Can cats eat bird seed?

It is quite disheartening when birds or chickens enjoy a delicacy in the presence of your salivating feline companion(s), and you aren’t sure whether it is okay to share it with them. 

This has made many people ask the question of which food they should share with them. Especially for the house pets, and cats in particular. So which foods can we share with our cats? Should we really share birdseed with our cats? Will or Can cats eat birdseed?

In this guide, we will tell you all you need to know about feeding your cat this bird food, so let’s dive straight in! 

Can cats eat birdseed?

Let’s begin with the basics, birdseed or bird food is food (often varieties of seeds to nuts and or dried fruits). It was fed to domestic birds and wild birds.

There are many types of seeds like sunflower, safflower, nyjer or thistle, millet, shelled and cracked corn, peanuts, milo or sorghum, and other rapeseed and canary seed. The widest variety of birds is attracted to sunflower seeds, which are often the mainstay of backyard bird feeders.

Bird seeds are the edible gift of the plants. They’re delicious, super nutritious, and considered to be one of the healthiest snacks around. So Can cats eat bird seeds? 

The quick answer is yes. But there are a few things that you must know about birdseed and how to feed them to your cats safely.

So, to feed birdseed to your cat, make sure to read this guide unless you want to take your cats to the veterinarian.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, it is safe for your cat to eat the seeds from bird food, including sunflower, safflower, and other plants.

The other thing that they can’t eat is the shell. You can easily see how sharp it is and that it will lead to internal injuries. In addition, it’s very hard to digest. While birds have perfected the ability to shell their own seeds, cats haven’t mastered this skill, so you will need to do it for them.

How Many BirdSeeds Can Cats Eat?

 Restricted, you have to do it in moderation. Cats are carnivores and require other supplements to provide nutrients not found in the meat they consume. Bird seeds do not have the required animal proteins but contain other essential nutrients.

We recommended that cats should eat birdseed a few times per week and just a few at a time. There are many ways to introduce new foods to your cat. You can start by giving them a few of them and then monitoring them for the following hours to see if they become allergic to the food. 

Always consult your vet or animal nutritionist before administering other foods in large quantities to your cat.

Is birdseed safe for cats? Nutritional benefits 

Yes, birdseed is safe for cats! Bird Seeds are a great source of fiber, vitamin D, and omega fatty acids for your cat. They are also packed with protein and nutrients for them. The question is, what nutrition do they offer our kitty cats?

 Protein

If you feed your cat an appropriate combination of foods, it will get all the protein it needs to stay healthy and strong. Some of this protein should come from meat food but sometimes come from other plant sources. Birdseed and its protein make it so appealing to your cat, so be sure to give him an appropriate combination of foods.

Fiber

Seeds, fruits, and vegetables contain a lot of fibers. They also contain lots of water and other nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Eating more seeds, fruits and vegetables can have many health benefits to your cats. It can help prevent constipation and diarrhea, help cats lose weight, and lower the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Some cat parents are feeding their cats too much fiber, with the hopes that this will cure their digestive problems, but it can cause other problems, as well as produce extra gas, So this is another reason to give your kitty birdseed in moderation.

Vitamin E

Bird seeds are rich in vitamin E and vitamin B1 too. The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) recommends that adult cat food provide 30 International Units of Vitamin E per kilogram of food.

As your know, Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes against free radical damage, and thus, is essential for tissue integrity and normal cellular function.

By ensuring your cat is getting a properly balanced amount of antioxidants in their diet, you are helping them to stay healthy and live a long, happy life.

 Selenium

Seeds are rich in selenium, which is a naturally occurring mineral that our feline friends need to keep them healthy and boost their immune systems. It cleans out harmful cells from the body.

Warnings when feeding Your Cat Bird Seeds

Birdseed is high in both protein and fat. However, a cat’s body does not digest fat well. That is why it is important to give your cat only the amount of birdseed that he needs. Too much fat will make him overweight and prone to health problems.

You want to avoid buying bird seeds that are not natural and have some artificial flavorings, preservatives, oils, and salt. These ingredients can be harmful to your cat.

Can cats eat birdseed grass?

Sometimes cats eat grass, seeds when they are not getting enough nutrients in their current diet, so you should feed them something that has more nutrition or one that has a higher food with fiber content. 

You must also make sure her mouth is free of any sharp objects because the pearls are sharp and if you suspect an internal injury, then be sure to get her to the VET asap. 

In addition, if he keeps eating them, then you should take him to the veterinarian immediately, as there may be a hidden reason cause for it.

 Summary

Cats can eat a moderate amount of birdseed once or twice per week. This is safe for your cat.

Make sure you feed your cats the appropriate amount of birdseed for thier age and size. You can use this as another way to stay active and healthy!

Do you have any other tips on how to keep your cat healthy? Please share them with us in the comments section below.