Safe Veggies For Cats: Can Cats Eat Baked Beans?

Can cats eat baked beans? You may think so, but the truth about baked beans will shock you!

I remember the first time my cat smelled baked beans – they were purring around my legs, eager to get a bite. I thought it could not harm giving them some, and they gulped it down when I did. 

Disclaimer
IMPORTANT: At stuffaboutcats.com, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. However, the information found on stuffaboutcats.com should not be viewed as veterinary advice. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance.

Baked beans are a great source of fiber, protein, nutrients, and plant compounds. Why wouldn’t it be good for cats? What happens when cats eat baked beans? Should cats eat beans?

I answer these questions with knowledge from my cat’s first experience eating baked beans.

Can Cats Eat Baked Beans?

Baked beans themselves aren’t toxic to cats, but the condiments they’re cooked in may be harmful. 

This breakfast favorite comes packed, processed, and ready to eat. You can choose between savory, spicy, or a sweet variety, and it’s filled with proteins! 

If your cat gets a whiff of warmed-up baked beans, there’s a chance they’ll immediately show interest.

Everything that makes baked beans smell so good is why you shouldn’t give your cat any. The preservatives, sweeteners, and sauces can adversely affect your cat. 

Baked Beans Aren’t Good For Cats – Here’s Why!

Can cats eat canned black beans?

Canned baked beans are made of many things that can harm your cat.

 Xylitol

Xylitol is a common food sweetener that’s highly poisonous to cats. You’ll commonly find it in sweet baked beans.

If your cat ingests xylitol in just the wrong amount, it could be fatal. 

Salt

Your cat should never ingest large quantities of salt, and baked beans have a significant amount of it!

Salt can be highly toxic to cats and cause appetite loss, lethargy, dehydration, seizures, tremors, and even put your cat in a coma. In some cases, cats don’t recover from salt poisoning and die. 

Garlic and onion

You may not think much of these two ingredients, but both can harm your cat. Some cats will only experience adverse effects when they eat large quantities of it, while yours might develop issues after the first bite.

Garlic and onion can break down your cat’s red blood cells. 

When this happens, your cat may develop anemia. 

My Cat Ate Baked Beans – What Now?

Like me, you might give your cat some baked beans with good intentions. Small portions of it might not harm, but continuing to feed your cat this supposed “protein powerhouse” can lead to severe issues. My cat got the worse of it!

After eating baked beans, your cat may experience one or more of these common effects:

  • Excess gas
  • Intestinal discomfort
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Stomach ache

These are pretty manageable, even though your cat may feel uncomfortable. The more severe issues that baked beans can cause (some of which my cat experienced) are:

Acidic intolerance

Baked beans are acidic and can cause related issues for your cat. These problems include acid reflux, irritation in the digestive tract and mouth, and kidney dysfunction.

Pancreatitis

If your cat eats too much-baked beans, it can develop inflammatory bowel disease, leading to pancreatitis. Symptoms of pancreatitis include diarrhea, lethargy, appetite loss, and vomiting.

Cats with a mild case will quickly recover, but it can be fatal for your cat if they experience continued episodes of pancreatitis attacks.

Garlic or onion poisoning

If your cat has a high heart rate, is panting, seems weak, or you notice any blood in their urine, they might have garlic or onion poisoning. 

You should immediately take your cat to the vet when you notice any of these signs.

Should I Feed My Cat Beans?

Beans come in all shapes and sizes and have been labeled one of nature’s superfoods. They contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B9, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Potassium. 

Feeding your cat an occasional small portion of beans can be beneficial. Essentially, it’s a multivitamin for them. Because beans themselves aren’t toxic to cats, you can safely prepare them for your cat at home.

Prepare them like this:

  • Leave the beans in warm water overnight
  • Drain the water
  • Boil the beans in clean water until they’re soft and cooked through
  • Mash the beans and serve them as is, or mix them with dry or wet cat food

You should not add any sweeteners, salt, or sauces that can harm your cat. If you don’t want to mix the beans with cat food but still want to spice it up, you can add any of these to the plain beans:

  • Catnip
  • Catmint
  • Shredded Nori
  • Cilantro
  • Rosemary
  • Dill
  • Basil
  • Thyme

Remember that you should add any spices in moderation, and if you’ve never given it to your cat before, you should keep an eye on them for any strange behavior or symptoms that may indicate an intolerance to it. 

Mashing It Together

Cats can’t eat baked beans traditionally found in supermarkets, but you can safely prepare different beans for yours at home. Beans aren’t necessarily a protein powerhouse for your cat, but it still adds beneficial nutrients to their diet. 

When you serve your cat home-cooked beans in moderation, the worse thing they might end up with is a little bit of extra gas!

I hope this article helps you safely include beans in your cat’s diet. If you’re still uncertain about how to do it correctly, please ask your questions in the comment section for other valued community members and me to answer. 

Read more about The Ultimate Guide: Can Cats Eat Spinach?

FAQs

Can cats eat canned kidney beans?

Typically, cats don't like canned kidney beans, but it's perfectly safe for them to eat. You should always buy plain canned beans and only give them as an occasional snack. 

Can cats eat canned black beans?

Black beans won't harm your cat, but they can cause gas. Do not purchase black beans with any added flavorants.

Can cats eat Heinz baked beans?

You should not feed your cat Heinz baked beans. The artificial sweeteners and herbs on its ingredient list can cause gastrointestinal issues and even be fatal when your cat consumes too much of them.