Can cats eat raspberries? It sometimes become very difficult to resist sharing your snack with your cat. Especially when your feline friend gets attracted towards vibrant colors and fresh aroma of the fruits.
Though our little friends meow due to hunger or out of feline curiosity, there are some foods that cats should avoid as they can be harmful for them.
You will be calmed to know that cats can eat raspberries, but make sure you are feeding in small precise amount. Large number of raspberries can disturb your cat’s digestive system.
Can My Cat Eat Raspberries?
Before you share raspberries with your little kitty, there are certain things you should know about.
Cats are ‘Obligate Carnivores’ and their bodies are designed to digest and get their nutrition from carnivorous diet i.e., meat. Fruits and veggies aren’t bad but these shouldn’t be a part of their regular diet.
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Nutritional Information About Raspberries:
Raspberries belong to the same group as other berries do and have many health and dietary benefits.
They are antioxidant, great source of micronutrients. Raspberries are rich in vitamin A, C, K and E, calcium, manganese, potassium, magnesium and fiber.
8 Health Benefits of Consuming Raspberries for Humans:
There are many health benefits of raspberries for cats, few of them are listed below:
- Boost immunity
- Improves digestive system
- Improves heart strength
- Relieve nausea
- Helps in weight loss and diabetes management
- Helps to reduce the risk of cancer
- Increase brainpower
- Improves cognitive functions
Raspberries will not have the same effect on cats, like they have on humans. But in small numbers, they will not be harmful.
You can share raspberries with your cat but don’t forget cats have a major protein requirement.
Due to the absence of the digestive enzymes that are compulsory to derive the advantages of plant-based sources of nutrients, you should not add raspberries to your cat’s staple diet.
How Many Raspberries Can Cats Eat Harmlessly?
As you know cats can eat raspberries, but you should take care of the amount you are giving them. Though raspberries are non-toxic to cats but they must be given in slight quantity because excess of anything in diet is bad.
Cats are carnivores, their digestive system is designed to digest and process meat rather than fruits and veggies. Their diet must include a major protein source.
Consuming extra number of raspberries may result in health side effects and can disturb your cat’s digestive system. It is due to the amount of xylitol in raspberries.
The healthy and safe number of raspberries given to your little kitty should only be 1-2 and only once or twice a week. Make sure to cut each in bite size portions to avoid choking hazards.
To get to know more about your cat’s nutritional needs, you can speak with your veterinarian to discuss about feeding your cat with fruits sometimes.
Information About Xylitol:
Xylitol is a common alternative for sugar you may heard of. It can be harmful for dogs, but is it the same for cats?
Though raspberries have many health benefits, but you should note that it also contains xylitol. Excess xylitol can rise sugar levels and is particularly harmful for cats with diabetes. So, it’s necessary to keep your cat away from eating too many raspberries.
After Effects of Cats Eating Raspberries:
There are number of possible side effects that can happen to your cat if it consumes more raspberries than the suggested amount, Such as;
- Pain in abdomen
- Vomiting
- Disturbed stomach
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Stinky feces
- Kidney toxins and harm
Ways to Serve Raspberries to Your Cat:
The vibrant color and strong scent of raspberries can easily attract your cat. So, if you can’t resist serving raspberries to your fur ball, you can give them any, fresh or frozen.
Frozen raspberries preserve their nutritional value and give your cat a cold, juicy, delicious and a flavorful treat on a hot summer’s day. Make sure to wash the berries properly before serving!
Can Cats Consume Raspberry Yogurt?
Yogurt also has many health advantages like raspberries. Cats don’t actually like much artificial sweets due to the lack of sweet receptors in their mouth.
Cats are more likely to enjoy plain yogurt but you can absolutely give your cats a little of raspberry yogurt if they like it.
Again, like raspberries, if your cat enjoys consuming raspberry-flavored yogurt, make sure to give in reasonable quantity once in a while.
Foods Cats Can Eat Safely:
Since you are considering to give your cat a raspberry, you might also want to know about other fruits and veggies your cat can eat.
Below is a short list of tasty fruits and veggies you can serve your cat now and then, in minute quantity.
Whatever you offer your companion, first make sure to rinse, peel inedible skin, remove seeds and pits.
A) Fruits Cats Can Eat:
- Blueberries
- Apple
- Pear
- pineapple
- Peaches
- Watermelon
- Strawberries
- Cantaloupe
- Banana
B) Vegetables Cats Can Eat:
- Carrots
- Asparagus
- Celery
- Green Bell Pepper
- Cucumber
- Broccoli
- Zucchini
Foods Cats CANNOT Eat:
It’s important to know what kind of fruits cats can eat but it’s equally necessary to identify the foods that cats should avoid. The foods cats cannot eat may be toxic to your cat’s health.
Poisonous Foods for Cats:
Foods listed below are poisonous for cats and you should never give to your cat. Otherwise, it can risk your little one’s life!
- Chocolate
- Garlic
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Nuts
- Raisins
- Onions
- Grapes
- Fat trimmings
- Xylitol in candies and gums
Can Cats Eat Raspberries? – Conclusion:
Raspberries are perfectly safe to feed your cat but you should not give them every day. If you are giving your cat a raspberry for the first time, you should offer them a small sample to monitor how their stomach responds.
If there are signs of upset stomach and restlessness, it’s better to stop giving them again. Check your vet and heed to their advice.
If your cat has no difficulty in eating raspberries, it is best to give only 1 or 2 raspberries per serving. You can feed them once or twice a week only as an occasional treat. Make sure to put raspberries out of your cat’s reach to avoid excess consumption.