If cats are allowed to eat sourdough bread, they might end up sick.
Since these breads are relatively uncommon, it is essential for you to understand what they may taste like. Usually, cats won’t taste a thing in anything you’ve made for them for their special baking occasions.
So, can cats eat sourdough bread? Yes, cats can eat sourdough bread.
Cats have very sensitive digestive systems, and they do not digest some ingredients humans can digest easily.
You need to understand that cats cannot digest gluten and that they cannot eat the same food as humans unless they are specifically formulated for cats.
However, sourdough bread is not formulated or suitable for cats. So, your cats could end up sick if they eat the sourdough bread you have on your countertop or in your cupboard.
Can Cats Eat Sourdough Bread?
Because sourdough bread contains more yeast than other kinds of bread, you have to be careful when it comes to its nutritive value and food value.
The sourdough bread you eat is a fermented product and contains more yeast than other kinds. The yeast in sourdough usually makes it rise and then ferments.
It might also contain yeast and lactobacillus cultures that are used in the fermentation process.
In fact, sourdough bread is often fermented for over a week before it is baked and ready to eat.
The yeast may react with the carbohydrates in sourdough bread to produce carbon dioxide, alcohols, and acids that give it a distinctive taste and smell. However, many cats have very sensitive taste-buds and sense of smell.
Cats cannot smell or taste yeast naturally, and even for those with highly sensitive nose and palates, they might have a hard time detecting the flavor of the sponge used for fermentation in sourdough bread.
The carbohydrates in sourdough bread are the main source of energy for the body, and cats need carbohydrates in order to fuel their nervous system and fuel muscles for exercise.
Why Do Cats Love Sourdough?
The flavor of yeast is one part of what attracts a cat to breads.
Though there isn’t much scientific proof, it has been suggested that cats are attracted to the smell of bread because they are obligate carnivores (they must eat meat) and must eat a diet that is rich in protein.
Some varieties of yeast are even rich in protein.
Is Bread Toxic to Cats?
Small portions of baked bread, like many foods made with yeast, are safe for your cat to eat.
Cats should not consume bread on a constant basis to avoid developing digestive disorders like pancreatitis, but as long as they eat small portions occasionally they are safe to ingest.
What Happens If a Cat Eats Bread Dough?
The carbohydrates in the dough are an excellent source of energy for cats.
Because they digest quickly and provide a healthy amount of nutrients for normal cat activity and travel.
The dough in breads is also rich in water, and some cats may drink it because they are very thirsty.
However, cats should only drink small amounts of water at once to avoid getting hydrated too quickly.
This process may continue in the stomach, causing the animal to become bloated and unable to digest their food properly.
How Much Bread Can a Cat Eat?
Bread should account for less than 20% of a cat’s total daily calories.
A little square of bread should not make up more than 4-5% of your cat’s daily food intake.
Anything more might upset their stomach and cause digestive discomfort.
Is Canned Tuna Bad for Cats?
Tuna may become cats hooked, causing them to consume more of it than they should because they enjoy it so much.
A little tuna is good for your cat, but it can become unhealthy if they eat too much of it and don’t get enough exercise.
However, a continuous diet of tuna cooked for cats may cause nutritional deficiencies because of the lack of calcium and other essential vitamins in the fish.
Furthermore, consuming too much tuna may cause obesity in cats and increase their risk of diabetes and other health problems.
Also Read: Can Cats Eat Gingerbread?
What If My Cat Eats Bread?
If your cat gurgles out a tasty piece of bread, it is probably not a problem.
Onions and garlic are toxic to cats, so be sure to keep these vegetables away from your feline friend.
They may cause anemia and digestive problems.
Garlic bread may include parsley, which is toxic to cats as well.
If your cat consumes heavy bread dough, it could cause an obstruction in their digestive system or cause them to bloat and become sick.
Your cat would not eat the bread dough on purpose, but by accident if you bake it or leave it lying around the house and happen to place it in reach of your pet.
If this happens, be sure to contact your vet immediately, as your cat might be in danger of having a serious condition.
The dough may also contain yeast that could make your cat ill as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cats can eat sourdough bread; however, they could end up sick if they eat the sourdough bread you have on your countertop or in your cupboard.
So, before giving your beloved cat some sourdough bread, be sure to refrigerate it overnight; this way, you will kill any bacteria that may be present on the bread and increase its shelf life.
