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Can Cats Eat Quinoa?
Serve small amounts, and not every day.
Is quinoa safe for cats?
Quinoa is a protein-rich seed often used like a grain, and appears as an ingredient in some commercial pet foods. A small amount of plain, cooked quinoa is not toxic to cats, but it offers little to a meat-eating animal. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they get what they need from meat and never need quinoa. If you offer it at all, treat it as a rare, tiny extra.
How to serve quinoa to your cat
- Cook it plain, with no butter, salt, onion or seasoning
- Rinse it well before cooking to remove the natural bitter coating
- Offer a small, cooled spoonful as an occasional extra
What to avoid
- Quinoa cooked with onion, garlic, butter or a lot of salt
- Uncooked or undercooked quinoa, which is hard to digest
How much quinoa can my cat have?
Offer just a tiny taste, about a fingernail-sized piece, once in a while. Treats, including quinoa, should stay under about 10% of your cat's daily calories.
Signs your cat may be having a problem
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, a swollen or painful belly, or trouble breathing. Contact your vet right away if you see these signs, or if your cat has eaten any of the parts listed above.
Frequently asked questions
Can kittens eat quinoa?
Young animals have more sensitive digestive systems and a carefully balanced diet, so check with your vet before adding quinoa. If you get the go-ahead, start with an even smaller amount than an adult would get.
What if my cat ate too much quinoa?
The most common result is an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea. Offer water, skip further treats, and call your vet if symptoms are severe or last more than a day, or if your cat ate any of the parts listed under "What to avoid".
How often can my cat have quinoa?
Treat it as an occasional extra rather than a daily food. Once or twice a week at most is a sensible starting point for a healthy adult cat, and less for small ones.
More questions cat owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Dogs Eat Quinoa?