Can Cats Eat Donuts? Vet-Reviewed Nutritional Facts & FAQ

Many cats are clingy and are interested in everything their owner does, especially eating. So, if you are snacking on a delicious doughnut, your cat might be nosing around, acting like they want a bite, especially if it has a strong aroma or colorful sprinkles!

Luckily, most donuts are largely non-toxic for cats, but it greatly depends on additional ingredients for each flavor. Let’s get the full scoop on why you should avoid serving donuts to your cat.

Donut Nutrition—or Lack Thereof

We probably don’t have to tell you that donuts are not the healthiest snacks. They are full of oil, sugar, and flour, which are only the primary ingredients. That doesn't include the laundry list of toppings you can add to them.

Even humans shouldn’t eat them too often since they are not very nutritious. The same extends to our feline friends because they cannot benefit from any ingredient in donuts. Depending on the toppings on the donut, they can be quite dangerous for them to consume.

Luckily, most cats aren't attracted to the sweet dough or toppings. There is not much that would draw them in, given that they usually are attracted to savory tastes over sweet ones. However, adventurous felines, especially hungry ones, are less likely to ignore donuts if they have access to them.

Donuts Are Full of Empty Calories

You have heard the term empty calories, but what does it really mean? Essentially, it means that there are no beneficial nutrients in a food, just calories that will add to weight gain. Donuts contain flour, sugar, butter, and many other sweet ingredients.

Then, they are deep-fried, which increases the fat and calories.  Cats shouldn’t have any of the ingredients in a donut since they are carnivores and only need meat to survive. While they can handle a moderate amount of starches, they don't need carb-heavy treats but should eat high-quality commercial cat food.

Donuts & Dangerous Toppings

Chocolate

Chocolate is a common donut topping, and some donuts are made out of a chocolate batter. If your cat consumes chocolate, it is crucial that you call the poison pet helpline or contact your veterinarian right away. If they display any symptoms of illness, it is essential to know what to look for and seek medical help immediately.

Dairy

Even though it is a common misconception they love milk, most cats are lactose intolerant. Sure, they will beg for a saucer of milk and drink it without hesitation, but they are attracted to milk-based products because of the fat. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s good for them. Dairy products can cause gastrointestinal issues and diarrhea.

Eggs

Some cats don’t have an issue with eggs. They can make your pet's coat incredibly silky and smooth when given in moderation. However, some cats are sensitive to it and should not eat food containing egg products.

Spices

Cats can be very sensitive to spices that humans eat without problems. Some ingredients to avoid giving your cat include cinnamon and nutmeg. Both are toxic to cats.

Cat Taste Buds Can’t Detect Sweetness

Did you know that cats can’t taste anything sweet? They don't have taste buds capable of detecting sweet flavors. However, the saying, “curiosity killed the cat” wasn’t invented out of thin air. Cats are notoriously inquisitive creatures, and some will sample sweet treats because they're fascinated by them.

Better Options for Cat Treats

Cats shouldn’t generally eat human food. It’s best to serve a high-quality commercial brand to your cat, limit the number of treats, and keep hazardous human cuisine away from them. After all, what might seem harmless to us can be incredibly dangerous to our feline friends.

You can give them the occasional boiled meat or dehydrated snack, but make sure they are treats and not full meals. Although some commercial cat treats are loaded with carbohydrates and additives, it's not difficult to find brands that produce healthy snacks primarily composed of beef, chicken, or turkey. An experienced veterinarian can help you find the right treats.

Final Thoughts

We are sure you were disappointed to find out that you should not share your donuts with your cat. Keep in mind that even though the primary ingredients (in the dough) are not toxic, cats should not eat donuts. That is especially true if they have harmful toppings like chocolate or nuts.