Chickpeas are originally found in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. They belong to the legume family & are considered as high in protein.
Also, you will be able to find them in a few of the commercial cat foods. Chickpeas also have different names all over the world, it is mostly known as garbanzo beans.
These garbanzo beans have a strong protein structure which is considered difficult to digest. so the recommendation is to avoid chickpeas for your feline (Queen).
However, cats do not produce enough alpha-galactosidase, which might lead them to indigestibility. There are many alternatives in the market with that provide you better nutritional benefits.
If you are willing to provide garbanzo beans to your cat, then you should make sure that it is properly prepared. However, there are certain conditions that you should follow.
Can Cats Eat Chickpeas?
Yes, you can feed chickpeas, there is nothing particular that can damage your furry feline friend. Your cat may experience indigestibility as its stomach does not produce enough alpha-galactosidase.
This is an enzyme that helps to break down the sugar & strong protein structure. Cats are technically obligate carnivores, which means they only thrive on meat.
Cats do not need any vegetables & carbohydrates in their diet to survive. So sticking to cat’s food or going for raw meat is a better option, you can provide in your cat’s normal diet.
Can Cats Eat Chickpeas Flour?
If you have ever checked the cat food ingredients then you might know the manufacturer usually does not use chickpeas or chickpea flour.
You will find many alternatives for high-protein foods for your feline. However, if you have checked the dog food ingredients then you might know they use a very small amount of chickpeas flour.
If we come back to the highlighted question “can cats eat chickpeas flour” then, we would say yes, cats can have chickpeas flour in their diet.
It is still chickpea & it still has the same protein structure & sugars that needs to be broken down to digest. So choosing the best alternative for your cat’s diet is better for their health.
Risks of Feeding Your Cat Chickpeas
If you are feeding your cat a small number of chickpeas then it is fine. Most probably most cats can digest a small number of chickpeas in their diet. If you are exceeding a certain limit it can cause a problem such as:
Allergic reactions
The chickpeas contain oxalic acid, which may cause rashes & itching to your furry feline. All the cats are not the same. But if your cat is facing the same issue then you should avoid feeding chickpeas.
Constipation
If you are including raw chickpea in your cat’s diet then it might be dangerous. Your felines might not be able to digest the raw chickpea it can get stuck in their digestive system.
Moreover, it can cause obstipation. It is an intense form of constipation, it is considered a serious issue & irreversible process in medical conditions.
Nutritional Value of Chickpea
This is the complete opposite of what we discussed earlier. Yes, chickpeas indeed have good nutritional values.
Moreover, it contains lecithin, this ingredient is considered as good for hair growth. The Inositol Phospholipid is considered a useful nutrient because it deeply nourishes & makes the cat’s hair thick & strong.
In fact, you can find all the nutrients in alternative foods, so we need to be careful about what we are feeding to our dear feline.
If we check the nutritional facts we will know that chickpea is not an ideal food for your cat. We would suggest you go for the commercial cat food or raw meat for your cat instead of using chickpeas in their diet.
Alternatives to Chickpeas
We would advise you to avoid chickpeas in your cat’s diet, it can be risky for your furry friend. If your cat is consuming a good amount of everything will be the perfect diet for him/her.
You might know that chickpeas are rich in fiber, and you should not overfeed them. If you overfeed then it might be dangerous for a few cats. If you see there are much better options available in the market.
If your feline is more into vegetables then you can go for cucumbers, apples, lettuce, and carrots. You will have to make sure that these vegetables are fed in a very moderate quantity.
FAQs
Are chickpeas toxic to cats?
If you are feeding in a certain amount then it is safe. In fact, you have to make sure that the chickpeas are properly prepared before feeding.
Can my cat eat hummus?
Yes, your cat can eat hummus but only occasionally and in small amounts. You have to make sure that it does not contain any toxic ingredients. If you feed them above a certain limit then it might cause them indigestion and diarrhea.
Can cat eat raw hard chickpeas?
No, you should not feed raw chickpeas to your furry feline. It might be dangerous and it can cause obstipation to them. Then you might have to visit the veterinarian.
Is chickpea allergic to cats?
No, not actually, if you are feeding them within a certain limit then it is safe or else it can be dangerous. It contains oxalic acid, which may cause rashes & itching in your furry feline. All the cats are not the same but if your feline is facing the same issue then you should avoid feeding chickpeas.
Final Words
This leads us to the end of this “Can Cats Eat Chickpeas” blog. We hope that you got all the answers & you are much clearer. We tried our best to cover all the aspects such as “Can Cats Eat Chickpeas” & “Can Cats Have Chickpeas Flour”, and what are the risks of feeding your cat chickpeas, We even researched on what is the nutritional value of chickpeas & what are the alternatives to chickpeas.
We tried to provide you with the complete right information. If still, you have any doubts about can cats eat chickpeas, then you can comment to us down below. We will get back to you as soon as possible with the best answer possible.
Reference
- Is Lecithin better for cats —INF.news
- Cat Nutrition Center — PetMD
- What’s in My Cat’s Food — VCA Hospitals