Can dogs or cats eat raspberries?

Raspberries are a nutritious and tasty treat for humans, but what about cats? Yep, raspberries are safe for cats to eat in moderation!

Raspberries contain vital nutrients such as vitamin C, manganese, fibre, and antioxidants, which can boost your cat's immune system and promote healthy digestion. Plus, the high water content in raspberries helps keep your cat hydrated, and the fruit's high fibre content can help with their digestion.

However, although raspberries are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your cat's overall health, keep in mind that overfeeding them raspberries can lead to health complications and digestive illnesses like diarrhoea or upset stomach. One reason for this is that raspberries, like other fruits, have a fairly high sugar content. If you do introduce raspberries to your cat's diet, you should only do so in small quantities, as an occasional treat.

Also, make sure you wash raspberries thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves before feeding them to your cat, as these may cause choking or other health problems.

Finally, just remember that cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to get most of their nutrients from eating. You should never introduce a large quantity of plant-based foods into their diet to replace some of the meat in their diet.

As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult your veterinarian first. If your cat eats raspberries (or any food) and shows signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, contact your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating any unsafe foods, cat insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.