are blueberries good for cats

Blueberries are safe to eat as a treat. But it’s important to note that 90 percent of a cat’s diet should consist of a complete and balanced cat food. Ensure blueberries and any other cat treats you feed consist of no more than 10 percent of their diet. Two to three blueberries are an appropriate amount.

Are Blueberries Good for Cats?

Since we consider blueberries to be a superfood for humans, we could be tempted to feel the same way about giving them to our cats. Unfortunately, this isn’t really true. Because they are obligate carnivores, cats are made primarily to consume and digest meat. They have trouble breaking down non-meat foods like fruits and berries.

However, this does not imply that blueberries have no health benefits for cats; on the contrary, your cat’s immune system, joints, and free radicals may all be strengthened by the antioxidants in blueberries. However, cats cannot consume blueberries in large amounts, so the benefits of blueberries are probably going to be minimal.

What do blueberries contain?

Blueberries are regarded as a human superfood because they are rich in:

Vitamins C and K
Antioxidants for cell health
To support bone structure, include iron, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and manganese.
Potassium to lower blood pressure
Fibre for gut health

Although blueberries are well known as a food for humans because of these components, cats have very different nutritional needs.

Though they may be appealing, berries of all kinds are extremely high in sugar.

Should cats eat blueberries?

The majority of berries do not pose a threat to cats, but fruit is not a natural food source for cats and is only consumed in the wild when they are in need of something and cannot locate a more suitable substitute.

Berries are not a substitute for an appropriate diet. For your cat to remain healthy and energetic, a balanced and comprehensive diet is necessary, regardless of whether they prefer dry, semi-moist, wet, or even raw food.

There are a lot of carbohydrates in blueberries, either as fiber or as fructose. One thing your cat should absolutely avoid is sugar from carbohydrates. The largest problem cats will have from eating blueberries on a regular basis is weight gain from consuming too much sugar.

FAQ

Why is my cat obsessed with blueberries?

If cats like blueberries, it is likely due to the texture. Having too much sugar (even natural sugar found in fruit!) in a cat’s diet can cause digestive or diabetic issues over time. It’s recommended to not feed cats blueberries in large quantities, especially as a meal replacement.

Can I give my cat a blueberry?

Blueberries are safe to feed to most cats as a treat in small quantities—no more than two or three berries every few days. However, blueberries have a very high sugar content (which is what makes them so sweet!).

Are any fruits toxic to cats?

In the same way that chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs, some fruits and vegetables are too. Onions, garlic, wild mushrooms, avocado, and rhubarb are all poisonous to pets, and corn is also a common allergen. You should also avoid feeding grapes and raisins to your pet, as they can cause kidney damage.