What you know cats can consume without being toxic and dangerous for them. But what about blueberries? Are blueberries bad or dangerous for cats? Can cats eat blueberries, and what points should we consider when feeding a cat with blueberries? If you want to answer this question, do not miss this article.
Can cats eat blueberries?
Yes. Blueberries are another good fruit for cats that can be used as a healthy snack and encouragement, albeit in small amounts.
Giving small amounts of blueberries to your cat can help meet nutritional needs and balance your cat’s diet.
In the rest of this article, we will explain how many blueberries should be given to the cat daily or regularly. But for now, we want to discuss the properties and benefits of blueberries for cats.
Benefits of blueberries for cats
Blueberries are safe for cats and also have many benefits for cats. Blueberry has many properties and benefits. Consuming it as a snack and incentive can help meet your cat’s other nutritional needs.
Blueberries are a natural source of minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and sodium.
Excellent antioxidant
Blueberries contain high levels of antioxidants that can slow down the process of cell destruction. Blueberries contain vitamins A, C, and E, potent antioxidants that can slow down aging and even fight cancer.
Also, blueberries contain flavonoids that have antioxidant properties, reduce blood cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart problems in cats.
Blueberries contain group B vitamins
Also, the presence of group B vitamins (such as B1 and B9) in blueberries makes the overall metabolism of cats work correctly. B vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate are essential to ensure the proper functioning of body cells.
This group of vitamins helps to convert food into energy in the body. Also, B vitamins play a vital role in the creation and health of new blood cells, skin, and brain cells.
Contains fiber: helps improve intestinal transit
Every 100 grams of blueberries contains 2.4 grams of fiber, and its fiber content is slightly higher than that of strawberries. Blueberry fiber can improve intestinal transit and better digestion of food in the cat’s body.
Therefore, blueberries can be a good option for treating your cat’s constipation. Blueberries also contain natural probiotics that can be beneficial for the bacteria in the intestinal flora of cats. Blueberry fiber can help reduce intestinal inflammation.
Low in calories and fat
Blueberries are low in calories and fat. (Every 100 grams of blueberries contains 57 kilocalories and 0.33 grams fat) For this reason, blueberries can be consumed by overweight cats.
Note: Due to the valuable benefits of blueberries, it is better to give blueberries to cats in small amounts.
Are blueberries harmful to cats?
Eating blueberries in small amounts is not dangerous for cats. But you should know that this fruit is a snack and should not be given to cats continuously as the primary food.
In addition, blueberries are high in sugar (9.96 grams per 100 grams of blueberries). If blueberries are given to cats in large quantities, they can cause digestive problems and diabetes for cats. It is better to know that sugar is digested and absorbed slowly in the digestive system of cats, and this issue can cause digestive problems.
High consumption of blueberries in cats can cause stomach problems and diarrhea. The presence of vitamin C makes the cat’s stomach too acidic.
Tip: If blueberry is given to cats in the right and in small amounts, it is not toxic or dangerous for cats.
Can kittens eat blueberries?
Yes. Minerals and vitamins in blueberries help kittens grow better. Kittens need the calcium and phosphorus found in blueberries to grow well.
Of course, usually, a kitten’s nutritional needs can be met by setting up a proper diet plan. But besides the main diet, you can also use blueberries as an incentive and snack.
How many blueberries should be given to a cat?
Blueberries are safe for cats, but they are not a reason to use this fruit continuously in cat food. About 10% of dog and cat food can be made from fruits and vegetables.
Each blueberry has about 2 grams of weight and one calorie of energy. To know how many blueberries you can give your cat, you need to consider the amount of your cat’s daily food.
Suppose your cat’s daily food intake is 120 grams. About 10% of the total, which is 12 grams, you can give vegetables and fruits to the cat. Therefore, you can give the cat about 2 to 3 blueberries daily.
Tip: Moderation is essential in feeding animals, so we recommend you give your cat fruits and vegetables in small amounts per week.
Important points when serving blueberries to cats
Try to wash the blueberries well to remove the chemicals and pesticides on the fruit.
You can give your cat blueberries cooked, fresh, and even frozen. You can even mix this fruit with the cat’s leading food and give it to the cat.
It is better to completely separate the stems and leaves of blueberries from the fruit because the digestion of the stems and leaves of this fruit is difficult and slow for cats.
You can give blueberries whole or in half to the cat. Cutting the fruit in half will make the cat smell it; if the cat likes it, it will eat the blueberry.
Suppose your cat has never eaten blueberries before. In that case, it is better to give it a small number of blueberries for the first time to ensure that it is not allergic to this fruit.
If your cat is allergic to this fruit, it is better to avoid giving this nutritious snack to your cat. In the following article, we will talk about food allergy symptoms.
Tip: It is better to consult a veterinarian before adding new food to your cat’s diet.
Does blueberry cause allergies in cats?
The answer to this question cannot be given definitively. Usually, cats are not allergic to blueberries. But some cats may have allergic reactions to food, especially new food.
Symptoms that your cat may show due to food allergies include:
- Itchy skin, especially in the face and neck area
- Hair loss in the abdomen and sides (due to excessive grooming)
- Diarrhea
- Vomit
Do cats like blueberries?
Some cat breeds may enjoy eating blueberries, and others may not. It totally depends on your cat’s taste. Cats who love blueberries are usually attracted to them because of their taste.
If your cat has no interest in eating blueberries, do not try to force them as a snack. It is better to respect the food taste of cats.
Other safe fruit for cats:
The bottom line
Cats can eat blueberries. Blueberries are safe and not bad for cats. The presence of minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron, as well as vitamins A, E, and K, contribute to the overall health of the cat’s body and have antioxidant properties.
If your cat likes blueberries, you can give them in small amounts as a healthy and nutritious snack. If your cat is not interested in eating blueberries, do not force the cat to eat this fruit.
