Benefits of feeding clams to cats

What’s the first food that comes to mind when you think of cats? Fish, right? Or at least some kind of seafood? Cats have quite the reputation for loving seafood. If you are a cat owner, you would know that they are obligate carnivores and require significant amounts of protein, most of which is derived from meat sources of which seafood is one part. There is a wide variety of seafood options that work brilliantly for your feline companion’s diet. With seafood, your cat gets a range of vitamins and minerals that immensely beneficial for her. At BARF, even though we are proponents of raw diets, we do recommend feeding limited raw seafood. Certain seafood, in some limited quantities, might be a good option. But which seafood is ok? How about clams? Today we’ll discuss important nutritional and safety considerations for feeding clams to cats. Let’s read on, shall we?

Everything you wanted to know about feeding clams to cats

Can cats eat clams? Offer it to them and they will gobble it up, so yes, cats can eat clams. However, and that is large, however, it does not mean that they should eat lots of it. If you do decide to feed clams to your cat make sure that you are feeding it in small quantities and only on a few occasions. Moreover, as with any food you feed your furry pet, if you do decide to feed clams make sure they are fresh. Stay away from canned clams since the meat will contain significant amounts of sodium, used as a preservative. And chemical in any form and any quantity is not going to be good for your cat. Sodium, especially, is not healthy for cats, and in some cases, it has even proven to be life-threatening. You might not see any reaction right away, but over time it can contribute to an increase in a range of diseases, and also contribute to obesity. Garfield is the only cat in the world that looks cute; you don’t want to put your feline through the complications that arise from being overweight. If you don’t have access to fresh clams and you would want to feed some to your cat, we recommend washing the clams as thoroughly as possible to remove as much of the sodium as you can. However, this is not the ideal scenario for your cat.

Are there any benefits to feeding clams to cats?

Your cat might smack her lips when she smells clams, but some cats have been known to experience allergies after consuming the meat. Hence, it is advised to feed them occasionally and in moderation. Consulting your cat’s vet before you do so might be a great way to introduce your cat to the food. Despite all the warnings and cautionary tales, clams do serve some nutritional benefits to cats. Clams can be considered to be a good source of taurine for your cats. An important amino acid, it is vital for a cat’s complete diet. Lack of taurine in the diet can lead to a deficiency that can cause numerous health complications. A cat that does not receive the required amount of taurine in its diet can suffer from tooth decay, blindness, and even heart failure, among other health issues. Some of these conditions caused by a taurine deficiency can also be life-threatening in cats. Of course, you may serve your cat any of the commercial cat foods that are supplemented with taurine, fresh clams serve as a better source. Many off-the-shelf cat foods contain synthesized taurine, which many believe is an insufficient source, not to mention, also artificial. If you believe your cat isn’t getting enough taurine in her diet and you decide to add clams, please consult with your cat’s veterinarian first. If your cat is older, the vet might recommend adding clam juice to the food instead of feeding whole clams. This is especially beneficial for older cats suffering from kidney disease since the juice provides some nutrients, while also increasing their liquid intake. The smell might even induce your cat to eat more when she is suffering from kidney disease.

Conclusion

Yes, clams can certainly offer some health benefits for your cats, even though they might not necessarily be a part of the feline diet. Moreover, not all cats take well to clams and some of them might even have an allergic reaction to the seafood. Talk to your vet, and, you may feed clams to your cat, always in moderation.