While dogs have a stereotype for begging at the table for scraps, many cat owners know this isn’t exclusive to canines. Cats like to beg for food too, and if you’re chowing down on Doritos, you might find yourself asking whether you can feed any to your cat.
The truth is you shouldn’t feed your cat Doritos. They’re not toxic or hugely harmful, but they certainly aren’t healthy. But why is this the case, and what should you do if your cat gets some? We’ll answer those questions and more for you here.
Do Cats Like Doritos?
If you offer your cat Doritos, there’s a good chance they’ll try and gobble them up. Of course, each cat will have their own personality and preferences, and just because some cats will like Doritos, that doesn’t mean every cat will!
Should You Feed Your Cat Eat Doritos?
No! While Doritos are not toxic for cats, they’re not good for them either. While you don’t need to panic about the occasional Dorito, there’s no reason to give them any. That way, they don’t get hooked on Doritos in the first place.
However, spicy-flavored Doritos offer more health concerns for your cat than typical Doritos, so never feed them spicy Doritos in even small quantities.
The 3 Reasons Your Cat Should Not Eat Doritos
Doritos offer no nutritional value for cats, and there are several things that make them an unhealthy treat for cats. We’ve highlighted three of those reasons for you here:
1. Salt
Doritos contain a lot of salt. A lot of salt isn’t good for humans, but because of their smaller size, you need to be even more careful about how much salt cats get. Smaller quantities of salt can lead to more health concerns for your cat, and Doritos contain around 8% sodium, which is just over twice the recommended maximum for cats.
2. Dairy and Other Allergens
While it might be surprising, most cats are lactose intolerant. Doritos contain dairy byproducts, so if your cat eats too much, it can lead to indigestion and other digestive problems. The long list of additional ingredients found in Doritos, including onion salt and artificial colors and flavors, are also best avoided.
3. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates aren’t harmful, but if your cat eats too many carbs, it can lead to weight gain. Doritos have more carbohydrates than your cat should have, so if you continue to feed them Doritos, you could start to notice weight gain.
When to Take Your Cat to the Vet if They Eat Doritos
While you shouldn’t feed your cat Doritos, it’s extremely rare that you’ll need to take them to the vet if they get into them. That’s because there aren’t any toxic ingredients in Doritos, but they will cause problems for your cat if you continue to feed them some.
However, if your cat starts to choke or exhibit any signs of distress, you should take them to a vet right away, especially if they have eaten more than just one or two. If you ever have any doubt about whether your cat needs medical attention, always err on the side of caution.
The 3 Better Snacks for Your Cat
While you shouldn’t feed your cat Doritos, there are plenty of other human foods you can give them if they’re begging for food. We’ve highlighted five great options you can safely feed your cat for you below.
1. Salmon
Cats and fish just go together, so it makes sense that a fish would make it onto this list. However, while your cat will like salmon, always cook it first to get rid of any bacteria or parasites, and don’t add any additional seasonings.
2. Eggs
Eggs are a great healthy treat for cats as long as you cook them first and don’t season them with salt or other seasonings. Cats love the taste, too, so you shouldn’t have any problem getting them to eat it. Half an egg is plenty per cat.
3. Chicken
Chicken is a great treat for your cat. Just like with other human foods, avoid adding extra seasonings or ingredients when cooking chicken for your cat because these extra ingredients might not be safe for your cat.
Knowing exactly what your feline companion can and cannot eat will help you become the best pet parent. Recognizing that not all cat bowls are equal is also key! The Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl sets itself apart from traditional options by catering to the specific needs of cats. The innovative design offers whisker relief via shallow dishes and promotes digestion with a slight bowl elevation. Find out if the Hepper NomNom is right for your cat by clicking here.
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Final Thoughts
Although not strictly toxic, Doritos are not good for your cat, and there are plenty more appropriate treats you can give them. Doritos might not be an excellent choice for your cat, but there’s no reason you can’t give them something special from time to time!
Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory
