Can Cats Eat Lentils? Plain Cooked Lentils vs Dal and Soup

By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team

Last updated: 4 November 2026

Lentils are a pantry staple in many Australian homes, from red lentil dal to lentil soup and vegetarian burgers. If your cat has eaten a few plain cooked lentils, there is usually nothing to worry about. Lentils are not listed as toxic to cats. The issue is that cats are built to eat meat, and the lentil dishes people cook are usually full of onion, garlic and salt.

Key takeaways

• Plain, soft-cooked lentils are not known to be toxic to cats.
• Cats are obligate carnivores and do not need lentils or other legumes.
• Dal, lentil soup, curries and veggie burgers usually contain onion, garlic, salt or stock, which are not safe for cats.
• Too many lentils can cause gas, soft stools or vomiting.
• If your cat ate a lentil dish made with onion or garlic, call your vet.

Are lentils good for cats?

Lentils are a plant source of protein and fibre for people, but cats are obligate carnivores. The RSPCA explains that cats need nutrients that come from a prey-based diet, and that their main diet should be a good-quality, complete commercial food suited to their life stage. Other foods should only be occasional treats.

The RSPCA notes that cats may be offered a small amount of finely cut vegetable matter. A few plain, soft-cooked lentils fall into this category. They are not harmful in small amounts, but they do not replace the animal protein cats need.

When lentils become a problem

Onion and garlic. Most lentil recipes start by frying onion and garlic. The ASPCA explains that onion, garlic and chives can cause stomach irritation and red blood cell damage, and that cats are more susceptible than dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual describes cats as the most susceptible species to Allium toxicity. See our guides to onions and garlic.

Salt and stock. Soups and dals are often salted or made with stock. The ASPCA warns that too much salt can cause thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in larger amounts, tremors and seizures.

Spices and chilli. Curries and dals often include chilli and strong spices, which can upset a cat's stomach.

Undercooked or dry lentils. Dry lentils from the pantry are hard and are not food for cats. Always cook lentils until soft if you plan to offer a taste.

Gas and loose stools. Legumes are high in fibre. A cat that eats a large amount may have wind, soft stools or vomiting.

Sprouted lentils. Raw sprouts carry their own food safety risks. See our lentil sprouts guide.

How to offer lentils safely

1. Cook plain lentils in water until soft, with no salt, oil, onion, garlic or stock.
2. Let them cool.
3. Offer one or two small spoon-tip amounts mixed into your cat's usual food.
4. Watch for gas, soft stools or vomiting.

Cornell's Feline Health Center suggests treats make up no more than 10 to 15 percent of daily calories.

Signs to watch for

• vomiting
• diarrhoea or soft stools
• wind or tummy discomfort
• reduced appetite

If your cat ate a dish with onion or garlic, also watch over the next several days for:

• lethargy or weakness
• pale or yellow gums
• fast breathing
• red or brown urine

What to do if your cat ate a lentil dish

1. Take the food away and check the recipe or label for onion, garlic, chives or leek.
2. Estimate how much your cat ate.
3. Do not try to make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.
4. Offer fresh water.
5. Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 if the dish contained onion or garlic, or if your cat shows any signs.

When to see a vet urgently

See a vet straight away if your cat:

• vomits repeatedly or has severe diarrhoea
• has pale, grey or yellow gums
• is weak, wobbly or collapses
• is breathing fast or with effort
• has red or brown urine

FAQ

My cat ate a few plain cooked lentils. Is that okay?
Yes, a few plain, soft-cooked lentils are unlikely to cause problems. Watch for mild gas or a soft stool.

Can lentils be used as a protein source for cats?
No. Cats need a complete diet built around animal protein. Talk with your vet before making any big changes to your cat's diet.

Is lentil soup safe for cats?
Most lentil soups contain onion, garlic and salt, so they are not suitable.

Are red, green and brown lentils different for cats?
The same advice applies to all of them: plain, well cooked and only in tiny amounts.

Talk with a vet

If your cat has eaten a lentil dish with onion or garlic and you would like a vet to help you decide what to do, book a video consult with Dial A Vet's real vets and vet nurses (we help with dogs and cats). Book a Dial A Vet consult.

References

• RSPCA Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?.
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals.
• Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
• Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia, 1300 869 738). Emergency Instructions.

Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency vet clinic.