Can cats eat dandelions? You might have had this thought after noticing some dandelions pop up in your yard. Or perhaps you’ve eaten a salad or drank tea with dandelions and thought of sharing it with your cat. If humans can eat dandelions, can cats safely eat them too?
There is no short yes or no answer as to whether cats can eat dandelions. Technically, dandelions aren’t toxic or poisonous to cats. But moderation is key, and you should really only feed dandelions to your favorite feline as an occasional snack or treat if at all.
As always, you must ask your regular veterinarian before going ahead and sharing any human food with your beloved feline, including dandelions. Here’s what you need to know about dandelions and cats.
When Are Dandelions Okay For Cats To Eat?
Dandelions are not a poisonous food for cats. They contain a decent amount of vitamins, including vitamins A, D, and B, that could add a few extra health benefits to your cat’s diet.
Dandelions also contain some minerals, plus an amount of protein. And they can help out with digestion issues in some cases, though you must consult your vet.
If you’re considering feeding dandelions to your cat, try cutting up and sprinkling a few dandelion leaves into your feline’s usual food. But make sure you’re only using a few leaves and are not serving your cat too much.
When Are Dandelions Bad For Cats?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that the majority of their diet should come from meat. This means that dandelions should definitely not become a core part of any feline’s daily diet.
Additionally, if a cat eats too many dandelions, they might wind up suffering from an upset stomach.
If you notice your cat snacking on some dandelions growing outside, make sure that they aren’t ingesting any harmful or toxic pesticides or herbicides. If they do, call your vet immediately and look out for any signs that your cat might be feeling unwell or having an adverse reaction.
While dandelions themselves are not poisonous to cats, unless your vet recommends adding dandelions to your feline’s diet for health reasons, it’s usually best to avoid letting your cat eat too many.
Does your cat ever try to scarf down dandelions? Do they enjoy the taste? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
