Updated: August 11, 2022 by Kristen Chapple
Blackberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants and thus they are considered an excellent treat for us although they might sometimes be difficult to find. Cats don’t eat fruits in the wild and thus they wouldn’t eat this unless you serve it to them but does this mean that they gain no benefits from them? Can cats eat blackberries? Let us find out together!
Nutritional Value
Blackberries grow in all places throughout the northern hemisphere and they are one of the essential sources of food for many species of wildlife. They are low in fat and calories so they will help keep your pet fit.
Blackberries are rich in vitamins like A, C, E, and K while also containing high quantities of minerals such as iron or potassium and these will improve the immune system of the cat while also keeping their coat healthy. The antioxidants that are found in high quantities in blackberries help counteract the risk of cancer.
Potential Risks
Cats are obligate carnivores and thus their main diet should consist of meat. They get all of the nutritional elements they require from meat so anything else should be considered as just a side dish or as a treat.
Blackberries are in the latter category as their digestive system isn’t accustomed to assimilating large quantities of fruits and thus they can upset the stomach of your pet leading to symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea.
How to Serve and Choose Blackberries
Most of these fruits come from cultures and as blackberries are highly resistant to invasive threats they can have a lot of chemicals remnant on them. This means that your pet might get intoxicated by the pesticides or other treatments applied to them and thus they should be washed properly.
They should be served fresh, if they become too mushy then the cat will probably get an upset stomach so throw those away. Remember that it is generally a good rule not to give your pet something that you wouldn’t eat yourself.
If you grow blackberries in your backyard you should consider the fact that if cats get used to blackberries as treats then they will probably start to eat some right of the vine. The plant foliage isn’t toxic or dangerous but make sure that no hazardous chemicals are on the plants that your cat has access to.
Remember these guidelines when considering feeding other berries such as strawberries and raspberries.
Short Answer:
They are safe in small quantities and can be used as occasional sweet treats.
