Can Cats Eat Chicken Nuggets?

Can cats eat Chicken Nuggets? No, cats should not eat Chicken Nuggets because the ingredients used in making these breaded chicken are bad for them. Aside from salt, spices like garlic powder are added which can cause anemia in cats. Since these are fried, cooking oil can also lead to vomiting and diarrhea if consumed regularly.

If you enjoy munching on Chicken Nuggets while binge-watching your favorite TV series, you might be asking, “Can my cat eat Chicken Nuggets as well?” While chicken is rich in protein, it’s safer to keep Chicken Nuggets away from your kitty because these are high in fat and cholesterol. 

The same is true with chicken skin which contains higher levels of cholesterol. If you’re tempted to give in to your cat begging for Chicken Nuggets, one piece won’t harm him. But it’s still best if you avoid giving this as a cat treat. Read this article to find out if these are safe and if there are healthier alternatives to Chicken Nuggets. 

Can Cats Have Chicken Nuggets?

No, cats should not have Chicken Nuggets. To answer your question – can I give my cat Chicken Nuggets? I’d like to share with you the nutritional profile of one (1) piece of Chicken Nugget that I found from a reliable source on the internet. 

• A single piece of Chicken Nugget contains 108 mg of sodium. FYI, the daily recommended allowance of sodium for adult cats is only 42 mg. 
• A single piece of Chicken Nugget does not provide a good amount of protein. Our cats require 12.5 grams each day but one (1) piece of Chicken Nugget only contains 2.88 grams. 

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So, instead of treating your kitty to some human Chicken Nuggets, why don’t you choose a healthier pet Chicken Nugget?

I’d like to introduce to you the Primal Nuggets For Cats. Unlike Chicken Nuggets from grocery stores or your favorite fast-food chains, the Primal Cat Food Nuggets are made from carefully sourced and human-grade ingredients like free-range chickens.  

These chickens are leaner and contain more protein, making them healthier and safer for our cats. 

Nutritional Profile of Chicken Nugget (1 piece or 20 grams)

Name, Unit	Amount
Calories, cal	52.2
Sodium, mg	108
Carbohydrate, g	3.24
Sugar, g	0.254
Total fat, g	15.4
Protein, g	2.88
Iron, mg	0.286
Calcium, mg	7.7
Magnesium, mg	7
Phosphorus, mg	42.6
Potassium, mg	56.2
Vitamin A, mcg	3.2
Vitamin B6, mg	0.066
Vitamin C, mg	0
Fiber, g	0.14

What Are Chicken Nuggets? 

Chicken Nugget is a food item made up of mostly seasoned ground chicken breast that is molded into rectangular bite-sized pieces. Some are mixed with other chicken parts such as the skin, connective tissues, ground chicken bones, and nerves. 

Other ingredients include powdered milk, salt, and grain fillers. It is battered and fried then served with a dipping sauce.

Chicken Nuggets became popular starting in the 1980s with McDonald’s McNugget but was first concocted by a food scientist named Robert C. Baker in a laboratory at Cornell University in the 1960s. The professor then sent the recipe to various companies for wider production.

According to researchers, most Chicken Nuggets in the market today contain not much chicken meat at all but an assortment of other ingredients like grain fillers, chicken bone shards, connective tissue, and various preservatives. 

These contain more fat than protein which could lead to some health issues if consumed regularly. 

Being obligate carnivores, our cats mainly get their energy from a meat-based diet. So, as a protein source, can a cat eat a Chicken Nugget? What benefits does a cat eating Chicken Nuggets receive from this food item? Let’s find out. 

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Can I Feed My Cat Chicken Nuggets?

No, to avoid health problems associated with high sodium intake, high calories, and fats, do not give Chicken Nuggets as a cat food or cat treat. 

Instead, you can give freeze-dried cat food that has the right balance of all the essential vitamins and minerals that our cats need to remain strong.

This is the Primal Pet Foods Freeze-Dried Feline Chicken And Salmon Formula. Also, this cat food does not contain allergens like soy and corn, making it highly digestible. 

Are Chicken Nuggets Bad For Cats?

Yes, Chicken Nuggets are bad for cats. They have a reputation for being unhealthy due to the high sodium content and the presence of other fillers. 

While it may be a source of protein, is Chicken Nugget cat safe and what are the risks of feeding cat Nuggets regularly to their health? 

Here are the seven (7) reasons why Chicken Nuggets are bad for cats. 

1. Fat

One of the reasons why Nugget cat is bad is its high-fat content. One (1) piece of Chicken Nugget contains around almost 16 grams of fat which could easily increase their fat intake in addition to the regular cat food they consume. 

Cats need a good amount of fat in their diet but regularly feeding them Chicken Nuggets can eventually lead to obesity and hypertension.

2. Breading

The breading mixture used to coat a Chicken Nugget is a combination of bleached wheat flour, corn flour, and vegetable starches that boost the crispiness of the breading as it is deep-fried. 

These are carbohydrates that your cat does not require in their diet since they get their energy from proteins. Excess carbohydrates only get converted into fats which can lead to feline obesity.

