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It’s tempting to share something tasty with your pet, and Beef Wellington is undoubtedly tasty, but is this a dish we can safely share with our cats? Unfortunately, Beef Wellington is not safe for cats. You might wonder if removing the pastry would make it more suitable, but the answer is still an unfortunate no. We’ll discuss what makes beef wellington unhealthy and why your cat should not consume it.
Why Can’t Your Cat Enjoy Some Beef Wellington?
The biggest problem you’ll find with human food when sharing it with that special cat in your life is that it contains too many spices, hazardous additives, and sometimes toxic ingredients.
Before introducing any new food item you’re unsure about to your cat’s diet, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian first.
Herbs and Seasoning
We add salt to our food, and in high doses, it can be toxic to cats. All the added herbs and spices might be great for us, but they can cause an upset stomach for our cat. Some herbs like thyme are used in various recipes1, which is an herb cats enjoy, while mustard, black pepper, and chives can cause vomiting or diarrhea, and you might also find these in your Beef Wellington recipe.
Olive Oil is a popular addition to this recipe, and while cats can have olive oil in their diet, it isn’t always a healthy addition. Consuming too much fat can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Of course, your cat wouldn’t be eating that much, but olive oil, in addition to all of these other unhealthy ingredients, does not benefit your cat.
Prosciutto and Mushrooms
Beef Wellington also includes prosciutto, which contains a lot of salt and can add to the risk of salt poisoning, which results in diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, lethargy, dehydration, and excessive thirst. Seasoned mushrooms are generally on the recipe list, and they typically include onions or shallots, which are toxic to cats2. Eating too many can lead to anemia because of the damage they do to red blood cells.
Puff Pastry
The puff pastry around the beef doesn’t add any nutritional benefits to your cat’s diet. While cats can eat carbohydrates in moderation, puff pastry tends to have quite a lot of butter added.
White Wine
While we’re not talking about offering a bowl of wine to your cat, it’s still an ingredient that some recipes mention, and because cats are so small, even a small amount of wine can be harmful to them. Grapes3, the main ingredient in wine, are also toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in extreme cases, kidney failure.
Are There Any Ingredients Your Cat Can Enjoy?
Some ingredients are safe for cats to eat, so you could always set something aside while making this dish to give to your cat later. Beef, for example, is a good source of iron, B vitamins, and niacin. It also contains the essential amino acid taurine, which your cat needs for healthy daily living.
Eggs are also something your cat can enjoy occasionally. Cats can have a small portion of cooked eggs (boiled or scrambled) as they’re packed with protein and amino acids, making them a healthy treat.
Conclusion
Beef Wellington isn’t safe or healthy to share with your cat. It contains some ingredients that are not only unhealthy but can also be toxic. This doesn’t mean you can’t share any part of this dish with your cat. As long as you separate the beneficial meat and veggies and serve them plain, the recipe has healthy ingredients that your cat will enjoy.
Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory
