Can dogs or cats eat grits?
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Can dogs eat grits?
So you're enjoying a bowl of classic Southern-style grits, and your dog is eyeing you with that "Can I try?" look. Hold on, dog parents—while grits themselves can be a dog-friendly snack, the Southern-style preparation loaded with fats is a no-go for your pup. Let's focus on "plain and small bites."
Grits are made from corn, which has some perks like carbs for energy and essential fatty acids for a shiny coat. Plus, they're easy on the tummy when cooked. But before you start serving up a grits buffet, remember: moderation is the name of the game. Dogs need protein-packed meals, and too many grits can throw that balance off.
And let's talk about the extras—butter, seasonings, you name it. Keep those on your plate, not theirs. Added flavours mean added sodium and fats, which are a no-go for your dog's health.
So, if you're thinking of sharing some grits, make sure they're plain and served in small amounts. And as always, keep an eye out for any signs of allergies or tummy troubles the first time around.
If your dog eats grits and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, dog insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.
Can dogs eat...
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Can cats eat grits?
You're enjoying a classic dish of grits, and your feline friend seems intrigued. Can you share a spoonful with your kitty? The short answer is yes, but with some caveats. Let's dive in.
Grits themselves aren't toxic to cats and even pack some nutrients like vitamin B6 and iron. But let's get real—your cat is a meat lover at heart. Their dietary needs are all about high protein, and grits just can't deliver on that front. Too much of this corn-based dish and you're setting your kitty up for a nutritional miss, not to mention the risk of tipping the scales.
If you're thinking of jazzing up your cat's food bowl with some grits, ease it in slowly to keep their tummy happy. And skip the butter and seasonings; your cat doesn't need that kind of culinary adventure.
If your cat eats grits and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, cat insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.
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Information purposes only
The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian.
Pet poison emergency protocol
If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the Animal Poison Line (01202 50 9000).
Food safety statuses
Could be given almost daily without harm
Not toxic, but should not be given regularly
Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet