Fruit
Can cats eat blackberries?
A berry or two is safe for cats, but they get little benefit from fruit and many aren’t interested.
By Maya HartIf your cat ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Signs to watch for
- Loose stools after eating a lot
How much, how often
One or two berries, occasionally.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Wash berries, especially from roadsides
- Avoid blackberry jam, pie filling and sweetened products
- Freeze a few as a summer treat
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs Safe
Yes. Fresh blackberries are a healthy, low-calorie treat for dogs, with fibre and antioxidants. Many dogs happily pick their own from hedgerows.
How much: A few berries for a small dog, a small handful for a large dog.
Can dogs eat blackberries?Cats In moderation
A berry or two is safe for cats, but they get little benefit from fruit and many aren’t interested.
How much: One or two berries, occasionally.
The details
Blackberries naturally contain a trace of xylitol, which sometimes worries owners. The amount is tiny — far below anything dangerous — so fresh berries in normal treat amounts are fine. The real xylitol risk comes from sugar-free products.
When foraging, beware of brambles near roads or sprayed fields, and check your dog for thorns in the mouth and paws.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat blackberries?
A berry or two is safe for cats, but they get little benefit from fruit and many aren’t interested.
How much blackberries can a cat have?
One or two berries, occasionally.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
loose stools after eating a lot.
What should I do if my cat ate blackberries?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is blackberries safe for dogs too?
Yes. Fresh blackberries are a healthy, low-calorie treat for dogs, with fibre and antioxidants. Many dogs happily pick their own from hedgerows.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
More foods for cats
Avocado
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation
Apples
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- Safe
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Bananas
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- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation
