Can Cats Eat Tofu? Is Tofu Bad For Cats? 

With the popularity tofu has gained over the years, it is expected to wonder if cats can eat tofu.

Lots of people have turned to plant-based vegan foods as it is believed to be a healthier choice of meal. Originally tofu is a Chinese meal made from condensed soy milk, it is very rich in protein, potassium, vitamins, and all the amino acids the body needs. 

This however is one of the major reasons why a lot of cat owners ponder about giving their pet tofu. You are probably torn between serving this meal to your cat or not. The familiar question going through your mind right now is if tofu is toxic for your cat. 

Yes, cats can eat tofu. But there are factors to consider thoroughly before feeding them this plant-based meal. Tofu may be filling, but it does not have all the nutrients necessary for cats and it can cause digestive issues. For this reason, it is best not to feed them tofu as a main course meal for the day. 

Tofu is an amazing meal for humans but it is quite a questionable choice of food for cats. This is why it is of great importance to be careful when we give this treat to our cats. This post has carefully compiled all the information you need about feeding your cat tofu, keep reading. 

Can Cats Have Tofu?

Whether cats can eat tofu or not, has been and will always be a controversial topic. Because as much as cats can eat this meal, tofu is not exactly nutritionally beneficial to them. And when given to them in excess it can be a bit worrisome to their bodies. 

Simply put, cats can eat tofu but if you are aiming for the best meal for your cat it is best to include tofu in their meal time as a snack. Also, have in mind that tofu is an alternative to meat which may not be appropriate for cats. 

And though your cat may seem satisfied after eating tofu, its body is short of the required amount of protein a cat should get from its daily diet. It is only suitable as a treat or a snack but not as their main meal.

Is Tofu Bad For Cats?

This depends on how frequently you feed your cat tofu. Tofu when eaten in excess by cats can be difficult to digest. So even if you feel compelled to give your cat tofu you should make sure you give it to them a very little bit. This is because unlike humans cats lack the enzymes that can help them break down and properly digest tofu. 

Additionally, tofu is made up of some ingredients that can cause serious stomach problems for cats. It has been reported that cats can experience vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration after excessively consuming tofu. 

More so, cats require a lot of meat-based protein in their diet for excellent sustenance, opting for vegan meals like tofu instead will not exactly do them a lot of good. This is the reason why vets do not recommend this meal for cats. 

5 Foods That Are Toxic to Cats

As pet owners, we sometimes make mistakes and one of those common mistakes we make is assuming that some meals are good for our cats. While it is good to try new stuff for your cat, it is very important to be very certain it won’t cause serious issues to the cat.

The following are meals you probably didn’t know are bad for cats; 

1. Soy

Though soy is very beneficial to humans, we can’t say the same for cats. Soy is a tremendous source of protein, it helps to strengthen and build muscles.

However, it is not recommended to give soy to cats. It can cause mineral and vitamin deficiency in cats as it is capable of absorbing important nutrients.  

Most importantly, cats are prone to soy allergies and would show signs of swollen face, fur loss, weight loss, itchiness, and gastrointestinal issues. However, studies also show that hyperthyroidism, as well as liver diseases in cats, can be linked to soy consumption.

2. Chocolate 

Any kind of portion of chocolate is very bad for cats. Cat owners should not attempt to give chocolate to their cats as it is very hazardous and harmful to their health.

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine which can cause restlessness, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, dehydration, and seizures. 

3. Raw Meat And Bones

Feeding your cat raw meat and bones is strongly advised against, not only does it introduce bacteria, parasites, and viruses to their bodies, but it can also affect their dentition, and cause constipation.  

4. Uncooked Eggs

Eggs are very nutritious for pet parents and cats but when it is raw or uncooked it is very unsafe for consumption. Salmonella or E Coli is the common bacteria in raw eggs that can attack your cat’s digestive system in the process causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset.

5. Raw Dough

Under no circumstances should the raw dough be given to cats. The yeast in raw dough is very toxic to their health. It can cause bloating as the fermentation process may continue in their stomachs. This can be very upsetting to their stomach, cats show signs of disorientation. If your cat eats raw dough without your notice it is best to call a vet. 

Final Note

As controversial as this topic may be, it is reasonable to feed tofu to cats in tiny bits.

Going overboard by serving them this meal in excess could jeopardize their health and upset their digestive system. Cats are mostly carnivores and tofu may not be very ideal for them. 

As a general rule, there’s a limit to which cats can eat tofu, otherwise, it will harm them. This article however includes a list of meals that you probably didn’t have any idea were harmful to your cat, now you are one step ahead of being the best cat mom or dad.