spicy Queso.
Let’s start with what exactly is in these chips. First off, ground corn is one of the core ingredients, which is later shaped into a chip after pressing and cooking and then is fried in vegetable oil. Tostitos seem to be harmless, but if you plan to give them to your pet cat, you must be aware of what they consist of.
It is also necessary to understand the nutritional content. Tostitos is basically a processed carbohydrate and fat product with a scarcity of protein content. They are high in calories, with surplus portion of them coming from fats which pretty much justifies their usage as a snack. This is not exactly the ideal composition that your cat needs in its diet.
Can Cats Eat Tostitos?
Analysis of Ingredients
Corn
Tostitos are made primarily of corn and it does not pose any risk to cats but is not very helpful to them either. A bit of corn should be fine for them but it shouldn’t be a big part of their diet. A cat’s dietary requirement does not include corn as it is mostly a carbohydrate.
Oil and Fat Content
The oil and fat content found in Tostitos are relatively higher. However, cats even though they need fats, the kind and amount of fats in these chips is not appropriate for them. Excessive fat consumption can lead to obesity.
Salt and Seasonings
Like many other types of snack foods, Tostitos are high in salt. And too much salt in the diet can lead to sodium ion poisoning in cats, causing increased thirst, vomiting, and diarrhea. Moreover, seasonings like garlic and onion powder may also be harmful to cats.
Risks of Feeding Tostitos to Cats
High Sodium Content
Tostitos contain sodium which can be dangerous in large amounts as it can lead cats to sodium poisoning. It occurs when the cat eats too much salty food. It exhibits symptoms like low energy, vomiting, and diarrhea. This kind of health issues can easily be avoided by stopping the cats from eating high salt level diets.
Artificial Flavors and Colors
Different flavors of Tostitos contain artificial colors and flavors that can be cause of allergies or sensitivities in cats. These allergies may present symptoms such as skin itchiness, hives and even breathing problems
Hard Texture
One more disadvantage of Tostitos is the fact that they are tough chips. Cats that don’t chew the food well may have a risk of choking since they can swallow these chips easily. Also, due to the hard texture of the chips, over an extended period of time might cause some harm towards a cat’s teeth which in turn could end up causing oral problems.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats Tostitos
Immediate Actions
In case your cat eats Tostitos by mistake, make sure to calm down, and jump into action. To begin with, take away all the chips remaining so your cat doesn’t nibble more. Keep a close watch on your cat for any signs that he may be feeling i.e vomiting or even becoming lethargic.
In case your cat has any signs of uneasiness or is sick then do not delay any further and reach out to a veterinarian. The veterinarian will be able to recommend any appropriate measures or treatments that will be required.
Nutritional Needs of Cats
Essential Nutrients for Cats
Cats are obligate carnivores meaning their diet has to have meat as the primary constituent in order to fulfill their nutritional requirements. For Cats, the essential nutrients are proteins, which provide amino acids used during growth and repair; fats, which serve as a source of energy; and vitamins and minerals which are responsible for the proper functioning of different organs.
Foods to Avoid
Cats can get sick from various human foods. Amongst the most harmful foods for them are chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes and raisins, all of which may lead to serious health problems for your feline friend. For instance, chocolate has theobromine in it and onions and garlic contain thiosulfate, both of which are toxic to cats.
Safe Treat Alternatives
Store-Bought Options
For safe alternatives it is worth considering commercial cat treats which are readily available in the market. These are designed to satisfy the dietary requirements of the cats and they often come in appealing flavours for cats. Greenies, Temptations and Blue Buffalo are some of the manufacturers with a wide array of healthy options.
You can always check out what the reviews say about the product or even better ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
Safe Human Foods
Some human foods are not toxic to cats as long as they are consumed in moderation. Cooked chicken, turkey, and fish are good sources of protein for cats and can be given as occasional treats. In addition, plain eggs or pumpkin puree in small amounts can be helpful too.
Cats should never be given salted, seasoned or enhanced food. Therefore always remember to feed cats cooked unseasoned food while preparing since it’s the only mode of food that will be safe for the cat.
These tips might prevent your cat from being sad as it won’t have to miss out on special treats that are safe and tasty.
