Can Cats Eat Blackberries? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Info
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Cats are usually picky eaters. They love their protein and tend to stay away from most plant based foods because, as obligate carnivores, they don’t need such foods to stay healthy. However, some cats do like to try new foods, even when it comes to fresh fruits like blackberries. Blackberries grow wildly across many swaths of the United States alone.
Your cat might be sneaking blackberry snacks when they spend time outside without your knowledge, depending on where you live. So, it is important to know whether blackberries are safe for cats to eat if you know that this fruit is within reach of your kitty, even if just occasionally. The good news is that yes, cats can eat blackberries without the worry of any side effects – other than the possibility of an upset tummy and diarrhea if too many are eaten at once. This article goes over what you should know about feeding blackberries to your cat. Read on!
Are Blackberries Healthy for Cats?
Not only are blackberries okay for cats to eat in moderation, but they provide some health benefits to note as well. These benefits, however, are limited by the small amount of blackberries that cats can safely eat without getting a stomach upset, as well as act as extra nutrients to complement their complete and balanced diet.
First and most importantly, blackberries contain high amounts of antioxidants that work to fight off free radicals and protect against cellular damage. Antioxidants can also help keep inflammation under control. Blackberries also contain vitamins and minerals that help to keep immune systems healthy. The fiber in this fruit can even help keep your furry family member’s digestive system in good shape.
Can Cats Eat Blackberry Yogurt?
For some reason, cats seem to love eating yogurt. Unfortunately, most cats do not react well to lactose, which is found in products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Lactose is hard for kitties to digest, as cats are often lactose intolerant. Eating a spoonful of blackberry yogurt won’t kill your kitty cat, but it can result in flatulence, cramping, nausea, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep your cat away from yogurt and steer them toward fresh or frozen blackberries instead.
Can Cats Eat Other Types of Berries?
Blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries are safe for cats to eat for the same reasons mentioned earlier in the article. However, strawberries are usually too big for cats to chew up, so if you feed one to your pet, cut it up into small cubes first. Other berries should be also cut into a few smaller pieces, to avoid choking. Never feed your cat berries that have been canned because they typically contain extra sugars and additives that no cat needs for good health, while some are also harmful. Berries that have been cooked in bread or pie should also be avoided.
What if Your Cat Doesn’t Like Blackberries?
Not all cats are interested in eating blackberries. They go for animal proteins when gathering their own food, so things like berries are not sought out. However, there are cats that find blackberries interesting and enjoy nibbling on them occasionally. It should not cause worry or concern, regardless of your cat’s preference.
If your pet does not want to eat blackberries, don’t force them because a blackberry or two will not improve your cat’s health in any meaningful way as they can get all the nutrition they need from their commercial food. On the other hand, if your cat does show interest in a blackberry, let them eat it in moderation, as it certainly will not harm their health. If anything, the berries will provide a little supplementation to their already nutritious diet.
Other Types of Fruit That Cats Can Eat
Even though cats would not eat any fruit in the wild, there are a variety of different fruits that domestic cats can eat at home when offered to them. However, consult with your vet before offering fruits to your cat, especially if they are diabetic or on long-term medication, as fruit is very sugary and is not appropriate for all cats, depending on their health status.
Here is a list of some safe fruits your cat might like that are probably already sitting in your kitchen:
- Bananas
- Melons
- Apples
- Mangoes
- Pineapples
It is important to keep in mind that none of these foods should be regularly offered to your pet cat. Instead, they should be used as occasional small snacks or treats throughout the year.
Now that you know what you can safely feed your cat, it’s just as important to find a bowl that supports their health and well-being. With whisker-friendly bowls and a wide tray to catch any spills, our Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is our favorite option.
In Conclusion
Cats are unpredictable, so don’t be surprised whether your kitty does or doesn’t seem interested in the blackberry you offer them. Try putting a few small pieces of one in their food bowl and see what they do. If they eat it up, great! If they turn their nose up at it, get rid of it, and rinse the bowl out before putting any commercial food inside of it. There is no need to offer the berry to them again.
Featured Image Credit: S. Hermann & F. Richter, Pixabay
