Cats will rub up against your legs and try to get a lick of whatever you are eating if they can smell any animal proteins. They can smell a lot of them. Many parents want to know what foods they can and cannot give their cats. Some cats will go crazy for crab, but that’s not for everyone. It’s natural not to want to feed your cat something that will make them sick.
It is perfectly okay for your cat to eat some crab in moderation, but only when adequately prepared. Here’s the down-low on feeding crab to your cat as an occasional treat. But you should talk to your vet before giving your cat any new food, especially if they are on a special diet or long-term medication.
Cats have to eat carnivores, which are sometimes called “hypercarnivores” because they eat a lot of animal proteins. Animals that eat meat are called obligatate carnivores, and their appendix, colon, and rectum have the highest microbial density. On the other hand, ruminants, which eat plants, are foregut fermenters, and their rumen (one of their stomachs) is where most of their fermentation and digestion happen, thanks to the diverse bacterial population there. 1.
Carnivores don’t have the same bacteria in their guts as herbivores, and their bodies can’t naturally break down plant matter. So, they don’t get the complete nutrients from plant and vegetation matter. At the same time, most vegetation is not necessarily toxic to them. They only don’t derive the whole nutrients from the things they eat unless it’s animal matter.
Because of this dietary need, cats have an innate sense of smell tuned to animal protein.
Cats need a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet with moderate amounts of fat to thrive. Animal proteins are important to their health, so they need to eat a lot of them. Carbohydrates will make them eat less protein because they are full.
For cats that go crazy over the smell of fishy human food, crab can seem like an irresistible treat. With its flaky texture and mild, sweet flavor, crab meat has universal appeal across species lines. But is this shellfish safe and healthy for cats to indulge in? Specifically, what are the risks and benefits of canned crab meat for cats?
As responsible cat owners, it is our duty to understand the unique nutritional needs of our furry friends In this article, we will analyze whether canned crab meat should be part of a cat’s diet or omitted for health reasons. Key considerations include nutritional quality, bacteria risks, and proper portion sizes Read on to get the crab facts so you can make the best decision for your cat’s wellbeing.
Nutritional Profile of Canned Crab Meat for Cats
Canned crab meat provides a range of key vitamins and nutrients that can enhance a cat’s overall health in moderation. Some of the notable nutrition found in crab meat includes:
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Protein – Crab is rich in high-quality protein to support muscle growth and organ function.
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Vitamin B12 – This vitamin aids in red blood cell formation and nerve function, Many cats are deficient
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Selenium – An essential mineral that supports thyroid and immune health in cats.
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Zinc – Crab contains this mineral which keeps a cat’s skin and coat healthy.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
Crab can serve as a valuable occasional protein source for many felines. However, it should not exceed more than 10% of a cat’s overall diet, with cooked muscle meat and commercial cat food making up the bulk of their nutrition. Too much crab can lead to nutritional imbalances long-term.
Potential Bacteria Risks of Canned Crab
While the nutritional merits of crab meat are clear, this seafood does carry some bacterial risks that cat owners must consider. Potential pathogens to be aware of include:
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Salmonella – Raw or undercooked crab contaminated with Salmonella bacteria can lead to gastrointestinal illness in cats when eaten. Properly cooked canned crab reduces this risk.
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Listeria – Another bacteria that can infect cats who consume polluted raw seafood like crab. Opt for reputable canned brands.
To stay protected, choose a high-quality brand of crab that has undergone thorough cooking at extreme heat to kill bacteria. Canned pasteurized crab is safest. Also, don’t feed cats any raw crab meat, shells, legs, or claws to avoid foodborne illness.
Safe Portion Sizes of Canned Crab for Cats
It’s not just what cats eat, but how much. Feeding cats excessive amounts of canned crab can have adverse effects. Follow these portion tips:
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For a 3 lb cat, limit to 1 teaspoon of crab 1-2 times per week at most
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For a 10 lb cat, limit to 1 tablespoon of crab 1-2 times per week
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For a 20 lb cat, limit to 2 tablespoons of crab 1-2 times per week
This ensures cats get all the benefits of crab meat protein without disrupting their regular balanced diet. Too much can cause gastrointestinal upset, dehydration or nutrient deficiencies over time.
Serving Tips and Precautions
If you want to share a taste of canned crab meat with cats, follow these safe serving tips:
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Pick cans that only contain crab meat in water, not oils, seasonings or additives
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Drain and rinse meat well to remove excess sodium from canning liquid
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Mix just a small portion with their wet food to avoid overeating
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Refrigerate opened canned crab for no more than 4 days
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Never serve crab shells, legs, or shells, as these are choking hazards
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Keep crab away from cats with existing kidney/bladder problems or food allergies
Monitor your cat closely when first introducing new foods like crab. Discontinue immediately if any adverse reactions appear.
The Verdict on Canned Crab for Cats
Overall, it can be safe and even nutritious to feed cats a limited amount of canned crab meat occasionally as a supplemental protein. However, it should never become a diet staple or served in excess due to potential bacteria risks and nutritional imbalances. By purchasing high-quality products, implementing prudent portion sizes, and following proper storage and serving tips, crab can be a tasty and healthy periodic seafood treat cats will love. Just be sure to obtain approval from your veterinarian first.
Above all, make sure any human foods given to cats represent only a small share of their intake. A balanced commercial cat food formulated specifically for their needs should remain the dietary foundation. Canned crab can provide valuable protein variety when used in moderation.
Do you indulge your cat’s cravings for seafood like canned crab? What tips and precautions do you take to keep it safe? Share your experiences in the comments!
Feeding Cats Crab Safely
When giving your cat crab, one of the most important things to remember is to never give them raw crab. The raw crab might have pathogens in it, like viruses, bacteria, and parasites, that get into your cat’s digestive system. They usually can’t finish their lifecycle in cats because cats aren’t their natural host, but they can still make cats sick and may need to see a vet.
Clean and cook crab meat the same way you would for people to make sure your cat doesn’t get any pathogens. When cooking for cats, don’t use any oils or spices. These are only for human taste and can be bad for cats or even poisonous.
Can Cats Eat Crab Shell?
No, crab shells are too hard and splinter when bitten. Consuming crab shells could lead to mouth and teeth damage, choking, indigestion, or gastrointestinal blockages. If the shell gets stuck in the back of their throat or in their esophagus, it could make them cough, retch, and vomit, which is serious enough that they need to see a vet right away.
Should you rinse canned crab meat?
Can cats eat canned crab?
Cats should never eat canned crab. Canned meats can contain high levels of sodium and should be avoided. Most canned meats also have various preservatives, such as citric acid, additives, and colorings, that may be harmful or even toxic depending on the particular compound and the amount. Avoid feeding your cat canned meats wherever possible.
Is it safe to eat crab meat during pregnancy?
It is safe to eat crab meat during pregnancy as long as it comes from a reliable source, with appropriate hygienic and sanitary conditions for pre-preparation, preparation and packaging of this food.
Can cats eat crabmeat?
Crabmeat and some other kinds of seafood can be a nice occasional treat for your cat if you exercise the proper precautions—and since you’re here reading this, we can be sure that you are. When our little friends come barging around demanding snacks and treats, it can be hard not to just fork over the goods.
Can you eat canned crab meat?
It’s not recommended to eat crab meat straight from the can. You’ll be ingesting a lot of sodium and preservatives that will most likely upset your stomach. To enjoy the flavour of canned crab, cook it in a sauce with olive oil and vinegar for 20 minutes.