Can Cats Eat Kidney Beans?

The short answer: Yes, but in moderation.

The long answer: Packed with protein and fiber, kidney beans can be eaten by your cat in small amounts. These beans come in red and white varieties, and got their name for resembling the shape of a human kidney. They are high in potassium and zinc, and can help improve your cat’s muscles, nerves, and skin.

Kidney beans should always be cooked before being fed to your cat. Lectins are found on the surface of raw or undercooked beans, which can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and bloating when eaten. Kidney beans are said to have high amounts of these toxins, so it is essential to cook them well.

Canned kidney beans are not recommended for cat consumption since they may have salt, sugar, garlic, onion, and other preservatives that are not good for your cat.

How to feed kidney beans to your cat: Rinse and soak the kidney beans in water, then boil it for an hour or until soft. Do not mix any condiments, herbs, or spices since these may be harmful for your cat.

When feeding your cat kidney beans for the first time, only give her a portion of one bean and see how her body reacts to it in the next 24 hours. More importantly, discuss how much kidney beans your cat can safely consume with your veterinarian before including it in her diet. She might have health conditions that may be aggravated by eating kidney beans.

In summary: Though kidney beans are great sources of protein, these won’t be enough for your cat since they’re the plant-based variety. As obligate carnivores, cats need meat-based protein to survive and thrive. However, your cat can occasionally eat cooked kidney beans as long as your veterinarian approves of it.