Can Cats Eat Liverwurst? Vet-Verified Nutritional Info & Safety Guide
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Liverwurst, or liver sausage, is a type of food much appreciated by many meat lovers. And as a pet parent, it can be tempting to give your beloved kitty a piece of it, especially when they’re begging you with loud meows.
Unfortunately, no, cats can’t safely eat liverwurst. The seasonings in liver sausage make it an unsuitable option for cats. Liverwurst contains nutrients that are beneficial for cats but also ingredients that can be harmful. Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional profile and potential drawbacks of liverwurst for cats.
What’s In Liverwurst?
Liverwurst is a seasoned and spreadable meat-based product that comes in a sausage shape. It is made of three primary ingredients: meat, organ meat, and fat. Additionally, there are several seasonings used in liverwurst, and these can vary depending on the specific recipe.
Most liverwurst contains salt, black pepper, and onion powder, but you may also find any of the following ingredients:
- Allspice
- Clove
- Coriander
- Marjoram
- Mustard seed
- Nutmeg
- Thyme
- Bay leaves
- White pepper
What Are the Nutritional Differences Between Liver Sausage and Liver?
Liverwurst is a kind of sausage that contains liver, which regular sausages do not include. It is sold seasoned, smoked, and ready to eat. It has a smooth and creamy texture.
For its part, the liver is a major source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. For example, calf liver is particularly rich in iron, vitamin A (like pork liver), vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 or pantothenic acid, B9 or folate, B12, vitamin C, zinc, phosphorus, and potassium.
Is Liverwurst Beneficial for Cats to Eat?
Liverwurst is a source of animal protein, vitamin A, vitamin B12, iron, and other minerals. However, it is very rich in fat, and it also includes ingredients that make it unsafe for cats to consume. You should opt for healthier and safer treats to indulge your cat, like homemade no-bake treats or commercial cat treats.
Are There Downsides to Feeding Liverwurst to My Cat?
Certain ingredients in liverwurst can be detrimental to your cat’s health and potentially harmful if ingested in large quantities.
For one thing, if you find onions or garlic in the list of ingredients for liver sausage, you should absolutely avoid giving it to your cat. These foods are toxic to cats and dogs, and their level of toxicity is higher when found in powdered or dried form.
On the other hand, liver sausages contain a lot of sodium and fat. So, if you feed it to your kitty too often, it could lead them down the dangerous road of obesity, with its share of health problems. Sodium, meanwhile, is harmful in large quantities.
In short, liverwurst is a high-fat food that also contains harmful ingredients for your cat. If your cat steals a tiny portion off your plate, they will probably be fine, but you should avoid offering liverwurst to your cat.
Now that you know what you can safely feed your cat, it’s just as important to find a bowl that supports their health and well-being. With whisker-friendly bowls and a wide tray to catch any spills, our Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is our favorite option.
What’s the Final Verdict?
Liverwurst is a meat protein-based food rich in iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12, but also fat and salt. Furthermore, it contains toxic ingredients for cats such as onion, nutmeg, bay leaves, and marjoram. For all these reasons, liverwurst is not a suitable food for cats to eat, even sparingly. Feel free to continue enjoying liverwurst whenever you’d like, but keep it all to yourself—your feline pal shouldn’t partake!