3. Sodium

The salt in Chicken Nuggets is found not just in the meat but in the breading as well. Studies show that an average 6-piece serving can contain as much as 600 mg of salt which is high enough for humans let alone for cats. 

While sodium is essential to your cat’s diet for proper muscle cell and nerve function, excess sodium could lead to dehydration and cellular damage.

4. Preservatives

Many Chicken Nugget products in the market contain preservatives such as tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) that prevent the nugget from getting rancid. These also have dimethylpolysiloxane which acts as an anti-foaming agent. 

Long-term consumption of these preservatives is known to be cancerous precursors that can damage the DNA. 

5. Oil

Chicken Nuggets are deep-fried in hydrogenated vegetable oil which the batter and the meat absorb. This increases the amount of saturated fat your cat consumes. 

Plus the high caloric intake may eventually cause unwanted weight gain and other diseases associated with it if consumed regularly. 

Deep-fried foods can also cause diarrhea or vomiting if consumed in large amounts.

6. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Monosodium glutamate is added to enhance the umami flavor of Chicken Nuggets. Foods containing MSG can hurt your cat such as diarrhea and vomiting especially when consumed in large amounts. 

7. Spices

Aside from salt, Chicken Nuggets also have garlic and onion powder as flavorings. These contain disulfide and thiosulphate compounds which damage the red blood cells leading to anemia.

A good Chicken Nugget pet or cat Chicken Nugget pet alternative I would recommend is the Primal Freeze Dried Cat Food or Primal Raw Cat Food. These are specially formulated for cats with a high meat content with no grain components and synthetic ingredients.

Is Chicken Nuggets Good For Cats?

When it comes to choices, Chicken Nuggets made for human consumption are not a good choice for our cats. But I will not discount the fact that chickens are high in protein. 

So, if you decide to give your kitty Chicken Nuggets occasionally in whatever form, be it cat shaped Chicken Nuggets, here are the good reasons:

1. Excellent source of protein

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning, they do not eat plant produce like corn and wheat. Looking at our cats’ teeth, we can see that these are designed to chew on animal meat. 

While cats are more attracted to on preying small live birds and not chickens, that doesn’t mean they cannot eat chicken. As a matter of fact, any type of cooked chicken is okay for them as long as it’s unseasoned. 

That said, Chicken Nuggets can be a source of protein for our fur babies but should only be given very seldom because these are full of spices. 

But as a cat mom, I always search for safer options for pet nugget. My friend who owns a Mink Ragdoll told me about Primal Frozen Raw Cat Food or Primal Raw Cat which is available in six (6) flavors. 

The Primal Raw Nuggets For Cats are very easy to serve. I just add water to rehydrate the nuggets and serve this nutritious food to my kitty. 

2. Highly digestible

Digestible foods like Chicken Nuggets play a major role in the absorption of nutrients. Highly digestible foods promote firmer stool and a healthier gut system. 

3. Contains essential fatty acids

A little bit of fat from Chicken Nuggets is a good source of energy for our playful cats. Plus chicken fat improves the quality of the skin and coat of our fur babies. 

4. Tasty

I know how tough it can be for cat moms to feed their recuperating cats. On those days, I usually add tiny bits of Chicken Nuggets to my cat’s meal to encourage eating.

But I remove the breaded coatings because this is where all the spices come from. I only allow my silver Maine Coon to eat the chicken flesh. 

Of course, water is important not just for our sick cats and this is why I always make sure that water is available 24/7.

I tried the PetSafe Cat and Dog Water Fountain and I am happy with it.

First, it’s made with ceramic material so it doesn’t topple easily. Second, it comes with a replaceable carbon water filter to keep my cat’s water clean all the time. And, it has a water capacity of 70 ounces, a perfect size for small to medium-sized cats. 

Do Cats Eat Chicken Nuggets? Are These Safe?

Based on the ingredients of Chicken Nuggets, I wouldn’t say that these are safe for our cats. But in case you saw your cat stealing Chicken Nugget, no need to worry right away. 

If your cat steals Chicken Nugget, count how many pieces he/she stole. If it’s just one (1) piece, then that’s fine. 

The problem begins when your cat keeps on eating Chicken Nuggets. In that case, you can expect your cat to suffer from health problems in the kidneys, heart, and joints. Some cats may even have allergic reactions to Chicken Nuggets. 

Food is an integral component of our cat’s well-being. So, I recommend that you make an intelligent and safer choice and you’d never go wrong with Primal Frozen Cat Food. 

This brand was founded in California in 2001 to create cat food that mimics their food in the wild, which is raw. 

The Primal Raw Frozen Nuggets For Cats or Primal Nuggets Frozen products are made from high-quality, steroid-free meats and organic vegetables. 

One of the products available is the Primal Freeze-Dried Feline Chicken And Salmon Formula. This highly digestible cat food is USDA-certified organic ingredients of wild-caught salmon and cage-free chicken.

It tastes delicious, so don’t be surprised if your kitty sways to the tune of Chicken Nugget Dreamland Random Cat after eating. 

Can Cats Eat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets?

