What Bengal Cats Can & Cannot Eat – The Ultimate Guide

It can be impossible to refrain from giving a tiny bite of your food to your Bengal cat every once in a while. And while there is no harm in sharing, do you actually know what human foods Bengal cats can and cannot eat?

While cats don’t have the same nutritional needs as people, they can still indulge in certain human foods every now and then. However, not all foods are safe for Bengal cats – some human foods are toxic to cats!

In this article, we’ll cover all human foods that are safe for Bengal cats and tell you how much of it to feed to your cat. Keep on reading to learn what toxic foods you should never share with your cat!

This ultimate guide is broken down into key sections, e.g. meat/vegetables/fruit and so on. Simply click on the table of contents to jump to the relevant section.

You will also see links to more detailed articles on this site on specific questions/topics – make sure to check those out as well.

What Meats Can Bengal Cats Eat?

Bengal cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they need to eat meat to survive. You can feed meat to your Bengal cat as a part of a balanced diet, just make sure that the meat is cooked first.

While Bengal cats can eat raw meat, they are at risk of contracting salmonella or E. coli if the meat is contaminated. So, err on the side of caution and only serve cooked meat to your Bengal cat.

Here are some safe options:

Chicken

Boiled plain chicken meat is an excellent source of protein and completely safe for Bengal cats to eat. Low in sodium and fat, skinless chicken breasts are by far the best piece of chicken you can feed to your cat. Besides being great for weight maintenance and building muscles, chicken meat also contains valuable nutrients and vitamins B6, A, and C. Although healthy, chicken meat can’t be used as a replacement for a balanced diet, so serve it to your cat occasionally.

Turkey

Plain, boneless, and skinless turkey meat is also a great source of lean protein and safe for Bengal cats to eat. Turkey has higher fat content than chicken meat, but cooked turkey breast is a healthy alternative for commercial cat treats. Turkey meat is full of valuable nutrients and contains magnesium and potassium that can prevent urinary disorders and the formation of urinary stones and crystals.

Duck

Duck meat has become a popular novel protein in many cat foods. Although high in fat, duck is a good alternative if your Bengal cat is allergic to chicken and turkey. Nutrient-dense duck meat is a good source of protein, selenium, iron, potassium, and vitamin B6. But, since it’s high in fat, duck meat is best served in small amounts as a delicious treat.

Beef

Beef meat is an amazing source of protein and you can feed it to your Bengal cat in moderation. From a nutritional point of view, it doesn’t really matter whether you use ground beef or a beef cut, as long as the meat is cooked and unseasoned. Beef is extremely rich in vitamins and minerals which may improve your cat’s overall health.

Lamb

Although pricey, lamb is another type of meat that is safe for cats to eat. Lamb is often greasy, so trim any excess fat from the meat before feeding it to your Bengal cat. To avoid risks associated with salmonella and E. coli, only feed small amounts of cooked lamb to your feline.

Pork

Pork meat is an excellent protein source for cats, and many Bengal cats adore eating it. Any type of pork meat including loin, butt, shoulder, and boneless rib meat, is safe for your cat to eat. However, never feed raw pork meat to your Bengal since she might get trichinosis or Aujeszky’s disease.

Fish

Fish, such as salmon or mackerel, is an amazing source of protein and omega 3 & 6 fatty acids that support a good looking coat. Your Bengal cat should only eat cooked fish to minimize the risk of salmonella poisoning. While cats can eat many varieties of fish and seafood, you should offer fish occasionally as a part of a balanced diet.

Canned Tuna

There are many misconceptions about feeding tuna to cats, so let’s set the record straight. Cats can eat canned tuna, but only in small amounts and as an occasional treat. Feeding too much canned tuna to your Bengal cat can lead to mercury poisoning and malnutrition.

What Vegetables Can Bengal Cats Eat?

Bengal cats rely on meat to thrive, but they can also eat small amounts of vegetables once in a while. Vegetables are chock full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost your cat’s immune system and lower the risk of diseases. They also contain fiber which helps with digestion and supports better nutrient absorption.

Truth be told, most cats don’t like eating vegetables! But you won’t know whether your Bengal is an exception until you serve her a veggie platter. Let’s see what vegetables are safe for cats to eats:

Spinach

While spinach might not seem like something your Bengal cat will dig into, it’s super healthy so you should give it a go. If your Bengal cat likes the taste you can let her eat fresh or steamed spinach once in a while as a healthy treat. Spinach is low in calories and chock full of valuable vitamins and minerals. However, cats with urinary problems shouldn’t eat spinach since it contains calcium which can create urinary crystals.

Broccoli

Broccoli is another non-toxic and safe vegetable for cats to eat. This veggie is full of beneficial nutrients and contains fiber that supports proper digestion. The best way to serve broccoli to your Bengal cat is to boil it in water, without adding any salt or seasoning. If your Bengal cat likes eating it, offer her small amounts of broccoli once in a while.

