Can Cats Eat Ground Beef?

Yes, cats can eat plain ground beef if it is cooked all the way through. Give only a small amount as a treat. Raw ground beef is a bad idea, because it can carry germs that make cats and people sick. Skip beef with salt, onion or garlic.

Is cooked ground beef good for cats?

Plain cooked ground beef is a fine small treat. Cornell Feline Health Center explains that cats are obligate carnivores. That means they need nutrients that come only from animal foods. Beef is an animal food, so it suits them.

But treats are not a full meal. Cornell says a common guide is to keep treats to about 10 to 15 percent of your cat’s daily calories. A few bites of beef should sit on top of a complete cat food, not take its place.

Can cats eat raw ground beef?

No. Cornell advises against raw meat for cats, both as a meal and as a treat. It says raw meat can carry toxoplasmosis and other infections. Cornell also says there is no clear proof that raw diets help cats.

The ASPCA says raw meat can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. These germs can make pets and people sick. The FDA says the same kind of risk applies to raw pet food and that not feeding a raw diet is the best way to prevent it.

How do I serve ground beef to my cat?

• Cook it all the way through.
• Keep it plain. No salt, onion, garlic, chives or sauce.
• Pick a small amount. A spoonful is plenty for a treat.
• Let it cool before you serve it.
• Wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds before and after you handle pet food and treats, as the FDA advises. Wash your cat’s bowl with soap and hot water after each use.

The ASPCA says fatty foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets, and in some pets a painful swollen pancreas. Fat in ground beef will vary by pack, so a plain, small portion is the safer choice.

Other kinds of ground beef

Can cats eat hamburger?

A plain, cooked hamburger patty with no seasoning is okay in a small piece. A burger from a restaurant is not. The bun, onions, sauce and salt do not belong in a cat’s diet. The ASPCA says onions and garlic can damage red blood cells and cause anemia, and that cats are more at risk than dogs. Too much salt can lead to extreme thirst, vomiting, tremors and seizures.

Can cats eat ground beef with seasoning, taco meat or meatballs?

No. These often contain onion, garlic and a lot of salt. Offer a bit of plain cooked meat instead.

Can cats eat canned or pre-made beef foods?

Check the label first. Foods made for people often have salt, onion or garlic. A food made for cats is a better pick.

What if my cat ate raw ground beef?

A small bite will not always cause trouble, but it can. Watch your cat for the next few days. Call your vet if you see vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness or no interest in food. If your cat ate a lot of raw or seasoned meat, call your vet or a hotline above right away.

Wash your hands, and clean any bowls that touched the raw meat.

What can I give my cat instead?

Cat food made for cats should be the main meal. For more treat ideas, see our guides on whether cats can eat beef, whether cats can eat chicken and foods that are toxic to cats.