My cat requires meat protein, so can cats eat Chicken Nuggets from McDonald’s? Regardless of shape, be it bell-shaped or McDonald’s Dino Nuggets, McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets are too salty and fatty for our cats to feast on. 

Cats eating Chicken Nuggets once in a blue moon is not life-threatening. But if you ask me, I would rather give my cat Primal Frozen Nuggets For Cats. 

Primal Freeze Dried Nuggets For Cats are frozen raw cat food that is available in two (2) formulas. These are raw frozen nuggets and raw frozen pronto. 

The raw frozen nuggets are mixed with water before serving while the raw frozen pronto comes in bite-sized pieces that only require thawing before serving. 

Regardless of your choice of formula, the Primal Raw Cat Food Frozen is a complete and balanced nutrition for our cats. 

Can Cats Have Mcdonald’s Chicken Nuggets?

No, it’s because McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets are high in calories, fats, sodium, and carbohydrates. Overfeeding may only lead to the following diseases:

• Salt poisoning
• Obesity
• Kidney problems
• Diabetes 
• Cardiovascular diseases 
• Gastrointestinal issues 
• Joint pains 

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Can Cats Eat Chick Fil A Nuggets?

Any fast food item is not advisable due to its high sodium and sugar content. Chick-Fil-A Nuggets almost have the same nutritional value as with other Chicken Nuggets plus it is fried in peanut oil which can cause an allergic reaction in some cats.

I would recommend Primal Nuggets Cat Food instead of Chicken Nuggets for your cat. Primal Raw Cat Food is a complete raw meal designed specifically for cats and is available in a variety of tastes, including Primal Chicken And Salmon Cat Food, as well as pork, rabbit, venison, turkey, and beef with salmon. 

Primal Raw Frozen Cat Food is simple to make and ideal for busy pet caregivers. After thawing, the Primal Freeze Dried Cat Food can be moistened with simple water, bone broth, or goat’s milk to soften the food, or it can be given as plain snacks or treats.

Can Cats Eat Wendy’s Chicken Nuggets?

Wendy’s Chicken Nuggets are no different from other fast-food Chicken Nuggets.  It is created using white chicken meat, however, only around 40% of the nugget is meat, with the remainder being breading and fat. 

Can cats eat breaded chicken in general? If you can refrain from giving breaded chicken, the better it is because these are unhealthy for our cats. You must ensure that your cat is consuming protein and not additional fats and carbohydrates.

If you want to give your cat some treats, again I would recommend Primal Freeze Dried Cat Food (Chicken & Salmon Nugget).

The Primal Raw Nuggets For Cats is a well-balanced, raw meal that can be easily digested by cats since it doesn’t have any extra carbohydrates or fats. 

For growing kittens, Primal Kitten Food can be hydrated with water or bone broth which is much preferable to increase their moisture intake for their growth and development. 

Can Cats Eat Breaded Chicken?

Aside from Chicken Nuggets, can cats eat breaded chicken? It is fine to offer your cat a small piece of breaded chicken as long as you remove most of the breading. 

It should also be noted that many commercially available breaded chicken products contain preservatives and spices that are toxic to cats. 

When it comes to breaded chicken, I like the handmade type since you can control what goes into it and how it is cooked, whether fried or baked.

READ ALSO: Can Cats Eat Chicken Noodle Soup?

Alternatives to Chicken Nuggets

Recently, I discovered the nutritional goodness of Chicken Nugget pet for my kitty and that is the Primal Cat Food Raw. If you’re hesitant to feed your cat raw food, you should give Primal Nuggets Cat food a try. 

Primal Cat comes in different flavors which include Primal Pet Food Freeze-Dried Feline Chicken and Salmon Formula. 

Our cats are predators, so eating raw food is natural for them. Raw food is great for digestion, gives them more energy, and promotes healthy skin and coat. 

The Primal Cat Food Frozen or Primal Cat Nuggets are produced by using high-quality raw and fresh ingredients and then freeze-dried and vacuum-packed. 

Unlike other freeze-dried cat food, the Primal Pet foods undergo high-pressure processing using USDA-approved cold water to remove salmonella and other pathogens. 

My Cat Ate A Chicken Nugget! What To Do If My Cat Ate Chicken Nugget?

So, what do you do when your cat touches Chicken Nugget? If your cat only ate a small piece, then there is nothing to worry about. 

However, a large portion of Chicken Nuggets can cause some discomfort to your cat which may require a quick visit to the vet. 

A few symptoms to look out for include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive thirst
• Dehydration
• Bloating

These are all symptoms of sodium toxicity, and your veterinarian may recommend intravenous fluids to balance the salt and water levels in the body. Severe cases may necessitate additional monitoring and a longer stay in the clinic.

So, Can Cats Eat Chicken Nuggets?

So, can cat eat Chicken Nuggets? For Cat Chicken Nugget should not be given regularly as part of the meal and only as occasional treats. Even in small portions, I would recommend giving only the meaty part without the breading.

There are other cat treats available in the market that you can safely give your cat. Most human processed foods are designed for the human body, not our four-legged buddies. 

Feeding your cat the right food ensures that they are getting a balanced meal with the proper nutrients.

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