Can Cats Eat Ground Beef? Everything You Need to Know

Can Cats Eat Ground Beef?

Beef contains numerous nutritional elements that cats can benefit from, including protein, iron, niacin, and phosphorus.

The food is also yummy and delectable, especially for our feline friends. And the fact that beef is essentially meat makes it all the more attractive to cats. That’s because cats require more animal-based products in their diets.

Like most meat products, beef comes in all shapes and sizes. There’s normal beef, canned beef, minced beef, ground beef, to mention but a few. Since cats can eat beef in general, is it okay for cats to eat ground beef?

Yes, cats can eat ground beef too. Ground beef offers all the health and nutritional benefits of beef in general. Besides, it’s easier to digest. 

But as with any food, it’s important to exercise caution while serving ground beef to your cat. Although ground beef generally doesn’t present immediate health concerns to cats, the food may turn out harmful if improperly prepared and carelessly served. 

This post examines everything there is to know about ground beef and cats. The article shall address the benefits of ground beef (and beef in general) for cats, possible issues with ground beef, how to prepare ground beef for your feline friend, among other areas.

What Should Cats Eat?

To determine if it’s a perfect idea to offer ground beef to your cat, it’s important to begin by understanding the specific foods that cats should eat. Indeed, every loving and responsible cat owner should be mindful about the quality of any food they share with their feline companions.

To establish the quality of cat food, you’d want to settle the following fundamental questions;

Is it safe?

Food is typically deemed safe if it doesn’t trigger immediate health concerns. For instance, spices like onions and garlic are considered unsafe for cats as they can induce severe medical complications even if consumed in relatively small quantities.

Is it healthy?

Food may be safe in the short run but unhealthy in the long run. A case in point is fatty animal products like pork. While cats might benefit from some of the nutritional elements in pork, the high fat content in the food could increase the animal’s risks of developing chronic illnesses.

Is it nutritious?

Anything considered cat food should contain a decent amount of nutritional compounds that the animal can enjoy. Animal protein is the most common nutrient that cats require in their diets.

Is it yummy?

This is a no-brainer. Your feline friend will only be able to enjoy his food if it’s delicious. That’s in contrast to humans who can consume certain food products exclusively for their health and nutritional benefits, even if such foods aren’t necessarily savory.

Now that we’ve reviewed the criterion for judging quality cat food, where does that leave ground beef?

Fortunately, ground beef checks all the boxes. The food is generally safe, healthy, nutritious, and even yummy for your cat.

As a matter of fact, cats are obligate carnivores. Their primary diet consists of 80% lean protein and 20% fat. Much of the lean protein in a cat’s diet comes from poultry and seafood, including chicken, turkey, and fish. However, ground beef also contains a decent supply of protein and essential fats.

But as we already mentioned, certain ground rules must be observed before sharing meat (ground or not) with your feline friend. Read on for more inspiration.

Last update on 2024-04-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Health Benefits of Ground Beef for Cats

A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of broiled, ground beef contains the following nutritional profile;

• Calories – 217
• Protein – 26.1 grams
• Carbohydrates – 0 grams
• Sugar – 0 grams
• Fats – 11.8 grams
• Fiber – 0 grams
• Water – 61 grams

The same serving of ground beef boasts a decent amount of vitamins and mineral elements. Examples include vitamins B3, B6 and B12, as well as iron, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus. There’s also creatine, taurine, glutathione, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and healthy cholesterol.

So, how exactly can your cat benefit from these nutrients?

1. Protein

More than a quarter of ground beef comprises animal protein. Animal protein contains all nine essential amino acids required for the growth and maintenance of muscles, tissues, blood, and bones.

As it forms the building blocks of muscles and tissues, ground beef is especially useful for cats battling age-related muscle wasting, as well as those recovering from disease or surgical procedures. Besides, every cat deserves stronger muscles for playing, hunting, or defending their turf.

2. Water

Up to 60% of ground beef is water. That’s one of the highest water concentrations for any meat product.

The high water content in ground beef might help to manage dehydration in cats. It’s particularly beneficial for cats who don’t seem to drink enough plain water.

Besides rehydrating your cat, water may also work synergistically with protein to help manage weight problems.

When consumed, water- and protein-rich foods create incredible filling effects while also inducing a sense of fullness for longer. Therefore, your cat ends up consuming smaller food portions but stays full for longer, which may ultimately help with weight management.

This is especially important considering that ground beef is also relatively high in fat, which is associated with weight problems.

Last update on 2024-04-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Fat

Fat is mostly synonymous with weight gain and various chronic illnesses, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. But this mainly applies to processed fat and not naturally-obtained animal fat.

The fat in ground beef plays numerous useful roles in a cat’s diet.

For starters, fat is known to add flavor to food. It’s the compound that gives ground beef its distinctive meaty aroma.

Fat also increases the calorie content in ground beef. Your cat’s body needs calories to perform various essential functions, including metabolism, digestion, respiration, etc.

Besides, ground beef is rich in a special type of fat known as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). CLA has been associated with numerous benefits, including weight loss. Other major fatty acids in ground beef include oleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid.

