Cats can eat cooked meats like chicken, beef and pork. You may think that because of this, they can also eat chorizos too – because isn’t chorizo mostly meat anyway? Well, the answer is no – chorizos are not suitable for cats. Keep reading to find out why.
Ingredients in chorizo
Chorizos can be found in Spanish, Mexican and Portuguese dishes. It is a type of sausage with its origins in the Iberian Peninsula of Europe. There are different varieties of chorizo for each region, but two popular styles are discussed below.
Spanish style chorizos
Spanish chorizos are made from chopped pork and its fat, together with paprika, garlic, salt, white wine and other herbs. The type of paprika seasoning can determine if the sausage is spicy or sweet in flavor. Spanish chorizos are usually cured and smoked. They are ready to eat after slicing (perfect for tapas) and can also benefit from pan frying, stewing, baking or grilling (great in stews and paella).
Mexican style chorizos
Mexican chorizos are quite distinct from their Spanish counterparts in that they can be made from pork, beef, chicken and other meats. The meat is often ground, rather than chopped. Spicy red peppers are also used in place of paprika for seasoning, and vinegar is used instead of white wine. Perhaps the biggest distinction is that Mexican chorizos are sold raw and need to be cooked before serving. The sausage casing can also be inedible and require removal before cooking.
Can cats have chorizo?
No, cats should not have chorizo. And the reasoning lies in the ingredients:
- Garlic is common in many chorizos and is toxic to cats. Other plants from the Allium family (onions, leeks, chives etc.) are as well. Anemia (lack of red blood cells) is one possible consequence of Allium poisoning.
- Chili peppers in Mexican chorizos can give your cat an upset stomach.
- Chorizos often have a high fat content (from pork fat) which can be unhealthy. Fatty food is considered by some to cause pancreatitis.
- High sodium levels in the sausage can cause thirst and dehydration. Cats need less salt than humans do in their diet.
Chorizos are a protein source, which can be beneficial to your cat. However the above concerns outweigh the benefits of including it in your cat’s diet.
Conclusion
Keep your cat a happy cat, and avoid chorizos altogether. Chorizos are a human food, and while we may be able to handle the ingredients, your cat may not. There are healthier alternatives out there for your cat, and your cat will happier if you choose those instead!