Asparagus

Asparagus is neither toxic nor dangerous and Bengal cats can eat small amounts of it once in a while. Low in fat and calories, but full of fiber asparagus can improve your cat’s digestion and soothe an upset stomach. Feed boiled or steamed asparagus to your cat as a treat or if she is experiencing digestive problems. Bear in mind, asparagus is rich in potassium which can create urine crystals that can cause big problems for cats with urinary and kidney disease.

Peas

Often included in commercial cat foods, peas are completely safe for cats to eat. Bengal cats can eat fresh, cooked, or frozen peas as treats. And since peas are naturally rich in fiber, you can give mashed peas to your cat if she has digestive problems. If you plan on feeding peas to your cat start with cooked peas first and gradually introduce fresh peas.

Green Beans

Not only are they safe, but green beans are also extremely healthy for cats. When fed moderately or as a substitute for treats, green beans can help your cat lose weight and improve her digestion. Full of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium green beans are a great treat whether they are raw, cooked, or canned. However, if you decide to feed canned green beans to your Bengal cat make sure that they don’t contain sodium or seasoning.

Pumpkin

Nutritious and delicious pumpkin is safe for cats to eat and also has numerous health benefits. Due to its high water and fiber content, pumpkin is highly effective for treating digestive issues such as diarrhea and constipation. Unseasoned canned pumpkin puree is the best and safest option and you can easily mix it in your cat’s regular food.

Carrots

Carrots are extremely healthy and can be a great addition to your cat’s diet due to their high vitamin content. This orange vegetable is rich in beta carotene and also contains vitamins A, K1, B6, and fiber. Like any other vegetable, carrots should be offered to cats in moderation as healthy treats. Only feed cooked and unseasoned carrots to your Bengal cat since raw carrots can pose a choking hazard.

What Fruits Can Bengal Cats Eat?

Although cats can’t taste sweet flavors in the same way that humans can, many enjoy eating a piece of fruit every once in a while. Including fruits in your cat’s diet can be beneficial for her overall health and also add some diversity to her regular meals. Some of the best fruits you can feed to your Bengal cat are:

Bananas

Bananas can be a healthy treat for Bengal cats, but only when offered in moderation. Like most other fruits, bananas contain sugar, so you shouldn’t feed them to your cat if she has diabetes. However, if your Bengal cat is completely healthy she can benefit from the fiber, potassium, and vitamins B6 and C that are found in bananas. On the other hand, you shouldn’t give banana peels to your cat since they are hard to digest and might cause an intestinal blockage.

Apples

Crunchy and delicious apples won’t hurt your Bengal cat in any way and can even provide certain health benefits. You should always wash, peel, and remove the seeds from the apple before you offer it to your cat. Low in fat and calories, but full of fiber, fresh apples can improve your cat’s digestion and immune system when fed in moderation.

Blueberries

Labeled a superfood due to their antioxidant properties, blueberries are completely safe for cats to eat. Antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, and minerals found in blueberries are beneficial for cats and support proper digestion and a strong immune system. Like all other fruits, Bengal cats and eat blueberries in moderation or as a substitute for commercial cat treats.

Cantaloupe

Bengal cats can eat melon fruit such as cantaloupe once in a while without experiencing any side effects. This type of melon contains high levels of vitamins A and C that support a strong immune system and make your cat more resilient to diseases. Remove all seeds and rinds, and cut the cantaloupe into small pieces before feeding it to your cat.

Watermelon

Not only is watermelon safe, but many Bengal cats also enjoy eating it. Watermelon can be a particularly tasty treat for hot summer days since it will keep your cat hydrated. Healthy cats should eat watermelon in moderation, but diabetic cats shouldn’t eat it at all! Watermelon seeds and rinds can pose a choking hazard, so remove them all before serving watermelon to your feline.

Avocado

Avocado is generally safe for Bengal cats to eat, as long as you remove the skin and pit first. This fruit is naturally rich in healthy fats, amino acids, and Vitamins B6, E, and A that support healthy skin and coat. If your Bengal cat likes eating avocado you can slice the fruit into small pieces and offer it as a treat, or mix it with your cat’s food.

Strawberries

While cats and strawberries might seem like a strange mix, these small berries aren’t toxic to cats. Strawberries are naturally high in vitamin C which can boost your cat’s immunity and make it more adept at fighting diseases. If you plan on feeding strawberries to your cat, remove the stems, leaves, and wash them thoroughly.

What Grains Can Bengal Cats Eat?

Although cats are obligate carnivores there is no conclusive evidence that whole grains are harmful to their overall health. And not all grains are cheap fillers! Whole grains for example are a good source of valuable vitamins, minerals, and fiber that supports digestive health.

In fact, many Bengal cats enjoy eating polenta or smaller grains like couscous once in a while. If your cat likes whole grains, you can also try feeding her:

Oats

Oats are completely safe and your Bengal cat can experience many health benefits from eating oatmeal. These cereal grains are relatively high in protein and fat and are also a good source of amino acids. Oats also contain a lot of fiber which is useful for digestion and can help soothe an upset stomach. Bengal cats can eat cooked oats or oatmeal made with water as occasional food or as a remedy for digestive problems.

