The short answer: Yes, but in limited amounts.
The long answer: Beef is meat sourced from cattle. It is known for being a good source of protein, cholesterol, and fat. As obligate carnivores, cats rely on animal-derived meat to function at their best, so they can eat beef as long as it is the lean part. However, beef should only be given to cats in limited amounts since it is fattier than other meat sources. More importantly, it should be prepared and cooked correctly.
Uncooked beef such as raw mince should never be fed to your cat because of the bacteria that may be found in it. Common symptoms of bacterial infection include vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, urinary distress, fever, and excessive thirst.
How to feed beef to your cat: Cook beef to an internal temperature of 145°F, and ground beef to 165°F before allowing your cat to consume it. When preparing beef for your pet, never add any flavourings or sauces that may be toxic for her. Garlic, onion, and salt are three common kitchen ingredients that are considered harmful for cats.
Here are three ideas for beef treats your cat will love:
- You only need five ingredients for a chunky meat and rice meal.
- Use ground beef, brown rice, alfalfa sprouts, and cottage cheese for this dinner recipe.
- Beef broth will add flavour to a wet meal featuring tinned mackerel.
In summary: Containing essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and selenium, beef is a welcome addition to your cat’s diet. As long as it is prepared properly and given to her in moderation, cooked lean beef can help improve your cat’s heart, eyesight, and reproductive system.
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