Can Cats Eat Pork Rind? (Explained)

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Nothing beats the satisfaction of knowing that your feline friend is being fed healthy foods. Cats are naturally curious animals and this has made them adventurous eaters.

Sometimes you may find them enjoying meals that could be bad for them, for this reason, cat owners need to ask questions before offering some meals to their pet. Pork rind is one of those meals that can cause skepticism and prompt cat parents to ask questions like; can cats eat pork rind?

Yes, cats can eat pork rind. This particular food choice can fit perfectly into your cat’s diet as it is rich in protein and other essential nutrients for cats. However, it is worth noting that pork rind should be offered in moderation to cats.

Pork rinds are tasty delicacies that are made from pig skin and there’s no doubt about the fact that cats will enjoy them. In this article, we will be exploring all there is to know about pork rinds and cats.

Nutritional Facts Of Pork Rinds

Pork rinds are crunchy and exciting treats that can offer your cat a range of nutrients and nourishments. Below is a tabular illustration of pork rinds nutritional value per 28 grams;

Calories	154cal
Carbs	0g
Cholesterol	27mg
Fat	8.9g
Calcium	8.5g
Iron	0.3mg
Potassium	36mg
Sodium	515mg
Protein	17g
Dietary fiber	0g

Are Pork Rinds Good For Cats?

Pork rinds can be exceptional treats for cats especially when it is offered in the right proportion. This meal option is very high in fat and sodium which can have adverse effects on the health of your feline friend when it is used as a regular part of their diet.

They are not poisonous or bad for your cat, however, whether pork rinds are good for your cat or not solely depends on the quantity and amount of time they are being offered. Cats enjoy pork rinds but it is best to not overfeed them with this tasty treat.

Cat owners should know how important it is to maintain a balance when including pork rind in their cat diet to avoid health issues like gastrointestinal issues, obesity, and hypertension.

How To Prepare Pork Rinds For Cats

Pork rinds have been long overlooked but this treat is packed with protein which is an essential nutrient for cats as they are carnivorous in nature. But when preparing pork rinds with your cat in mind, modifications are very necessary. The following are the ways pork rinds should be prepared for cats;

Make sure to properly separate fat from the pork skin to reduce the fat content of the pork rind.
Chop the pork skin into small, bite-sized pieces as this eliminates choking hazards.
Ensure that the pork rinds are properly dehydrated and cooked until they are puffy and ready.
Do not add salt, chili powder, or any form of seasoning to the pork rinds you wish to offer to your cat.

Hungry cat — Image: @robinmccauley via Twenty20

Potential Risks Of Pork Rinds

Although pork rinds can be beneficial to cats, it is relatively risky to overfeed them with this snack. That said, one of the potential health risks of offering pork rinds to cats in large portions is sodium poisoning.

Pork rinds have a very high sodium content that can lead to salt poisoning in cats when they consume them in large quantities. When this happens cats will show signs of lethargy, vomiting, dehydration, and digestive upsets.

Another significant potential risk of pork rinds is excessive weight gain. Pork rinds are usually deep-fried and also contain a lot of fat when cats eat them regularly weight gain could be an inevitable condition. If care is not taken, cats can become obese and might have to put up with all the health problems associated with obesity such as hypertension.

Due to this, it is best for cat owners to offer pork rinds in moderation to their cats to prevent these health consequences. If your cat has consumed pork rind in large amounts, monitor them closely, and if they begin to show signs of distress, consult with your veterinarian immediately.

Pork Rinds Alternatives For Cats

Since pork rinds have some health repercussions when fed improperly to cats, cat owners should look towards more healthy and safe options for their adorable feline friends. The following are safe alternatives for pork rinds for cats;

Cooked turkey
Cooked chicken
Boiled eggs
Veggie burgers
Pork-flavored cat treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cats eat pork?

Yes, cats can eat pork meat. However, they should only be offered in moderation as they are high in fat and sodium. Also, make sure to debone and cut up into smaller pieces to prevent choking.

Are pork rinds a healthy option for cats?

Pork rinds are not exactly a healthy option for your cat. When cats are fed pork rinds in excess it can take a toll on their health.

Do cats love pork rinds?

Yes, cats do love and would enjoy pork rinds. But this doesn’t mean it should take a huge part of their diet or be fed to them regularly. Make sure to offer them this treat in moderation and occasionally.

Conclusion

Cats can eat pork rind but it is best to understand that this snack can have health consequences when eaten in excess. This is why it is highly recommended that this treat be given to your cat occasionally.

If your cat starts showing signs of discomfort and distress after eating pork rinds, it is best to consult your vet immediately for medical instructions on what to do.