Chia grass is a highly nutritious food that is safe for cats to eat. It is natural behavior for cats to eat grass, and it has many benefits for your cat. Chia grass and many other types of grass are primarily fed to cats who are suffering from digestive upset, however, there are many other reasons you should feed your cat chia grass.
This healthy grass does not typically have any side effects, and the benefits greatly outweigh the negatives. If you are interested in what this nutritious form of grass has to offer your cat, then this article has all the answers you need.
Is Chia Grass Safe for Cats To Eat?
Chia grass is not poisonous and can safely be eaten by your feline friend. Most cats will not have much of an interest in eating grass, but it does make a nutritious snack when they are feeling like they have an upset stomach. The most common reason cats eat grass is to help naturally induce vomiting and 25% of cats will vomit after eating any form of grass. Therefore, you may observe your cat eating grass when they are feeling unwell.
Chia grass is readily available and easy to grow indoors. Chia grass has many benefits and it is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, protein, and micronutrients which make it a good occasional snack for your cat. Due to this grasses’ vomit-inducing abilities in large quantities, it can help cats who have hairballs in their stomachs or help in the prevention of intestinal parasites.
What Happens If a Cat Eats Chia Grass?
Not much will usually happen if you feed your cat chia grass, however, there are some noticeable side effects that you should be aware of. Chia grass may be good for your cat’s digestive system in small amounts, but too much can cause your cat to suffer from a bout of mild diarrhea.
Chia grass also lacks essential nutrients that make this grass digestible for cats, so while it may be packed with vitamins and other minerals, most cats will have a difficult time digesting it.
It is also possible that some cats are allergic to chia seeds, mainly during the summer or spring months when the grass is producing the most seeds. This can trigger an allergic response in your cat, however, it is rare.
It is important to not feed your cat chia seeds or grass if they have diabetes, as it can have a sugar-boosting effect on their system. Chia seed oil may also lower a cat’s blood pressure or possibly interact with some medications if it has been consumed in large quantities.
Benefits of Chia Grass Or Seeds for Cats
- Chia seeds contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are ideal for cats suffering from joint and arthritis issues. The anti-inflammatory benefits help to reduce pain and mobility issues if it is used as a supplement.
- Chia seeds have a laxative effect, which can be fed to cats who are suffering from constipation.
- Chia grass is a form of natural fiber, so it can help bulk up your cats’ hairballs so that they pass from their system quickly.
- Chia seed oil is rich in fatty acids that are good for your cat’s coat and skin health.
- It’s a natural supplement for lowering a cat’s blood pressure if they are suffering from high blood pressure.
- The grass and seeds are rich in vitamins and antioxidants which are good for your cat’s body.
Final Thoughts
Both chia grass and its seeds are safe for cats to eat. Always consult your cat’s veterinarian before adding chia grass to your cat’s diet, especially if they have diabetes, take medication, or have abnormal blood pressure levels. Overall, chia grass can be a great food to introduce into your cat’s diet if you want to increase their fiber, vitamin, mineral, and fatty acid intake.
Most cats will not willingly eat chia grass on their own unless they are feeling sick, so you may have to add seeds or oil to your cat’s food. You also have the option of growing chia grass in indoor trays so that your cat can nibble at the grass when they feel like it, thus offering a form of natural enrichment and encouraging foraging.
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