Crabs are edible crustaceans. The commonly eaten ones include King, Snow, Dungeness, Blue, Stone, Soft-shell, Spider, Peekytoe, and Horsehair crabs.
Nutritional profile
Nutritionally, they are protein-rich with various essential amino acids and have fats including fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acids.
Some of the minerals they have include calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, selenium, among others. However, their sodium level is quite high.
Finally, they have vitamin A, C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, and plenty of vitamin B12. All these vitamins are required by cats, dogs, and other animals.
Can my cat have crab meat?
Yes. Cats can eat crab meat as a treat. It is safe. However, since it does not have all the nutrients required by these animals, it shouldn’t replace their normal diet unless you are giving them commercial diets like AvoDerm Natural Tuna Wet Canned Cat Tuna and Crab or others.
Therefore, make them a small part of their diet or as a snack given occasionally. All the treats you give your feline friend should not exceed 10% of your cat’s food requirement.
Unlike yellow or bigeye tuna, tilefish, king mackerel or swordfish, these crustaceans have low mercury levels together with others such as shrimp, tilapia, flounders, cod, pollock, clams, scallops, and so on, making it a good choice.
Finally, although not part of their diets while in the wild, most kitties will enjoy their great taste and crunchiness.
If your cats love them, there are nutritionally balanced cat foods that have crabs including:
- Meow Mix Tender Favorites Wet Food cat food salmon and crab.
- NUTRISCA Wet Cat Food for Adult Cats Tuna and Crab
- Applaws Succulent Tuna Fillet with Crab Cat Food Cups
- Halo Grain Free Natural Wet Cat Food, Chicken, Shrimp & Crab Recipe
- Perfect Companion Me-O Creamy Treats with Crab for Cats and Kittens
Raw or cooked?
Felines are carnivores and they normally consume raw flesh. They also eat raw crabs. However, as it is in many cases, sea animals often harbor not only parasites but also bacteria and viruses that may harm your feline friend.
Therefore, it is recommended you cook crab meat before giving it to your feline friends as this will kill not only any present parasites but also any germs it may be harboring.
While cooking, avoid adding any additives especially harmful ones such as onions, garlic, and some seasonings.
If you often buy canned ones, before sharing them with your feline friend, ensure they do not have added ingredients or flavorings including garlic, onion, tomato source, preservatives, and so on. If they have them, do not give them to your kitty.
Finally, note that imitation crab is made from surimi fish without any real crab but only a small amount of its extract.
Possible risks
Like most of the other sea animals, it may cause allergic reactions to your kitties. Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upsets, itching, among other symptoms may be an indication of allergic reactions.
Also, its high sodium level may not be ideal for cats that have a heart problem, kidney, or liver disease. This is to ensure there isn’t excessive fluid accumulation in their body as well as reduce high blood pressure, advises IAMS.
This may be made worse if go for those that have already been salted as their sodium levels will even be much higher.
Conclusion
Cats can eat cooked crab meat as a treat. Feed them what you normally eat (the meat) and throw away remaining shells, legs and as they are hard to digest and my choke your feline pal. Also, don’t add salt or any seasoning. Just steam it.