Can Cats Eat Stock Cubes? NZ Safety Answer

Why

Stock cubes (bouillon cubes) are highly concentrated blocks of food additives designed for human cooking. Their primary ingredient is sodium (salt), combined with fats, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and seasonings. Almost all commercial stock cubes contain dehydrated onion and garlic powders. For cats, allium plants (onions, garlic, chives, leeks) are extremely toxic. In fact, cats are three to five times more sensitive to allium toxicity than dogs. The organosulfur compounds in garlic and onions cause oxidative damage to the cat's red blood cells, resulting in Heinz body formation and hemolytic anemia (where red blood cells break down and are destroyed). In addition to the allium risk, the massive salt content in stock cubes can cause acute sodium poisoning, leading to severe cellular dehydration, kidney damage, and neurological symptoms.

How much is a problem

A single stock cube can contain over 1,000 mg of sodium. For a typical 4 kg cat, this is a massive, highly toxic dose. Even a small lick of a stock cube or gravy made from it can cause severe salt toxicity and trigger red blood cell damage.

If your cat has eaten it

If your cat has ingested any part of a stock cube, it is a medical concern. Monitor them for signs of salt poisoning: intense thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and seizures. Also, watch for signs of allium poisoning, which can take 12 hours to 5 days to appear: pale or yellowish gums, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, lethargy, and dark orange or red-colored urine.

Safer alternatives

If you want to add liquid flavor to your cat's food, purchase a pet-specific bone broth that is certified free of onions, garlic, and added sodium.

Related reading

• See the full list: Foods Cats Can and Can't Eat NZ
• Cat Food Guide NZ
• Cat Care NZ Complete Guide
• New Kitten Checklist NZ

References

• Merck Veterinary Manual, Garlic and Onion (Allium spp.) Toxicosis in Animals, checked 2026-07-16: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/garlic-and-onion-allium-spp-toxicosis-in-animals
• ASPCA, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, checked 2026-07-16: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets

When to see a vet

If your cat has eaten a stock cube or has licked concentrated stock paste, contact your NZ vet or after-hours emergency clinic immediately.

Important notice

*General food-safety information for NZ pet owners, reviewed against ASPCA/VCA guidance (July 2026). For any suspected ingestion or illness, contact a NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.*