Yes, cats can eat grits in moderation as an occasional treat. Grits are a popular dish in the American South made from ground, dried corn.
They are typically cooked in milk, water, or broth until they reach a thick, creamy consistency.
Grits are not toxic to cats, but they are not a complete and balanced diet for them either. Therefore, they should only be fed to cats sparingly and as a supplement to their regular cat food.
What are Grits?
Grits are made from dent corn, which is a type of corn that has a soft, starchy kernel. Dent corn is different from the sweet corn that we usually eat as a vegetable. Grits can be made from either yellow or white corn, depending on the variety of dent corn used.
Marketed grits include:
- Stone-ground grits: These are coarsely milled from dried maize kernels. They cook slower but taste better than ordinary grits.
- Hominy grits: These are alkaline-soaked maize kernels. Dry kernels are mashed into grits.
- Simple grits: These are prepared from maize kernels without the hull or germ, which are nutrient-rich. They last longer than stone-ground grits but have less taste and nutrients.
- Instant grits: Boiling water prepares these precooked, dried grits. They’re the easiest but least healthy grits.
Nutritional Value of Grits
Grits contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit your cat’s health. One-quarter cup (41 grams) of cooked, regular grits provides the following nutrients:
- Calories: 182
- Protein: 4 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Carbs: 38 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Folate: 18% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Thiamine: 18% of the DV
- Niacin: 13% of the DV
- Riboflavin: 11% of the DV
- Iron: 8% of the DV
- Magnesium: 4% of the DV
- Zinc: 4% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 4% of the DV
Can Cats Digest Grits?
Cats can digest grits, but grains and carbs are difficult for them. Cats must eat meat and fat to live. They can only digest meat.
Cats lack enzymes that break down maize starches and sugars. Thus, excessive grits might induce diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and bloating in cats. If your cat eats more than they burn, obesity and diabetes may result.
Health Benefits of Grits for Cats
Cats may benefit from a balanced diet of grits. Benefits include:
- Energy supply: Carbohydrate-rich grits might give your cat fast energy. However, cats don’t require many carbohydrates, so minimize grits.
- Immunity boost: Carotenoids and phenolic substances in grits protect cat cells against oxidative damage and inflammation. Antioxidants boost your cat’s immunity and prevent illnesses.
- Brain support: Grits provide brain-healthy B vitamins such as folate, thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin. B vitamins generate neurotransmitters, control mood, and protect cognition.
- Healthier blood: Grits provide iron and folate for your cat’s blood. Folate and iron help your cat create red blood cells and oxygenate its tissues.
Potential Risks of Feeding Grits to Cats
Grits are safe for cats, but too much or too frequently might be hazardous. Some hazards are:
- Triggering allergies: Some cats are sensitive to maize or other grits components like milk, cheese, or butter. Stop feeding your cat grits if it itches, sneezes, coughs, or swells.
- Nutrient imbalance: Protein and fat, cats’ major nutrition, are low in grits. Too much grits may dilute your cat’s diet and produce nutritional imbalances.
- Obesity and diabetes risk increase: Grits are heavy in calories and carbohydrates, which might cause your cat to gain weight and have high blood sugar if they consume too much. Your cat’s risk of heart disease, arthritis, and renal failure increases with obesity and diabetes.
How Much Grits Can Cats Eat?
Your cat may like grits, but don’t feed them often. Feeding your cat grits should not exceed 10% of their daily calories. An average 10-pound (4.5-kg) cat needs 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of cooked grits each day.
Feed your cat plain, unsalted grits. Avoid garlic, onion, chocolate, raisins, and xylitol, which may hurt your cat. Cheese or meat in little quantities might make grits more enticing and healthful for your cat.
Before giving your cat grits, check with your vet to be sure they’re healthy. If your cat shows indications of discomfort or intolerance, stop giving them grits.
