They aren’t that healthy for you, but can cats eat McDonald’s fries? In this article, I reveal if cats can benefit from this fast treat!
McDonald’s fries are crunchy, full of flavor, and the perfect snack when you’re on the road! If you like to eat it on a lazy night at home, you’ve probably seen your kitty whiff in your direction.
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In this article, I share the ingredients your favorite fast-food fries contain and whether your cat can have a bite with you!
McDonald’s Fries – What’s In It?
A quick search on the web can deliver some confusing results, so I had to dig deep to find out what McDonald’s fries are really made of.
While official websites claim that their fries are made from less than five ingredients, an analysis showed otherwise.
McDonald’s fries contain 9 ingredients (give or take), and here’s what they are:
- Potatoes
- Oil
- Beef flavoring
- Citric acid
- Dimethylpolysiloxane
- Dextrose
- Sodium acid pyrophosphate
- TBHQ
- Salt
These ingredients blend together to create a crispy, golden-yellow french fry that many people enjoy!
Can Cats Eat McDonald’s French Fries?
Yes, cats can eat french fries from McDonald’s, but only in moderation. If you give your cat a bite of your fry, they won’t drop dead. But after eating a few, they may experience some discomfort.
I suggest making french fries at home if you really want your kitty to have some. Besides, it will be healthier for you too!
A Breakdown Of McDonald’s French Fry Ingredients And Their Safety For Cats
Let’s look at each ingredient individually:
Potatoes
Cats will be fine when eating plain-cooked potatoes in small amounts. The emphasis here is on plain and cooked.
Fried potatoes can soak up a lot of oil, and any added spices may upset your cat’s digestive system.
Oil
Only a few oils are safe for cats to consume, including avocado oil, coconut oil, and fish oil.
If other oils are used to make McDonald’s French fries, your cat may experience gastrointestinal upset from it since the fries soak up a lot of oil during the frying process.
Beef Flavouring
The oil used to make McDonald’s french fries are laced with chemical flavoring to imitate the beef tallow originally used in the recipe.
Although cats are carnivores, this chemical flavoring may harm them.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is safe for human consumption but can lead to a terrible stomach upset when cats consume it. They may also experience some burns in their digestive tract.
Dimethylpolysiloxane
Dimethylpolysiloxane is an anti-foaming agent approved as safe for human consumption.
However, your cat may experience some issues from consuming it.
Dextrose
Dextrose has no nutritional benefits for cats and can harm them in a similar way as sugar when consumed for prolonged periods.
Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate
Sodium acid pyrophosphate can be toxic to cats.
It’s often used in cat food to enhance its flavor, but you should steer clear of brands that do this. Prolonged ingestion of this flavor enhancer can cause damage to your cats.
TBHQ
TBHQ is a preservative used in McDonald’s french fries that can be harmful to your cat when consumed in large quantities.
Salt
McDonald’s French Fries use a ton of salt, and even in small amounts, salt can leave your cat feeling dehydrated.
It is one of the most commonly warned against ingredients. Salt poisoning is real, and many cats have suffered from it before.
How To Make Cat-Safe French Fries
You can make french fries at home that will be perfectly safe for your kitty to eat. The best part is that you only need one or two ingredients, but you can change the recipe as you’d like!
To make french fries for your cat, use potatoes and either a cat-safe oil or an air fryer!
You should cook the potatoes beforehand and only fry them in the oil for a little bit. You can also add safe spices for cats to consume, like thyme or catnip.
Alternatively, pop the potato fries in your air fryer for a no-oil version that’s nothing but healthy. The fries will still crisp up, and your cat will love them!
How Much French Fries Can Cats Eat?
Cats all react differently to human foods, so it’s best to start with only one french fry. Look out for signs of discomfort and an upset tummy to know if your cat doesn’t tolerate it well.
If they do, you can treat them with a large homemade french fry or two every week!
Potatoes are a good source of fiber, so if your kitty has any digestive issues like constipation, potatoes may actually help relieve this. It’s also an excellent addition for cats who need to lose weight because it will help them stay fuller for longer.
In Ending
Potatoes aren’t bad for cats, but the way they’re prepared makes the difference. If you add a lot of spices, salt, and oil, your cat will experience discomfort, an upset digestive system, and in some cases, even salt poisoning.
I recommend making your own fries and only using a good quality potato that’s been thoroughly washed and checked for green spots.
I hope this article was helpful and that you now know how to safely include your cat in your fast-food nights! If you have any other questions, pop them in the comments.
Can cats eat McDonald's chicken nuggets?
Chicken nuggets from McDonald's won't kill your cat, but they may trigger allergies.
If you really want to feed them a small piece, peel off the top layer and only serve the flesh.
Can cats eat McDonald's hamburgers?
No.
You should not feed your cat McDonald's hamburgers since the meat is laced with additives that can harm your cat, and the other burger toppings could potentially be toxic.
Can cats eat fast food?
No.
Cats should not eat processed foods. These contain excess fat, salt, and sugar that all pose a risk to your cat's health.
Is fried chicken okay for cats?
Cats can occasionally eat fried chicken.
I suggest making some for them at home and frying it in an oil that's good for cats, like avocado, coconut, or fish oil. Alternatively, use an air fryer.
Read more about Is Cooked Chicken Good For Cats?