Can Cats Eat Blueberries?

In general, blueberries pose no threat to felines and can even benefit their cardiovascular system, but keeping the servings small is crucial.

Excessive consumption of carbs is never good for cats, and blueberries consist of over 90% carbs. They simply aren’t a part of the natural feline diet.

However, blueberries are an appropriate snack for a cat if the owner is aware of the caveats, and berries don’t substitute protein-based meals.

Are Blueberries Safe For Cats?

Some fruits, berries, and veggies are dangerous to cats, including cherries and grapes. Fortunately, blueberries aren’t on the list as they don’t contain chemicals toxic to felines and won’t cause poisoning.

But the lack of toxic elements in blueberries doesn’t yet mean that they are perfectly safe for cats.

Occasional blueberry consumption in moderate amounts is unlikely to have adverse effects, but excessive blueberry consumption can have severe consequences.

A cat’s diet should consist primarily of proteins and fats. Blueberries contain neither but are high in carbohydrates.

A high-carb diet is dangerous for cats, potentially leading to muscle degradation, gastroenteric issues, and obesity.

The good news is that blueberries have a relatively low glycemic index and don’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels like watermelons or grapes. Therefore, they’re fairly harmless for cats with diabetes in moderate amounts.

Despite the safety of blueberries for felines as species, you shouldn’t assume that the berry is safe for your cat as an individual without conducting a test. Like humans, cats can have unique food allergies.

Now, we’ve been talking about fresh blueberries, but can cats eat dried blueberries? Yes, but the sugar content in dried blueberries is higher, so they are not recommended for obese or diabetic cats.

Dried blueberries also absorb water in the stomach and can cause constipation.

As for blueberry yogurt, the answer depends on whether your cat has lactose intolerance. Most adult cats can’t break down lactose, but there are exceptions.

Fortunately, stores carry a wide selection of lactose-free products. Sweets containing blueberries, such as blueberry muffins, can be dangerous for felines, but not because of blueberries.

The same applies to blueberry jams. They are high in sugars, and although sugar isn’t toxic to felines, it can cause dental damage, spike blood sugar levels, and make the cat hyperactive.

Appropriate Blueberry Serving For a Cat

Each species has different nutritional needs. Since cats are natural-born carnivores, the feline diet should consist of at least 50% protein, most of which should be animal-based. Fats should account for about 30% of a cat’s diet and carbs only 20%.

Sometimes, vets recommend reducing a cat’s carb intake to 10% at most. Considering that blueberries primarily contain carbs, you may wonder how much blueberries can a cat eat without adverse effects.

Treats should account for no more than 10% of the cat’s daily calorie intake. An average ten-pound cat should consume 220-300 calories daily, depending on the activity level, age, and underlying health conditions.

So, treats should account for 30 calories a day at most, and no more than 60 calories a day should come from carbs.

One ounce of blueberries contains 16 calories, 14 of which come from carbs, so a cat can safely eat two ounces of blueberries a day.

Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Cats Blueberries?

Although cats don’t need a lot of carbs in their diet, blueberries can still bring health benefits to felines. This popular summer treat is an excellent antioxidant source, maintaining normal red blood cell levels and helping a cat’s body fight toxins.

Anthocyanin, a chemical responsible for the berry’s blue hue, effectively regulates blood sugar levels, has antimicrobial properties, prevents cardiovascular diseases, and helps fight cancer.

Blueberries are also high in iron, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, zinc, and vitamin K, all necessary for a cat’s bone health and joint elasticity. That’s especially beneficial for senior felines as their bones become fragile.

Collagen contained in blueberries maintains skin elasticity and prevents dandruff.

The benefits of blueberries for cats don’t end here – they are rich in vitamin C and folate, which are crucial for a cat’s heart health, while fiber and potassium improve digestion.

Blueberries are also a sodium-free snack, perfect for cats on a low-sodium diet.

However, studies have shown that frozen blueberries lose most of their healthy properties, so if you want to administer your cat an extra dose of vitamins and antioxidants, choose fresh blueberries.

Furthermore, high-quality dry food is formulated to meet all feline nutritional needs, so most house cats don’t need extra vitamins and minerals.

Possible Side Effects

Like any human food not intended for feline consumption, blueberries pose a high risk of a gastroenteric upset in cats. So, after feeding your cat blueberries, keep an eye on any odd bowel movements and behavioral abnormalities.

The side effects of blueberries for cats are primarily gastroenteric, including vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, burping, bloating, and stomach discomfort. A large dose of blueberries may cause hyperactivity due to the high carb content.

The symptoms of stomach upset in cats typically manifest within an hour of ingesting the food. However, they may appear later in some cats because each cat’s metabolism speed is different.

You shouldn’t assume that your cat is perfectly safe if it hasn’t developed any symptoms within an hour. Monitor your pet’s health state for at least 12 hours to make sure it isn’t blueberry-intolerant.

Frozen blueberries are hard to chew and can cause dental damage in felines. If a cat swallows a blueberry without chewing it, it may get stuck in the throat.

Thankfully, the risks of poisoning with fresh blueberries equal zero. However, some ingredients in blueberry yogurt, muffins, and other foods can be toxic to felines.

How To Spot a Food Allergy

Some felines may develop a blueberry allergy. The problem with food allergies in cats is that they are hard to diagnose and can’t be cured. The primary symptoms of food allergy in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, and bloating.

Since the symptoms are so similar to stomach upset, many owners have no clue that their pet is allergic until it develops more severe reactions, including skin irritation, coughing, difficulty breathing, ear infections, and runny nose.

In severe cases, food allergy in cats can cause asthma attacks that may be fatal without proper treatment. If you notice any symptoms of a gastroenteric upset, respiratory reaction, or skin irritation in your cat, refrain from giving it blueberries again.

Minimizing exposure to the allergen is the most effective way to manage feline food allergies. Don’t let your cat touch or sniff the berry. Consult with your vet regarding antihistamines or other medications if the symptoms are severe.

Tips For Feeding Cats Blueberries Safely

Now that you’re informed about the benefits and risks of feeding cats blueberries, you may wonder how to give them to your cat safely. First, consult with a vet regarding your cat’s health condition.

Ideally, make a full health check, including lab blood tests and urinalysis, to ensure your cat’s blood sugar levels are within the norm. If your cat is healthy, calculate the appropriate blueberry serving size based on its weight.

Check also the nutrient content on your cat’s food pack. For example, if your cat’s food is high in carbs, the suitable blueberry dose may be lower than the average recommended.

Choose fresh blueberries over frozen ones because the former contains more healthy vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Plus, they are easier to chew and digest and overall have a better taste.

Wash blueberries before giving them to your cat to remove any chemicals that may be left on the skin. Don’t give blueberries to your cat if it has diarrhea because extra fiber will worsen the situation.

Lastly, don’t spoil your cat. Give blueberries as treats, encouraging desirable behavior, but not as a regular dessert. Cats get used to delicious food quickly, and a cat that frequently eats blueberries may refuse to eat dry feline food.

Why Does My Cat Like Blueberries?

Although the feline diet in nature consists solely of prey, house cats are famous for their curiosity. A cat craving blueberry is nothing to worry about – most likely, it simply wants to try a new flavor and texture.

Some cats will lose interest in blueberries after getting a bite, while others will get obsessed with the new taste.

However, such cases are rare because blueberries don’t contain proteins and fats, the primary attractions for felines.

The thing is that cats can’t sense sugars, so blueberries should taste pretty bland to them. Since cats are carnivores, their taste buds have developed to sense proteins but not carbs.

Sometimes, a cat craving carbs may indicate that it isn’t getting enough carbs from dry food. At the end of the day, some cats are gluttons and are happy to eat anything the owner gives them.

If that’s the case with your cat, consider substituting blueberries with a healthier alternative, such as boiled chicken breast or beef.

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