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Our relationship with cats has morphed through the century since felines self-selected domestication about 9,500 years ago.1,2 Now, over 77% of pet owners consider them members of the family.3 It only makes sense that you’d want to share some of your food with your feline companion, including your apple pie. You’d be in good company, with over 25% of Americans citing it as their favorite.4
However, when it comes to sharing apple pie with your cat, it’s not a good idea on several scores. Let’s delve into the facts that take America’s favorite dessert off the menu for your pet.
Little Nutritional Value
We’d guess that the majority of desserts don’t offer much nutritional value and, instead, are nutrient-deficient. Apple pie is no exception. It contains a marginal amount of protein, lots of carbs, and fat without a lot of vitamins or minerals, despite the fact that it has an otherwise healthy fruit. The other thing to consider is your pet’s regular diet.
Felines are obligate carnivores, getting 70% or more of their nutrition from animal protein. Your cat certainly doesn’t need the carbs, either. These animals get energy from their food differently than humans or dogs. We metabolize carbohydrates for an efficient source of fuel. On the other hand, cats use protein and fats for the same purpose.
Even if apple pie were nutritious, your pet would probably lack at least some enzymes it would need to metabolize it. Canines have lived long enough with humans to have evolved to consume more plant-based foods than felines, not that we’re condoning giving apple pie to your dog. It’s not good for canines, either.
Calories and Your Cat
Too much apple pie or other sweets is just as detrimental to your waistline as it is to your cat. The average 10-pound cat should get about 180–200 calories a day. Age, lifestyle, and activity all play a role in where that ideal amount lies. That albeit yummy slice of apple pie contains 265 calories for a 100-gram serving. That fact alone takes it off the table for your pet.
Obesity is just as harmful to cats—and dogs—as it is to people. It increases their risk of many chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. Being overweight also can adversely affect their quality of life and, ultimately, their lifespan. Treats formulated for felines’ unique nutritional needs are a far better choice than apple pie. Ask your veterinarian about the best treat option for your cat.
Other Red Flags
Other factors also put apple pie in the ‘no’ column. We mentioned carbs earlier. It’s worth noting that daily recommended allowances don’t exist for cats or dogs for this macronutrient. They get the fuel they need through their metabolism. A sugar bomb like this dessert could also cause an unhealthy spike in your pet’s blood sugar with the subsequent crash.
The digestive system of cats is fine-tuned for handling protein. Feeding your pet apple pie would likely cause nausea and GI distress from an inability to metabolize it properly.
Two other things also go against giving your cat apple pie. Unlike dogs, felines are more discriminating about what they eat. That’s why canines account for roughly 80% of pet poisonings. They eat anything, often gulping food without even tasting it. If anything, your cat is more likely to play with a chunk of the pie than eat it. The reason is that your cat can’t taste sweets.
Despite the fact that humans share 90% of our DNA with felines, cats lack the necessary genes to taste foods like apple pie. When it’s all said and done, it’s a waste of a yummy dessert to offer any to your pet, even if it seems mean or selfish.
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. At PangoVet, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Final Thoughts
Although we treat them like family members, it isn’t always advisable to share your food with your cat, even if it’s your mom’s secret homemade apple pie recipe. The evolution and biology of felines go against them enjoying it or making it safe for them to eat. Cats aren’t little people, and they can’t eat everything we can. You’re better off enjoying the pie yourself.
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Featured Image Credit: RESTOCK images, Shutterstock
