Can cats and dogs eat cereal?

A food for dogs and cats can be complete whether it contains cereals or not, the important thing is that it contains all the essential nutrients.

There are many myths around cereals, most of them without a scientific basis and focused on the sale of a series of foods without cereals that only bring benefit to individuals who have a real problem with cereals.

In fact, cereals have many benefits in the feeding of dogs and cats, here are some:

1- Energy supply, they are a source of glucose, which helps our colleagues to have more vitality. Glucose is essential for the proper functioning of the brain and body.

2- Fiber supply, which is essential for the proper functioning of the digestive system, both for its microbiota and for the formation of feces and its expulsion. In addition, fiber helps our colleagues to satiate and maintain their ideal weight.

3- Supply of nutrients such as fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, etc.

4- Add cereals allows to reduce the amount of fat in the recipe.

5- Cereals provide starch, of great importance for the preparation of feed.

Myths:

DOGS AND CATS DO NOT DIGEST CEREALS

FALSE: both dogs and cats have a fantastic digestion capacity of cereals, in cats it is spoken of 90%, but to reach that high digestibility is very important that they are properly cooked.

MANY DOGS AND CATS ARE ALLERGIC TO CEREALS

FALSE: the vast majority of allergies in dogs and cats are to animal proteins (chicken, lamb, veal, fish, dairy or eggs).

DOGS AND CATS ARE ALLERGIC TO GLUTEN

FALSE: Celiac disease is a common disease in humans, but in dogs and cats gluten allergy is very rare.

DOGS AND CATS CANNOT DIGEST CEREALS

FALSE: dogs and cats can digest cereals if they are properly processed.

CEREAL INTAKE CAUSES DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS, OBESITY AND DIABETES

FALSE: if we provide adequate amounts of properly cooked cereals, not only do not cause problems but they provide benefits such as fiber for your digestive system, energy and we will manage to control your weight thus avoiding predisposition to diseases such as diabetes.

Conclusion:

Dogs and cats can eat, digest and benefit from the consumption of cereals. The carbohydrate content is a long-term source of energy and fiber, which improves your vitality and digestive health.

María González Sola.
Co-founder of the Refugio la vida color Frambuesa and responsible for veterinary consultations VeggieAnimals.