Can Cats Eat Bread? What You Need to Know About Feeding Bread to Your Cat

Even though cats are carnivores, they find a lot of different foods enticing and may try to snack on things you wouldn't normally feed them, including bread. But can cats eat bread? Knowing what might happen if your cat eats bread will put your mind at ease as a pet owner.

We talked to veterinarian Scott Huggins, DVM, a veterinarian at Farmina Pet Foods, about what considerations to keep in mind when it comes to sharing bread with your feline friend.

Is Bread Safe for Cats?

Yes, a small amount of bread is safe for cats to eat occasionally, but it shouldn't be a regular fixture in their diet.

"Although plain bread is not toxic to cats, it should not be given routinely to them, Eric Shreves, DVM, says. "A small amount rarely as a treat should be ok, but be very mindful of any additional ingredients that could be included in bread that are toxic to cats, like the raisins in raisin bread."

Bread, in its basic form, is made using flour, water, and oil—ingredients that aren't dangerous to cats— but most breads, especially store-bought breads, contain many other ingredients, not all of which are safe for cats.

Nutritional Content of Bread

The average slice of store-bought white bread contains a very small amount of vitamins, minerals, and protein, all of which are okay for cats in appropriate amounts. Despite this, bread also contains sugar, starch and carbohydrates, ingredients of which cats need very minimal amounts.

To summarize, bread is not a necessary component of any cat's diet. And any food outside of their regular cat food diet should be considered a treat and limited to only 10% of their diet.

Potential Health Risks

While small amounts of bread aren't considered overly harmful to your cat, eating large amounts of bread can cause some issues, including:

Gastrointestinal issues, like vomiting and diarrhea
Allergic reaction, like itchy skin
Obesity
Diabetes

Guidelines for Feeding Bread to Cats

If you want to share a small morsel of bread with your cat, first be sure it doesn't contain ingredients that can be toxic to cats in small amounts, such as:

Garlic
Onions
Chives
Chocolate
Raisins
Grapes

"Some cats may enjoy bread as a treat because of the texture and smell, Scott Huggins, DVM says. "Cats, however, don't traditionally eat a lot of carbohydrates so be aware that bread would be empty calories. Don't overdo it!"

Other Cat-Safe Foods

Bread isn't the most nutritious snack your cat could snack on, but there are plenty of options to choose from that pose more benefits than bread, including:

Blueberries
Apples
Pumpkin
Carrots

FAQ

Can bread be a regular part of a cat's diet?

While not typically harmful, bread should not be part of your cat's regular diet. Bread is not a necessary food for a cat, and if fed in large amounts, it can cause issues.
What should I do if my cat accidentally eats bread?

If your cat accidentally ate some plain bread, it is more than likely not a concern. However, if the bread contains ingredients that are toxic to cats such as raisins or chives, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Are there any types of bread that are safer than others?

Yes! Plain, white bread is the safest kind of bread for cats. If your cat has a habit of sneaking a bite of white bread, there is typically minimal risk involved, save for a potentially upset tummy.