Guava is a popular fruit for various reasons. It’s no shocker that humans delight in and derive nutrients from this tropical fruit. But what about feline companions? Can they eat guava? And if so, do they get any nutritional reward from the fruit itself?
As you likely already know, cats are obligate carnivores that only require animal content to survive. In commercial cat diets, there are fruits and vegetables, but their primary food source is meat. However, cats can have guava without any major consequences.
It is non-toxic to them and won’t pose any immediate health risk. But there are things you should know!
Cats Can Sample Guava
So, can cats eat guava? Yes, in small quantities, guava is safe for cats. However, it is not a natural part of their diet, and you should keep servings to a minimum.
Since cats don’t have any sweet taste receptors, it can also not really attract cats since it offers them nothing that they would eat in their normal diet. However, some cats might be drawn to the guava fruit for individual reasons.
So, if your cat has shown interest in this fruit or sampled some off of your plate, they are perfectly safe.
Check with your Vet
Before introducing any new food item you’re unsure about to your cat’s diet, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian first. They can give you the green light based on your cat’s dietary needs and medical history.
Guava Nutrition Facts
| Amount Per: 1 average guava | |
| Calories: | 37 |
| Fat: | 0.5 g |
| Sodium: | 1 mg |
| Carbohydrates: | 8 g |
| Fiber: | 3 g |
| Sugar: | 5 g |
| Protein: | 1 g |
Benefits of Guava
Surprisingly, guava can have quite a few health benefits for your cat. Keep in mind your cats are obligate carnivores which means they don’t need a lot of plant material to keep them healthy. But guava, among many other plants, can have its upsides.
Pectin Can Relieve Diarrhea
Guava contains a decent amount of pectin. Pectin is a known antidiarrheal component that may help your cat with issues. If your cat is having diarrhea, ensure you also speak with your vet for professional advice.
Guava Contains Lycopene
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals and helps prevent cell damage.
Guava Contains a Lot of Potassium
Potassium helps its counterpart, sodium, create proper fluid levels in and out of the cells.
Downfalls of Guava for Cats
As with any upside, there will always be a downside when serving anything to your cats outside of their normal diet. Here are some things to remember when you serve your cats guava.
Cats Can’t Taste Sweetness
This might come as a surprise to you. But cats have no sweet taste receptors at all. You might wonder why that is. It is because cats have historically eaten meat for sustenance and had no reason to develop the capability of tasting sweetness throughout history.
That means that when you serve them something sweet, they can’t enjoy it the same way that a human would. For this reason, it’s almost pointless for cats to eat guava because they can’t enjoy the taste.
Cats Are Obligate Carnivores
Cats are strictly carnivores. Their foods are now filled with various fruits, vegetables, and other fillers. However, they are still carnivores at heart, and don’t necessarily need fruits such as guava for a healthy diet.
Guava Can Cause Gastrointestinal Upset
As with any other sugar-filled fruit, guava can cause diarrhea if it’s eaten in large quantities. That is why limiting your cat’s intake is best to ensure they don’t have any negative repercussions.
How to Serve Guava to Cats
If you choose to serve guava to your cats, you will want to do so in moderation and by preparing the fruit appropriately. It’s best to remove the skin and as many seeds as you can to prevent choking.
Cut it up into small pieces and serve it to your cat. You can mix it in with their regular food or serve it as a standalone snack. If it’s by itself, your cat may or may not show interest in it. It will depend on their individual palate and interest.
Conclusion
So now you know that guava is not only safe for your cat, but it can actually have its fair share of benefits. However, it would be best if you always offered it to your cat in moderation to avoid any gastrointestinal upset. Keep in mind that cats cannot taste sweetness and, therefore, cannot fully indulge in the flavor of guava.
However, it still has its nutritional perks. So if your cat shows interest, there’s no reason why you can’t serve up a bit for them to munch on.
Featured Image Credit: RealityImages, Shutterstock
