Corn flakes are the most widely eaten breakfast cereal in the world. As part of a regular human diet, it is but natural that you may wonder if your cat may also eat corn flakes and if it is healthy for them?
Can cats eat corn flakes?
Yes, cats can eat corn flakes. Corn flakes are made from corn which is used as a common ingredient in cat food. Give your cat corn flakes as an occasional treat and in moderation.
Even half the quantity of a typical serving of corn flakes contains 18 grams of carbohydrates which is 72 calories or roughly one-fourth of the recommended daily calories for an average cat.
As such, giving your cat corn flakes every day without proper portion control can quickly make your cat obese.
Is corn toxic to cats?
No, corn is not toxic to cats. Corn does not contain any ingredients that may cause an adverse reaction in your cat.
Cats cannot digest plant-based food because their intestine is not long enough to allow the fermentation of plant food. Also, their stomach does not have the necessary enzymes to break cellulose.
As such, most cats may either vomit plant food or simply pass the food undigested.
Contrary to popular belief, corn is not a common cause of allergies in cats. In fact in cats, the most common food allergies are caused by beef, dairy products, and fish.
Is corn in cat food bad?
Corn is considered a filler in cat food by most people. This is a myth that needs to be cleared[1]. A filler can be defined as feed products that have little to no nutritional benefits and are added to bulk up the meal.
Corn on the other hand is full of nutrition and contains essential vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial to your cat’s health.
The inclusion of any plant-based food in cat food is enough to sometimes label the food as cheap or low on nutrition[2]. Even though cats are obligate carnivores and their main diet should consist of meat, they cannot derive all their nutritional needs from meat alone. Balanced cat food may require the inclusion of cooked cereals that can help provide carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Corn gluten meal is easily digested by cats and makes the nutrients of corn readily available to cats. This is the reason it is highly advisable to serve all foods to cats in cooked form.
Corn as an ingredient in cat food doesn’t make the cat food bad for your cat or low in nutrition.
What are some signs of corn allergy in cats?
The most common signs of corn allergy in cats are excessive scratching, diarrhea, vomiting, sneezing, coughing, etc.
If you see any signs of allergies in your cat, stop feeding your cat the allergy-causing food and consult a veterinarian immediately.
Can a cat eat cereal?
Yes, cats can eat cereals safely without any side effects. Your cat may choke on the cereals as cats tend to swallow food quickly sometimes but other than that, they do not have any adverse ill effect on your cat’s health.
Processed cereals may have excess sugar in them which can be a cause of obesity in your cat. Also, excess sugar may also cause an upset stomach and diarrhea. So avoid frosted cereals by all means.
Plain whole grain cereals are the best but in moderation. The best advice when introducing your cat to any new food is to give it in moderation and watch out for allergies.
Can cats have Rice Krispies cereal?
Yes, cats can safely eat rice Krispies cereal provided they are not loaded with extra salt or seasonings. Rice Krispies can look like dry cat food without the addition of milk or water and may appeal to cats due to their texture.
Compared to corn flakes, rice cereal provides very little in terms of nutrition. Plain corn flakes are a better substitute.
Conclusion
It is not very uncommon for cats to try some of the food their human parents eat. Corn flakes are one of them and cats can safely consume them without worrying about any toxicity. But always ensure that any new food being introduced to your cat is given in moderation.
