Cats cannot detect sweet tastes, so they typically do not appreciate fruits and might find them overly tart. If you find your cat begging for a fruity snack, though, you might wonder: Can cats eat raspberries?
Raspberries are non-toxic to cats, so your feline friend can certainly eat them. As with any snack, it is important to know how to properly balance raspberries with the rest of your cat’s diet.
How Many Raspberries Can Cats Eat?
Just like when feeding pumpkin to cats, raspberries can be a healthy snack in moderation. The rule of thumb is that cat treats, including fruit, should make up no more than 2% of your pet’s overall diet. For most cats, this means that one ounce of raspberries is a suitable daily amount. Be sure to cut raspberries and other fruits into bite-sized pieces to help avoid choking risks.
Feeding raspberries to your cat in appropriate serving sizes can actually be very beneficial. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and Vitamins A, C, K, and E. The same is true for blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries, though cats are unlikely to taste a difference between these various fruits.
While cats can eat raspberries, you should entirely avoid raspberry products. Products like raspberry jam or ice cream include added sugars and other ingredients that can be blatantly harmful to cats. Fruit gummies are also dangerous because they do not contain any fruit fiber, making them exceptionally difficult for a cat to digest.
What Happens if a Cat Eats Too Many Raspberries?
If a cat eats too many raspberries, they may have trouble digesting the entire amount. This can cause digestive upset or gastrointestinal issues. Pet health experts explain that some of the common symptoms of digestive problems in cats include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms or any unusual changes in behavior whatsoever, it can be worth a precautionary visit to your veterinarian sooner rather than later. The vet can treat the issue if it is severe or give you advice on how to handle digestive problems at home.
How Can You Include Raspberries in a Healthy Cat Diet?
The most important thing to remember if you plan to include raspberries in your cat’s diet is that fruit can never replace a hearty meal of meat or fish. Cats are obligate carnivores, so a healthy diet must include meat and should have low fruit intake to preserve the pet’s digestive health.
Some of the best cat food to serve as the foundation of your kitty’s meals can include:
- Purina Friskies Surfin' & Turfin' Favorites Dry Cat Food
- Fussie Cat Premium Tuna with Salmon in Aspic Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co. Meow Freeze Dried Cat Food
- Purina Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Poultry & Beef Canned Cat Food
As long as your cat is getting enough meat and plenty of essential nutrients in their diet, you can safely include yummy fruits like raspberries as an occasional snack. If your cat isn’t fond of fruit, on the other hand, you might consider a more savory cat treat when your feline friend deserves something special.
Find Your Cat’s Favorite Treats With BaxterBoo
When your cat knows what they want, they might be reluctant to settle for anything else. While cats can eat raspberries, and they certainly make for a convenient treat, BaxterBoo is here to cover all the bases so you can always have your cat’s favorite treats on hand.Browse our catalog of cat food, treats, and other products today.
