Greenies are a popular treat for cats, but can they eat too many? Some cat owners might be concerned that their pet is eating too many Greenies and wonder if it’s harmful.
Yes, your cat might consume too many Greenies. If your cat consumes more than the suggested amount of Greenies each day, she is at risk for several gastrointestinal issues including vomiting and diarrhea. If you detect any symptoms of GI distress or an allergic reaction in your cat after eating just two or three Greenies, see your veterinarian immediately.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at whether or not cats can eat too many Greenies and whether or not they’re bad for your cat’s health. Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
- Can a Cat Eat Too Many Greenies?
- What Is the Max Number of Greenies a Cat Can Have per Day?
- What Is the Max Number of Greenies a Kitten Can Have per Day?
- Can Cats Be Allergic to Greenies?
- Symptoms of Greenies Allergy in Cats
- Causes of Greenies Allergy in Cats
- Diagnosis of Greenies Allergy in Cats
- Treatment of Greenies Allergy in Cats
- Conclusion
Can a Cat Eat Too Many Greenies?
Yes, a cat can eat too many Greenies. If your cat eats more than the recommended number of Greenies per day, she may experience a variety of gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any symptoms of gastrointestinal distress in your cat after she has eaten a Greenie or two.
What Is the Max Number of Greenies a Cat Can Have per Day?
There is no definitive answer to this question since it will vary depending on the size and weight of the cat, as well as how active the cat is.
From the Greenies website this is the recommended daily amount:
- Cat Weight: 5 to 10 lb, 6-8 pieces per serving up to twice per day
- Cat Weight: 10 to 15 lb, 8-10 pieces per serving up to twice per day
- Cat Weight: Over 15lb, 10-12 pieces per serving up to twice per day
In general, however, most veterinarians recommend no more than 2-4 greenies per day for adult cats. Too many greenies can cause health problems like obesity and diarrhea.
What Is the Max Number of Greenies a Kitten Can Have per Day?
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to the maximum number of greenies a kitten can have per day. However, as a general guideline, most experts recommend giving kittens no more than three greenies per day.
This ensures that they get the nutrients they need without overloading their system.
From the Greenies website, they recommend that kittens weight 5 to 10 lbs eat no more than 6 to 8 greenies per day (up to twice per day).
Of course, always consult with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your kitten’s diet.
Can Cats Be Allergic to Greenies?
Yes, cats can be allergic to Greenies. According to the Greenies website, the ingredients in Greenies that may cause an allergic reaction in cats to include wheat, corn, rice, beef, chicken, or day.
If your cat has any kind of food allergy, you’ll need to read the labels of all the food products you give her very carefully to avoid any potential allergens.
Symptoms of Greenies Allergy in Cats
About one in every thousand cats has food allergies (source). The most common feline food allergies include beef, chicken, fish, and dairy (source). Less common are corn, wheat, or rice.
Since greenies contain many of the common feline food allergens, if your cat has food allergies they may have a reaction.
The most common symptom is itching. If your cat is constantly scratching itself, especially around the head and neck area, it could be an allergy.
Other symptoms include excessive licking, red or inflamed skin, ear infections, or gastrointestinal upset signs like vomiting or diarrhea.
If your cat has any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet for a diagnosis.
Causes of Greenies Allergy in Cats
There are a few different things that can cause a cat to have a greenies allergy. The most common reason is food allergies to ingredients in the treats.
If your cat has a greenies allergy, you’ll likely notice other symptoms as well such as excessive scratching, licking, or biting their paws, mouth, or skin; swelling or redness of the skin; or ear inflammation.
Diagnosis of Greenies Allergy in Cats
Diagnosing a greenies allergy in cats can be tricky since the symptoms can be very similar to other allergies such as environmental allergies. The most common symptoms of a greenies allergy are itching, which can manifest as excessive licking, chewing, or scratching.
Other symptoms may include redness or irritation of the skin and gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting or diarrhea.
How Will My Veterinarian Diagnose Greenies or Food Allergies?
The most common way to diagnose food allergies in pets is with a food trial. The pet is put on a diet of novel proteins (foods that the pet has not been exposed to before) and the veterinarian monitors the pet’s symptoms to see if they improve. If the pet’s symptoms improve when they are on the novel protein diet, then it is likely that they have a food allergy.
Another way to diagnose food allergies is with an intradermal skin test. In this test, small amounts of different foods are injected into the skin and if the pet reacts (such as swelling or redness), then it is likely that they are allergic to that particular food.
Treatment of Greenies Allergy in Cats
If your cat is diagnosed with a greenies allergy by your vet, the first thing you’ll need to do is remove all greenies from their diet. This may mean switching to a different type of treatment or avoiding treats altogether.
You’ll also need to be vigilant about reading ingredient labels to make sure there are no allergens in the food you’re giving them.
Once you’ve eliminated these from their diet, you’ll need to monitor them closely for any recurrence of symptoms.
If the symptoms do come back, it’s important to contact your veterinarian so they can determine what’s causing them and recommend the appropriate treatment.
In severe cases, greenies or other food allergies can lead to anaphylactic shock, which is a life-threatening reaction. If your cat goes into anaphylactic shock, it will need immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of feline anaphylactic shock include difficulty breathing, weakness, collapse, and even death.
Conclusion
Greenies are a popular treat for cats, but unfortunately, some cats are allergic to them. If your cat is displaying any signs of an allergy, it’s important to take them to the vet for a diagnosis. Once you know your cat is allergic to greenies, there are a few things you can do to make their life more comfortable.
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.