However, note that cats shouldn’t consume too much fat. Excess fat consumption may still induce harmful metabolic consequences in your cat.

The following are additional benefits of ground beef for cats, based on other nutritional elements in the meat;

a) Vitamin B3

Also known as niacin, vitamin B3 is noted for its ability to reduce blood pressure and manage type 1 diabetes. The mineral may also improve your cat’s coat while also boosting his brain function.

b) Vitamin B6

This vitamin is involved in the body’s blood formation processes. It also plays a role in enhancing energy metabolism.

c) Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 promotes blood formation. The vitamin is also involved in maintaining a healthy brain and nervous system.

d) Iron

The iron in ground beef mostly occurs in the heme form. Heme iron is noted for its ease of absorption and ability to protect against anemia.

Anemia is a medical condition marked by a reduction in the number of red blood cells, thereby reducing the ability to transport oxygenated blood to various body cells.

e) Zinc

Zinc supports the normal growth and development of body tissues and organs.

The mineral decreases the risks of preterm birth and congenital defects. That makes it particularly useful for expecting cats.

Zinc may also decelerate the progression of macular degeneration. Plus, it promotes a healthy heart and blood vessels while boosting your cat’s overall immunity.

f) Selenium

This trace element is a powerful antioxidant. It works synergistically with other antioxidants in ground beef, such as taurine and glutathione, to protect your cat from various chronic illnesses, including certain cancers and heart disease. Selenium is also required for thyroid health.

g) Phosphorus

Phosphorus is associated with healthy bones and teeth. The mineral also aids muscle recovery.

Phosphorus could also boost your cat’s ability to store and use his energy. Plus, it’s involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA.

Ground Beef Versus Normal Beef: Which Is Better For Cats?

We’ve just reviewed some of the top health and nutritional benefits of ground beef for cats. But as you shall find, the above-listed benefits also apply to normal beef.

So, why would you consider ground beef over regular beef?

Ease of digestion is the biggest advantage of ground beef over normal beef. Ground beef occurs in smaller, softer chunks that most cats find easier to digest. This is particularly useful for kittens with underdeveloped teeth or older cats whose teeth might have degenerated over time.

Reduced risks of choking is another benefit of ground beef over regular beef.

Normal beef could occur in larger chunks that might choke your cat. Remember that unlike humans, our feline friends do not take their time to chew their food. That only increases the risk of choking from huge beef chunks.

Besides, normal meat could harbor bone fragments, depending on the specific part of the cow the meat was obtained.

These bones might further increase choking risks. Even worse, the bone splinters may cause lacerations in your cat’s mouth or gut, leading to severe internal bleeding.

Is Raw Ground Beef Good for Cats

Having gone over the numerous benefits of ground beef for cats, you now have sufficient motivation to share ground beef with your feline friend. However, you could still be wondering whether to give your kitto raw ground beef or to cook the meat first. Like any cat owner in your situation, you might be wondering, ‘can I feed my cat raw ground beef?’

Now, it’s intuitive to imagine that cats can eat raw ground meat. After all, cats are obligate carnivores. Like their wild cousins, such as lions and leopards, the domestic cat can live exclusively on raw meat. But can the same be said about raw ground meat? Can cats have raw ground beef?

Cats can eat raw ground beef, alright. But they probably shouldn’t.

Proponents of raw ground beef for cats may argue that since the meat is raw, it abounds in essential minerals and vitamins that could otherwise be destroyed by cooking. That’s a valid point. However, there are certain reasons why experts discourage raw ground beef for cats.

Like any raw meat, raw ground beef could harbor harmful bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella.

It’s undeniably true that cats contain potent digestive juices that may combat the common bacteria in raw meat. But too much exposure to these pathogens could trigger a host of gastrointestinal complications, including vomiting and diarrhea. The worst part is that cats infected with salmonella or E. coli might end up infecting the entire household.

It’s also worth noting that raw ground beef contains a higher surface area than normal beef. A higher surface area only increases the risks of bacterial contamination.

Most importantly, remember that even store-bought ground beef could harbor harmful pathogens. In fact, most raw or undercooked beef products usually come with a disclaimer stressing on the need to cook the meat properly before serving it to your cat.

Another problem with raw ground beef is the fat content. That’s especially if the fat is untrimmed.

While ground beef is loaded with healthy fats, excess consumption might trigger diarrhea and long-term issues like obesity and heart disease.

Last but not least, there are always risks of allergy to be wary of.

Cats are creatures of habit. If your feline friend has been eating regular beef all his life, a sudden introduction of ground meat might trigger some allergic reactions. Common symptoms of allergy include gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.

So, can cats eat raw ground beef?

Based on the issues we’ve raised here, it’s evident that cats shouldn’t eat raw ground beef. Your best bet is to cook the meat first before sharing it with your kitto.

Last update on 2024-04-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Do Cats Like Raw Ground Beef?

The fact that raw ground beef is potentially harmful to cats doesn’t mean your feline friend won’t sneak a bite behind your back. The signature meaty taste of raw ground beef is sure enough to attract your cat.

