Will a cat like goji berries? Are they risk-free? Are they poisonous? Is there a chance they’ll make your cat sick? If your cat ate them, would it die? If any of these sound familiar, you are in good company.
More and more people are concerned about whether or not their pets are safe to consume this superfood along with their increasing popularity among humans. Let’s take a look at whether or not goji berries are safe for cats to eat, as well as any possible side effects.
Can Cats have Goji Berries?
The American SPCA states that goji berries are safe for cats to consume. This does not, however, guarantee that they are safe for your feline companion to eat.
Goji berries are not toxic, but they can make cats sick to their stomachs. This is due to the high fiber content of the berries, which can cause gastrointestinal distress if consumed in excess.
Goji berries have a lot of sugar, too. Cats should avoid sugary foods to prevent obesity and other health issues.
So, give your cat goji berries occasionally and in small amounts. I’ll get to how much food your cat needs later on in this post.
Can Cats Eat Dried Goji Berries?
Dried goji berries are not safe for cats to eat. The sugar and fiber content of dried fruits typically exceeds that of fresh fruits. This makes them more hazardous to a cat’s digestive system.
In addition, sulfur dioxide is frequently used to treat dried fruits. Some cats may develop an allergy to this preservative.
Fresh or frozen goji berries are best if you want to feed them to your cat.
How Much should you Give your Cat and How Often?
Yes, perhaps! I’m sorry if that wasn’t the response you were hoping for, but the requirements of your cat are unique.
In this section, I provide a rough estimate of how much food your cat needs based on its weight.
- Smaller than 5 pound cats:daily intake of up to 1 berry
- Small to medium-sized cats:daily intake of up to 2 berries
- Larger than 10-pound cats:as many as three berries per day
Naturally, you should always begin with a smaller amount than what is recommended for your cat. This will give you a good idea of how well this fruit agrees with each person.
If your cat seems to be enjoying the berries, you can feed them more. If they develop stomach problems, however, you should decrease their goji berry intake or stop giving them the supplement altogether.
The Benefits of Feeding Goji Berries to Cats
The goji berry is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Some of the ways these nutrients are good for a cat’s health include:
1. Boosting the immune system
A healthy immune system is crucial for keeping cats free from illness. Goji berries are rich in antioxidants that can help your cat’s immune system fight off illness.
2. Improving vision
Goji berries are rich in antioxidants that may also benefit eyesight. This is especially helpful for senior cats who may be developing vision issues.
3. Supporting kidney health
The health of your kidneys can also be aided by eating goji berries. This is due to their high vitamin and antioxidant content, which helps to shield the kidneys from harm.
4. Reducing inflammation
Goji berries have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body as a whole. Cats with health problems like arthritis or allergies may benefit from this.
5. Improving digestion
Goji berries have a high fiber content, which may aid digestion. For cats with digestive issues like constipation, this is a lifesaver.
6. Regulating blood sugar levels
In addition to aiding in sugar control, goji berries have other health benefits. This is crucial for diabetic cats and may help overweight cats as well.
7. Supporting cardiovascular health
Goji berries are rich in antioxidants that can benefit your heart. Maintaining normal levels of blood pressure and cholesterol is part of this.
8. Enhancing cognitive function
Goji berries are packed with nutrients that have been shown to improve brain power. Older cats, who may be experiencing the beginnings of cognitive decline, can benefit greatly from this.
9. Reducing stress levels
Finally, the nutrients found in goji berries have been shown to aid in the alleviation of stress. While this is crucial for all cats, it may be especially helpful for cats who live in high-stress environments or who have anxiety disorders.
How Can I Safely Give Goji Berries To My Cat?
To begin, felines are best served by a diet heavy in meat protein because they are obligate carnivores.
If you want to give your cat goji berries as a supplement, you should check with your vet first. This will help you give your cat a healthy portion every time.
Your neighborhood health food store may carry both fresh and dried goji berries for your shopping convenience.
Both are safe for felines, though you might want to rehydrate dried goji berries before giving them to your cat.
Goji Berries Feeding Tips for your Cats
There are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to feed your cat goji berries. If you want to give your cat goji berries, here are some suggestions:
1. Give them fresh or frozen berries
I know I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating. The berries should be as fresh as possible. The best berries to use are fresh or frozen ones.
But you can also use dried berries if you prefer. Don’t give your cat any goji berries if they’ve been artificially sweetened or flavored.
2. Start with a small amount
I’ve already mentioned the significance of beginning with a modest sum. To find out how well your cat handles the fruit, do this.
3. Gradually increase the amount
If your cat seems to be enjoying the berries, you can feed them more.
4. Watch for signs of digestive upset
Symptoms of gastrointestinal distress should always be monitored when trying a new food. Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting are also symptoms. If your cat exhibits any of these signs, it is best to discontinue feeding them goji berries and seek veterinary attention.
5. Look for organic berries
Find organic goji berries if at all possible. This will help guarantee that they are clean and safe to eat.
6. Store them properly
Proper storage is essential if you have any berries left over. Dried berries can be kept at room temperature, while fresh ones need to be kept in the fridge.
Are Berries Dangerous for Cats?
Goji berries pose no threat to feline health. They are beneficial to health in many ways.
However, it’s best to ease into it gradually and keep an eye out for tummy trouble. If your cat seems to be enjoying the fruit, you can feed it to them more often.
Goji berries have been suggested as a treat for cats rather than a staple food. This is because of the sugar content of the fruit. If you want to treat your cat with goji berries, make sure you don’t overdo it.
The Risks Associated with Giving your Cat Goji Berries
Sure, I’ll give in to my sweet tooth once in a while. The same holds true for goji berries.
While there are some potential side effects from feeding goji berries to your cat, they are minimal. Some things to remember are listed below.
1. They are high in sugar
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but goji berries contain a lot of sugar. This necessitates that they be administered sparingly. A cat’s blood sugar levels may rise if you feed it an excessive amount of berries.
2. They could cause digestive upset
Goji berries may cause diarrhea in some feline residents. This is why it’s important to take it slowly at first and look out for side effects like nausea, stomach cramps, and weight loss.
You should stop feeding your cat goji berries and take them to the vet if you notice any of these signs.
3. Pesticides and other chemicals
It’s best to find organic berries, as with any other food. In this way, you can rest assured that they are clean and safe to eat.
4. They could interact with medications
There may be drug interactions involving goji berries. Talk to your vet before giving your cat goji berries if he or she is currently taking any medications.
5. Allergies
A few felines might have an allergy to goji berries. If your cat develops any symptoms after eating the fruit, you should stop feeding it to them immediately and take them to the vet.
The Summary
You’ve probably seen photos of cats eating goji berries on Instagram. Perhaps you’ve even considered the question, “Can cats eat goji berries?”
The answer, I trust, is now obvious to you. They are not only harmless to cats, but also beneficial to their health in many ways.
If you’re set on feeding your cat goji berries despite my warnings, remember to ease into it. If the fruit is well-tolerated, you can increase the serving size over time.
Remember to give them sparingly, though, as the fruit is very sugary. And remember, your vet is the best person to talk to if you have any doubts or worries.