Can Cats Eat Bread?

The short answer: It is not recommended.

The long answer: As defined by Dictionary.com, bread is “a kind of food made of flour or meal that has been mixed with milk or water, made into a dough or batter, with or without yeast or other leavening agent, and baked.” Bread is known for being high in carbohydrates. Feeding this to your cat on a regular basis may disrupt her balanced diet, which should consist mostly of protein and fat.

Some veterinarians recommend concealing cat medication into bread, and feeding them to your cat as a snack. Make sure to get your doctor’s approval before doing so. Take note that cats with health conditions such as heart or kidney diseases should not be fed bread with high salt content. This type of bread may aggravate her illness.

What to do if your cat accidentally eats bread: A small, pinky-sized portion is okay to be given occasionally. Cat owners should remember that cats only need about 20 calories of snacks (5 to 10% of her daily diet), so never go beyond that size nor make it a daily habit. This way, your cat doesn’t get fond of the taste and learns to beg for it whenever she sees you eating it.

Never, in any circumstance, feed your cat raw bread dough. The active yeast found in it can expand inside your cat and cause severe bloating and distended stomach. Bread with herbs, spices, and flavourings such as tomatoes, garlic, or onion should also not be served to your cat as they are lethal for her. If she accidentally eats these types of bread, monitor her for any changes and call your veterinarian immediately.

In summary: Bread is a carbohydrate-rich food that your cat can eat once in a while. When feeding your furball a small piece of bread, stick to plain types without herbs and spices. Better yet, buy from a trusted source or bake your own so you can keep track of the ingredients found in it. Discover which human food cats can safely consume in our “can cats eat” category.