Fruit
Can cats eat pomegranate?
A seed or two is unlikely to harm a cat, but there’s no benefit and it may upset the stomach.
Why Tannins and fibre that can irritate the stomach
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.
- If a large piece of rind was swallowed, watch for signs of a blockage.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Belly discomfort
How much, how often
Not needed.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Skip it — there are better fruit treats
- Don’t give pomegranate juice or molasses
- Pomegranate extract in dog food is a different, processed ingredient
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Pomegranate isn’t toxic, but many dogs vomit after eating the seeds or rind. It’s best avoided or kept to a few seeds.
How much: A few seeds at most.
Can dogs eat pomegranate?Cats In moderation
A seed or two is unlikely to harm a cat, but there’s no benefit and it may upset the stomach.
How much: Not needed.
The details
Pomegranate extract appears in some premium dog foods as an antioxidant, which leads owners to assume the fresh fruit is a good treat. The fruit itself is tough on many dogs’ stomachs. Blueberries or apple slices offer the same kind of benefit with far less upset.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat pomegranate?
A seed or two is unlikely to harm a cat, but there’s no benefit and it may upset the stomach.
How much pomegranate can a cat have?
Not needed.
What makes pomegranate risky for cats?
Tannins and fibre that can irritate the stomach.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
vomiting, diarrhoea, belly discomfort.
What should I do if my cat ate pomegranate?
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. If a large piece of rind was swallowed, watch for signs of a blockage.
Is pomegranate safe for dogs too?
Pomegranate isn’t toxic, but many dogs vomit after eating the seeds or rind. It’s best avoided or kept to a few seeds.
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
Blueberries
Strawberries
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Cherries
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation