Let’s know about Can Cats Eat Blueberries. Can Cats Join Us in Eating Nutritious Blueberries? Does the superfood status of blueberries translate to cats, too? Let’s take a look at whether blueberries can be included as part of your cat’s diet, how many blueberries a day can be eaten, and what else we need to know about this wonderful fruit.
What are blueberries?
Blueberries are violet-blue fruits that grow on the blueberry plant Vaccinium sect. Cyanococcus. They are native to North America and closely related to the cranberry. Blueberries are small (up to an inch in diameter), round, slightly flattened fruit with a flared tip at the base of the fruit. They are widely available in stores around the world due to their popularity and labeling as healthy food.
Blueberry Nutrition Stats
Blueberry is one of the most nutrient-rich fruits. In fact, according to the USDA, 100 grams of blueberries contain:
Water 84.21g Energy 57kcal Protein 0.74g Fat 0.33g Carbohydrate 14.49g Fiber 2.4g Sugars 9.96g
This makes blueberries a low-calorie snack that is higher in fiber than any other fruit. Blueberries are also a good source of certain vitamins and minerals, especially:
Vitamin C 9.7mg Vitamin K 1.3UG Manganese 0.3mg Vitamin B6 0.1mg Calcium 6mg
Blueberry Nutritional Benefits
Blueberries are often labeled as a superfood. Just because they’re small, doesn’t mean blueberries can’t pack a nutritional punch! Not only are blueberries high in nutrients such as potassium and vitamins A, C, and K, but they are also low in calories. In fact, they are about 85% water! This means they can be used to rehydrate both cats and people. Blueberries have a very high Vitamin C content, which is important for a fully functioning immune system.
Can Cats Eat Blueberries?
After reading about how wonderful blueberries are, you are probably even more interested in knowing whether it is okay for cats to have blueberries as part of a balanced diet. The great news is that cats can eat blueberries, as long as they are raw and fresh. Don’t forget to wash them first to remove any traces of pesticides. “Aren’t Cats Carnivores?” I hear you say! Yes, cats are obligate carnivores- meaning they require meat to survive.
However, many cat owners will agree that our kitties love trying the odd fruit or veggies, and many love to snack on human foods! However, there are some types of blueberries that you should never feed your cat. It is not a good idea to feed old or moldy blueberries, as they may contain Mycotoxins and alcohol. You also shouldn’t eat prepared blueberries – i.e canned blueberries, or blueberries in a pie. Plain, frozen blueberries are fine to feed your cat, as long as you allow them to defrost first.
What about blueberry juice and blueberry extract? Well, cats can have juicy blueberries, but you must take care that nothing has been added to the juice. Most store-bought blueberry juices will be high in added sugars and preservatives, therefore not suitable for cats. You should also take care with cats that scarf down their food – blueberries can be a choking hazard. You may want to cut the blueberries in half to make them safer.
Are Blueberries Good for Cats?
Blueberries are not only safe for cats, they probably provide them with some health benefits as well. This is one reason they are included in many pet foods. They also tend to be healthier treats that are lower in calories than many cat treats.
antioxidant
Blueberries may contain more antioxidants than any other fruit! Antioxidants are substances that help your body fight off harmful oxygen ‘free radicals’ – unstable compounds that damage the DNA in your body’s cells. Blueberries contain a family of antioxidants called flavonoids, of which anthocyanin is one of the most powerful antioxidants. These anthocyanins have been shown to reduce oxidative stress in humans at risk of heart disease, but it is unlikely that they would confer a benefit to the feline heart. However, cats do suffer from high blood pressure, and blueberries have been shown to lower blood pressure in humans.
Anti-oxidants have also been shown to have an effect on aging, and it is possible that they may slow the onset of dementia. One review showed an effect on the learning ability of the aged brain – which could help keep our aged cats mentally active into old age. Finally, the antioxidants in blueberries have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. Cats also suffer from type 2 diabetes, so in the future it is possible that it may be helpful in the treatment of diabetes in cats.
urinary health
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is one of the most common conditions in our cats. Blueberries, like cranberries, are known to be good for urinary health. It has been suggested that they work in a similar way – by preventing bacteria such as E. coli from attaching to the wall of the bladder.
How much can a cat eat?
You can have too much of a good thing, and the fiber and sugar content of blueberries can cause stomach upset and diarrhea when eaten in large amounts. When you feed blueberries to your cat for the first time, you should only feed one blueberry; You can see if your cat likes them, and monitor them for 48 hours for any adverse effects. You may find that your cat prefers his blueberries sliced open or mashed. If your cat decides it is like blueberries, and they don’t have any signs of bowel upset, how many days can they eat them? Well, it depends on the weight of your cat and any other treats they are getting.
A 9-pound cat can eat a quarter-cup of blueberries without any other treats, but we wouldn’t recommend feeding her that much because it’s sure to cause digestive problems. If your cat enjoys blueberries, it’s best to stick to no more than one or two blueberries a day while maintaining a healthy diet to avoid being bothered by fiber and sugar. Blueberries can be used in place of cat treats as a low-calorie alternative.
final thoughts
Blueberries are a healthy fruit with low calories and nutrients. They are safe for cats as long as they are fed as a topical treatment in small amounts, raw and without any other ingredients. They contain important antioxidants, and are even included in many cat foods!
frequently asked questions
Are Berries Bad for Cats?
Most berries are safe for cats, including raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, but you should avoid grapes, which can be toxic to cats.
Are Blueberries Safe for Cats to Eat?
Yes, blueberries are safe for cats and dogs to eat. They’re low in calories and high in water, so they can make a refreshing snack. However, you should only feed fresh or defrosted raw blueberries with no other ingredients added.
Why Do Cats Chew Blueberries?
Although most cats are fussy eaters, many are happy to try new foods. Blueberries are good because they have a high water content, which can help rehydrate your kitty.