Therefore, it’s important to keep raw ground beef out of your cat’s sight and reach. Consider storing the meat in the refrigerator or in tightly sealed cans.

Now, it’s not unusual to come across a distraught cat owner wondering, ‘my cat ate raw ground beef, what should I do?’

The first thing to do if you discover that your cat has eaten raw ground beef is to determine the quantity consumed. That will clue you in on the severity of symptoms to expect.

Monitor the animal for immediate side effects like vomiting and diarrhea. You can manage these symptoms effectively by rehydrating the cat.

But if the symptoms persist for a couple of hours, take your cat to the vet for professional checkup. Be sure to inform the vet of the estimated quantity of raw ground beef your feline friend consumed and the duration from the time of exposure.

Can Cats Have Cooked Ground Beef?

Cats can definitely have cooked ground beef. In fact, pet nutritionists recommend cooking ground beef before sharing it with your cat.

The biggest advantage of cooking is that it helps destroy any bacteria in raw meat. Cooking also softens the meat, making it even easier for cats to chew and digest. But perhaps the most important thing to note is how to cook ground beef for cats.

So, how do you make ground beef for cats?

The best way to cook ground beef for cats is to boil or steam the meat.

Generally, you should consider cooking methods that don’t involve the usage of spices like onions and garlic. Spices are considered highly toxic for pets. Onions and garlic, in particular, are associated with a severe form of anemia known as Heinz body hemolytic anemia.

Maybe you’ve always wondered, can cats eat seasoned ground beef?

As we’ve just mentioned, seasoned ground beef is potentially harmful for cats.

It’s also recommended to avoid adding too much salt or fat while cooking ground beef for cats. Remember that ground beef is already relatively high in fat.

Here’s a brief procedure on how to prepare ground meat for your cat;

1. Find quality beef.
2. Cook the meat until you achieve a temperature of around 165 degrees Fahrenheit (73.9 degrees Celsius).
   NB: Avoid spices, condiments, or fat.
3. When the meat is done, reduce the heat and let it cool down.
4. Finally, serve the cooked ground beef to your cat.

This is where you’ll need to determine the correct portions.

The right amount of ground beef to feed your cat mainly depends on factors like the animal’s age and body weight, and whether he’s having the food for the first time.

Generally, a 10-pound cat requires 300 calories per day. Considering that a 100-gram serving of ground meat contains 217 calories, a 10-pound cat can consume around 150 grams of ground beef per day.

However, this calculation makes more sense if your cat only consumes ground beef (which shouldn’t be the case). If you factor in other calorie-rich foods, you’ll realize that a 10-pound cat may only need around 80 grams of ground beef daily.

The portions should be even smaller for kittens and cats eating ground beef for the first time.

Other Frequently Asked Questions About Cats and Ground Beef

Can Kittens Eat Raw Ground Beef?

Raw ground beef is harmful for cats in general. That makes it even more dangerous to kittens, considering that kittens have more sensitive stomachs than their adult counterparts.

Is Raw Hamburger Good For Cats?

Hamburger meat is similar to ground beef. Therefore, cats shouldn’t eat raw hamburgers for the same reasons they shouldn’t consume raw ground beef.

If you’re a fan of hamburgers and are also a proud cat owner, you’ll occasionally find yourself wondering, will raw hamburger meat hurt a cat?

Yes, raw hamburgers may induce gastrointestinal complications due to an abundance of pathogens. Besides, raw hamburgers might contain other ingredients considered toxic for cats, such as salts and spices.

Can cats eat cooked hamburger meat then?

If you must share a hamburger with your cat, ensure you cook it first.

Can I Feed My Cat Cooked Minced Beef?

Yes, cats can eat cooked minced beef. Just be sure to boil or steam the minced meat before sharing it with your kitto. Also, avoid spices, condiments, and fats.

Can Cats Eat Canned Ground Beef?

Canned beef can be cooked or uncooked. Cooked can beef is safe and healthy for cats. However, you shouldn’t give your cat uncooked canned food.

Can Bengal Cats Have Ground Beef?

All cats can eat ground beef, regardless of the breed. Just remember to prepare the food properly before giving it to your Bengal.

Wrap Up

Ground beef packs numerous health and dietary benefits that cats can enjoy. But like any cat food, ground beef is only beneficial to cats if properly cooked and moderately served.

Avoid giving your cat raw ground beef at all costs. Raw ground beef comes with inherent dangers, including bacterial contamination.

Checkout Our Favorite Cat Products

1. Best Online Course For Cat Parents
Our favorite: The Cat Language Bible (How to Finally Understand And Speak to Your Cat) – A new form of cat to human communication that many cat owners have dreamed about… but few have actually thought possible.

2. Best Immune Support For Cats
Our favorite: Tomlyn Immune Support – Best Supplement for Cats and Kittens.

3. Best Cat Treats
Our favorites: LIFE ESSENTIALS All Natural Freeze Dried Chicken And Sheba Meaty Tender Sticks – Both are Great.