Can Cats Eat Goji Berries? (Yes & How Often?)

Last night, I was in my backyard gathering goji berries when my cat, Snickers, ran over and began eating them right out of my hand. I was so surprised that I immediately went online to see if it was safe for him to eat them. Turns out, there isn’t a whole lot of information on whether or not cats can eat goji berries. So, can cats eat goji berries?

Yes, cats can eat goji berries but only in moderation. Goji berries contain a small amount of toxic substances that can be harmful to your cat if eaten in large quantities. However, the berries are also packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can be beneficial for your cat’s health.

So, if you want to give your cat goji berries, do so in moderation and make sure they are fresh. You can also look for goji berry treats that are made specifically for cats.

Can Cats have Goji Berries?

According to the ASPCA, goji berries are not toxic to cats. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are safe for your feline friend to consume.

While goji berries are not toxic, they can cause some digestive upset in cats. This is because the berries are high in fiber and too much fiber can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.

Additionally, goji berries are high in sugar. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain and other health problems in cats.

Therefore, it is important to feed your cat goji berries in moderation. I’ll discuss how much you should give your cat later in this blog post.

Can Cats Eat Dried Goji Berries?

No, cats should not eat dried goji berries. Dried fruits are generally higher in sugar and fiber than fresh fruits. This means that they are more likely to cause digestive upset in cats.

Additionally, dried fruits are often treated with sulfur dioxide. This preservative can cause an allergic reaction in some cats.

If you want to give your cat goji berries, it is best to give them fresh or frozen berries.

How Much should you Give your Cat and How Often?

It depends! Yes, I know that’s not the answer you were looking for but it really does depend on your cat’s individual needs.

Here I make a general recommendation for how much you should give your cat based on their weight.

• Cats that weigh less than 5 pounds: up to 1 berry per day
• Cats that weigh 5-10 pounds: up to 2 berries per day
• Cats that weigh more than 10 pounds: up to 3 berries per day

Of course, you should always start by giving your cat less than the recommended amount. This will help you gauge their individual tolerance for this fruit.

If your cat tolerates the berries well, you can gradually increase the amount you give them. However, if they experience any digestive upset, it is best to reduce the amount or stop giving them goji berries altogether.

The Benefits of Feeding Goji Berries to Cats

Goji berries are a good source of antioxidants and vitamins. These nutrients can offer some health benefits for cats, including:

1. Boosting the immune system

For cats, a strong immune system is important for preventing various diseases and infections. The antioxidants in goji berries can help to boost the immune system, keeping your cat healthy and disease-free.

2. Improving vision

The antioxidants in goji berries can also help to improve vision. This is especially beneficial for older cats who may be starting to experience vision problems.

3. Supporting kidney health

Goji berries can also help to support kidney health. This is because they are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that can help to protect the kidneys from damage.

4. Reducing inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties of goji berries can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can be beneficial for cats who suffer from conditions like arthritis or allergies.

5. Improving digestion

The high fiber content of goji berries can help to improve digestion. This is especially beneficial for cats who suffer from constipation or other digestive problems.

6. Regulating blood sugar levels

Goji berries can also help to regulate blood sugar levels. This is important for diabetic cats and can also be beneficial for cats who are prone to weight gain.

7. Supporting cardiovascular health

The antioxidants in goji berries can also help to support cardiovascular health. This includes supporting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

8. Enhancing cognitive function

The nutrients in goji berries can also help to enhance cognitive function. This is especially beneficial for older cats who may be starting to experience cognitive decline.

9. Reducing stress levels

Last but not least, the nutrients in goji berries can also help to reduce stress levels. This is important for all cats, but can be especially beneficial for those who live in chaotic households or who suffer from anxiety disorders.

Goji Berries Feeding Tips for your Cats

If you decide to give your cat goji berries, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some tips for feeding goji berries to cats:

1. Give them fresh or frozen berries

I know I already said this, but it’s worth repeating. The fresher the berries, the better. If you can get your hands on fresh or frozen berries, that’s ideal. However, dried berries are also an option. Just make sure to avoid giving your cat goji berries that have been sweetened or flavored in any way.

2. Start with a small amount

As I mentioned earlier, it’s important to start with a small amount. This will help you gauge your cat’s tolerance for the fruit.

3. Gradually increase the amount

If your cat tolerates the berries well, you can gradually increase the amount you give them.

4. Watch for signs of digestive upset

As with any new food, it’s important to watch for signs of digestive upset. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If your cat experiences any of these symptoms, it is best to stop giving them goji berries and consult with your veterinarian.

5. Look for organic berries

If possible, try to find organic goji berries. This will help to ensure that they are free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

6. Store them properly

If you have leftover berries, it’s important to store them properly. Fresh berries should be stored in the refrigerator, while dried berries can be stored at room temperature.

Are Berries Dangerous for Cats?

No, goji berries are not dangerous for cats. In fact, they offer a variety of health benefits.

However, it’s important to start with a small amount and watch for signs of digestive upset. If your cat tolerates the fruit well, you can gradually increase the amount you give them.

Some people also recommend giving cats goji berries as a treat, rather than a regular part of their diet. This is because the fruit is high in sugar. If you do decide to give your cat goji berries as a treat, it’s important to do so in moderation.

The Risks Associated with Giving your Cat Goji Berries

Hey, even I like to indulge in the occasional treat. Goji berries are no different.

While there are a few risks associated with giving your cat goji berries, they are relatively minor. Here are a few things you should keep in mind:

1. They are high in sugar

Sorry to say it again, but goji berries are high in sugar. This means that they should be given in moderation. If you give your cat too many berries, they could experience an increase in blood sugar levels.

2. They could cause digestive upset

Yes, goji berries could cause digestive upset in some cats. This is why it’s important to start with a small amount and watch for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. If your cat experiences any of these symptoms, it is best to stop giving them goji berries and consult with your veterinarian.

3. Pesticides and other chemicals

As with any food, it’s important to look for organic berries. This will help to ensure that they are free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

4. They could interact with medications

Goji berries could interact with certain medications. If your cat is taking any medications, it is best to consult with your veterinarian before giving them goji berries.

5. Allergies

Some cats may be allergic to goji berries. If your cat experiences any adverse reactions, it is best to stop giving them the fruit and consult with your veterinarian.

The Summary

Scrolling through Instagram, you’ve probably seen pictures of cats eating goji berries. And you may be wondering, “Can cats eat goji berries?”

I hope now you know the answer is yes! Not only are they safe for cats, but they offer a variety of health benefits.

If you decide to give your cat goji berries, follow my advice above and start with a small amount. If they tolerate the fruit well, you can gradually increase the amount you give them.

Just remember to give them in moderation, as the fruit is high in sugar. And if you have any concerns, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.