Can Cats Eat Hot Dogs? Vet-Reviewed Facts To Know
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Rich, meaty goodness is something cats and humans both enjoy. Many humans are in the habit of feeding their feline friend morsels of meat to supplement their diet, and most meats are pretty kitty-safe. But if you’re about to have a barbecue, maybe don’t invite your cat. Hot dogs might be a form of meat, but they’re not a very smart one for cats. Hot dogs are ultra-processed meats with potentially dangerous additives, and they are also usually high in fat content. Basically, your cat should stick with their own food.
Aren’t Cats Carnivores?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they need meat to function properly. In the wild, this comes mostly from small birds and mammals, such as sparrows, mice, squirrels, and voles. These animals mostly have lean protein with a bit of fat content and not much sodium or additives and preservatives. Today, quality cat foods might use meat like beef, chicken, and salmon instead.
Why Hot Dogs Are Harmful to Cats
Hot dogs are made up of mostly fat and protein, not carbs. But unlike quality cat food, hot dogs usually have a much higher fat-to-protein ratio–sometimes two or three times the amount. If a cat eats too many hot dogs, they will quickly put on excess weight.
But that’s not the worst thing about hot dogs. Hot dogs are also usually high in additives and preservatives, which vary from product to product. Preservatives help them stay fresh, and additives enable them to keep their shape. Although these preservatives are safe (if not strictly healthy) for humans, most of them haven’t been tested on cats.
Another problem with hot dogs is that they are usually high in sodium. One hot dog often has around 370 milligrams of sodium or more. Cats that ingest more than 1 gram of sodium (100 mg) per pound of body weight can run the risk of sodium-ion poisoning.
What If My Cat Already Ate a Hot Dog?
If your cat stole a bite of your hot dog, don’t panic. They’re probably going to be fine. A little taste of a hot dog might not be the healthiest snack for your kitty, but it isn’t the end of the world.
If your cat ate an entire package of hotdogs, you might have cause to worry. Your cat will likely suffer some gastrointestinal distress, and the amount of fat and sodium might cause further problems for your cat. Check the hot dog’s nutrition facts to see how much sodium your kitty has had. If they’ve had more than 1 gram (1,000 mg) of sodium per pound of body weight, your cat is at risk of sodium poisoning. If your cat has any adverse reaction like lethargy, seizures, or tremors, seek veterinary treatment right away. Of course, that’s the worst-case scenario. Most hot dogs don’t have enough of anything to cause serious harm, especially if the cat does not eat more than one or two, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Last Thoughts
It can be fun to treat our little carnivores—just maybe not with a hot dog. Other protein sources can be better foods. Lean meats like chicken or turkey are always a good choice for cats. If you aren’t sure, you can always stick to store-bought treats.
- Related Read:Â Can Cats Eat Chicken Nuggets? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ
Featured Image Credit: Maizephyr, Shutterstock
