Cats are carnivorous animals, but they don’t have to rely on meat for nutrition and development exclusively. In fact, cats can comfortably eat and digest vegetables, grains, and fruits such as blueberries. Can Cats Eat Blueberries? Read on to find out all you need to know about blueberries for cats.
Can Cats Eat Blueberries?
Cats biologically belong to the same family as lions, tigers, and leopards. Have you ever seen a lion or leopard eating fruits, vegetables, or blueberries? Obviously no! But domestic cats dependent on special feed are an exception to this. Household cats can be seen eating a variety of food options that include cereals, grains, vegetables, and even fruits.
Overview
Although cats do not eat much fruit, some fruits are considered safe for the consumption of cats, such as apples, blueberries, and bananas. Generally, cats don’t like fruits because they are obligate carnivores which means that their dietary requirements are fulfilled only by meat. This is why cats crave umami or meaty flavor in their food. You would be surprised to learn that cats cannot taste sweet food because they lack the receptors for it.
In contrast, we have seen a lot of cats enjoying yogurts and ice creams, so how can this be? Scientists believe that cats are not drawn to the sweetness of these food options but to other critical dietary components, like fat content or vitamins.
Are Blueberries Good/Ok For Cats?
Yes, cats can ingest blueberries safely. Although cats cannot taste the flavor of blueberries, they may be excited because of their moist texture and the beneficial compounds they contain. However, keep in mind that moderation is the key. You should only feed your cat a small number of blueberries once a week.
Are Blueberries Bad/Toxic For Cats?
Blueberries are not toxic and are safe for consumption. The only thing pet parents need to consider is the amount they feed their cats. Since blueberries are a superfood, their nutritional value is very high. Hence, only feed small amounts of blueberries to the cat so that it can digest them without suffering from an upset stomach.
Benefits of Blueberries For Cats
Blueberries are considered a superfood with lower calories and higher fiber content than any other fruit. They are abundant in minerals and vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Manganese, and Calcium. Experts believe that they have the highest amount of antioxidants among fruits and vegetables.
Antioxidants are essential for the body to fight against aging, cancer, and other inflammatory problems. Different research studies indicate that blueberries can be very helpful in managing blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease, and memory issues.
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For cats, blueberries may help with urinary infections, just like cranberries. The antioxidant properties of blueberries can help reduce inflammation as well. The wide range of beneficial vitamins and minerals offered by blueberries can help your kitty grow and develop healthily.
Can Cats Eat Wild Blueberries?
Compared to regular blueberries, wild blueberries are smaller in size with less water content. This means they give a more intense, tangy, and sweet flavor. Moreover, studies indicate that eating wild blueberries can help protect the cardiovascular system by reducing blood pressure and the risk of blocked blood vessels. Wild blueberries are even more nutritionally enriched than regular ones, and thus, cats can eat them without any trouble.
Can Cats Eat Frozen Blueberries?
Cats can comfortably eat frozen food such as frozen blueberries. Just make sure they take their time and chew it properly before swallowing. Many pet owners believe that cats don’t like cold food straight from the refrigerator. It would be best to bring the blueberries to room temperature or close to the cat’s body temperature before serving it.
Can Cats Eat Dried Blueberries?
You will be amazed to learn that cats can easily eat dried blueberries. However, if you notice that your cat is struggling with dried blueberries, you can replace them with fresh blueberries or make a paste and let them enjoy.
Read more can cats eat blackberries
How Many Blueberries Can Cats Eat?
Pet parents consider blueberries the same as any other cat treat. Blueberries should not make up more than 10% of the daily calorie intake of your cat. So 2 to 3 blueberries are the right amount for one serving a week. Always remember that a cat’s digestive system is not designed like herbivores or humans who can easily digest large amounts of fruits. So it is highly recommended to stick to the quantity mentioned above.
How Can My Cat Eat More Blueberries in Her Diet?
Cats can eat blueberries in any form, such as fresh or wild, but the amount should be kept under control. If you want your kitty to grow in a balanced way, only give it 2-3 blueberries whole or in paste form. Don’t try to increase the amount without consulting your veterinarian. The reason is the nutritional value of blueberries. It is a superfood: best for human dietary needs. So only a small amount of these vitamin-packed treats are suitable for cats.
FAQs
Why do cats eat blueberries?
Cats eat blueberries because of their appetizing texture and attractive color. They may also like blueberries as they offer a variety of beneficial vitamins and minerals required for proper development, repair, and growth.
What kind of blueberries can cats eat?
Cats can eat all kinds of blueberries, such as dried, fresh, frozen, wild, or regular. However, always remember not to exceed the recommended portion sizes no matter what kind of blueberry you feed to your cat.
Can cats eat fresh blueberries?
When there is a choice between frozen or fresh food, cats always prefer fresh food. They don’t like cold food that is served straight out of a refrigerator. The same goes for blueberries. Cats can eat fresh blueberries and enjoy them much more than cold blueberries.
Can cats eat human blueberries?
Humans eat and enjoy wild and regular blueberries. Although there is a difference in water content and size, both are delicious and mouth-watering. Cats can eat human blueberries just like all other types, as they all provide the same nutritional benefits.
Are blueberries toxic for cats?
There is a huge misconception about blueberries being toxic for cats. But this is not true. These small treats are packed with beneficial compounds that can help your cat grow. They are not toxic or bad for cats, so you can feed them blueberries as a small treat from time to time.
Conclusion
Cats can eat blueberries in any form. However, it is best to consult a veterinarian and ask them to set a dosage before feeding your cat anything. If your cat does not show a willingness to try blueberries, do not force it. All in all, blueberries are nutritious fruits that can be beneficial for humans and cats.
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