Brown Rice

It is safe to feed small amounts of plain, boiled brown rice to your Bengal cat as an occasional treat. Brown rice is an excellent source of dietary fiber and it is often recommended as a treatment for diarrhea and constipation. This whole grain also contains vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, and potassium which are beneficial for your cat’s overall health. You can feed a tablespoon of plain boiled brown rice to your cat to soothe an upset stomach and treat diarrhea.

Millet

Millet is a highly nutritious type of smaller grain and is completely safe for cats. Cooked millet is an excellent source of protein, iron, calcium, potassium, and fiber. Due to its high fiber count millet supports healthy digestion and can help resolve digestive issues such as diarrhea and constipation. Bengal cats can eat a small amount of cooked plain millet occasionally as a treat.

Can Bengal Cats Eat Dairy Products?

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to cats and dairy products. Many people believe that cats should eat a lot of dairy, while others argue that cats are lactose intolerant. In the case of cats and dairy – both sides may be right!

Keep in mind, all cats are individuals, and while some can’t tolerate dairy at all, most can tolerate small amounts of low lactose milk once in a while. Here are some dairy products that you can try feeding to your Bengal cat:

Cheese

Hard cheeses like swiss, gouda, and cheddar are safe for Bengal cats to eat in small amounts. Keep in mind, although cheese can be a great high-protein treat, the lactose in it can upset your cat’s digestive system. For this reason, feed only tiny pieces of cheese to your Bengal cat and use it as a special high-reward treat.

Yogurt

Small amounts of plain yogurt are safe for Bengal cats to eat. Interestingly, yogurt is easier for cats to digest than other dairy products. Plain yogurt contains calcium, magnesium, and potassium, all of which are beneficial for your cat’s health. Furthermore, the live cultures found in yogurt are good for digestive health and may help with diarrhea and constipation.

Can Bengal Cats Eat Eggs?

Bengal cats can eat cooked eggs as a part of a complete and balanced diet. High in protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, eggs make a delicious and nutritious treat. While scrambled or boiled eggs are perfectly safe in small amounts, you shouldn’t feed raw eggs to your cat. Like raw meat, raw eggs can contain salmonella which can make your cat sick.

What Human Foods Are Bad For Bengal Cats?

While there are a lot of human foods that are safe for Bengal cats to eat, there are also those that should be avoided at all costs! Some human foods are toxic to cats and can even prove fatal if your cat doesn’t receive medical attention in time. Human foods that are poisonous to cats are:

Grapes & Raisins

Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to cats and dogs. Even a single grape can cause sudden kidney failure and death in cats. If you suspect that your Bengal cat has ingested grapes or raisins call your vet right away or go to an emergency clinic.

Coffee & Tea

Both coffee and tea contain caffeine which can cause poisoning in cats. While one or two licks of coffee or tea probably won’t make your cat sick, anything more will. However, your Bengal cat can get poisoning if she ingests coffee beans, unused tea bags, or any other product that contains caffeine.

Onions & Garlic

All members of the allium family, including, garlic, scallions, shallots, and onions are toxic to cats. These foods can cause serious damage to your cat’s red blood cells resulting in anemia. Furthermore, any dishes, such as onion soup, that contain any form of garlic or onions can also be toxic to your cat.

Alcohol

Alcohol is highly toxic to Bengal cats and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures, coma, and even death. Being a responsible owner, you probably don’t plan on sharing a beer with your Bengal cat anyway! However, if you are planning on hosting a party make sure that all alcoholic beverages are kept away from your cat.

Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to cats but commonly used in gums, candies, and even toothpaste. Even a small amount of xylitol can trigger a reaction in cats and lead to vomiting, lethargy, seizures, and liver failure. If you use any products that contain xylitol make sure to keep them well away from your cat and her curious nose.

Chocolate

Chocolate and all chocolate products contain theobromine and caffeine which are toxic to cats. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous since it contains higher levels of theobromine, but milk and white chocolate can also be lethal. Eating chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and liver failure so call your vet right away if your Bengal cat eats some.

Nuts

Although highly nutritious and healthy, nuts are rich in oils and fat that can be difficult for cats to digest. Eating almonds, pecans, or walnuts can make your Bengal cat sick and result in vomiting and diarrhea. Your cat can also develop pancreatitis if she consumes a larger amount of nuts in one sitting.

Milk

Since most adult cats are lactose intolerant, consuming milk can cause digestive upset and lead to vomiting and diarrhea. And while milk isn’t toxic like some other human foods, you shouldn’t give it to your cat. However, if your cat likes to drink milk and tolerates it well, you can offer her small amounts of specially designed cat milk occasionally.

Conclusion – What Can Your Bengal Eat Safely & What Is Dangerous?

There are many human foods that are safe for Bengal cats to eat. However, you can’t share all of your favorite snacks with your kitty since some human foods are toxic to cats.

Knowing which foods are safe for your Bengal cat to eat will help you eliminate all the bad ones from your kitchen and lock them inside a pantry. And if, by any chance, your Bengal cat ingests food that is toxic, take her to the vet or emergency clinic right away.