Can Cats Eat Golden Berries? (Solved & Explained!)

If you’ve ever wondered if cats can eat golden berries, you’re not alone! This nutritious fruit is popular among humans for its health benefits, but can cats enjoy them too?

Let’s take a closer look at whether golden berries are safe for cats and discover some of the potential health benefits they offer felines.

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Can Cats Eat Golden Berries?

Yes, cats can eat golden berries. Goldenberries are a good source of fiber and vitamin C, which are both important for cats. Additionally, golden berries contain antioxidants that can help protect your cat from free radical damage.

What Type of Fruit Is a Goldenberry?

The goldenberry is the fruit of a different species of plant than the tomato. It is in the genus Physalis and is in the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplant, and tobacco. The goldenberry has orange flesh and hard skin that turns from green to yellow as it ripens. It is sometimes called cape gooseberry or Peruvian cherry.

Golden Berry Scientific and Other Names

Golden Berry Scientific Name: Physalis peruviana

Other Names: Peruvian Croundcherry, Cape Gooseberry, Inca Berry, Aztec Berry, Golden Cherry, Andean Cherry, Golden Gooseberry

Goldenberries are small fruit that is typically orange or yellow. They are high in fiber and vitamin C and have a sweet and tangy flavor. Goldenberries can be eaten fresh or used in recipes.

Are Any Berries Toxic to Cats?

No, there are no berries that are toxic to cats. Some cats may have a mild reaction to certain berries, such as vomiting or diarrhea, but there are no berries that will kill a cat. Some plants are toxic to cats, such as lilies, but no berry is poisonous to felines.

Toxic Fruits for Cats

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. Therefore, feeding a cat fruit is not recommended, as it does not provide them with the nutrients they need. Additionally, some fruits contain toxins that can be harmful to cats. Here is a list of some toxic fruits for cats:

• Apple Seeds: The seeds of apples contain cyanide, which is poisonous to cats. Apple peels or the flesh itself isn’t poisonous.
• Grapes and raisins: These fruits can cause kidney failure in cats.
• Cherries: The pits, stems, and leaves of cherries contain cyanide, which is poisonous to cats. The fruit part itself is not poisonous.
• Peaches and plums: Like cherries, the stems, leaves, and pits of peaches and plums contain chemicals called cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause cyanide poisoning.

Health Benefits of Golden Berries for Cats

While there are no known health benefits of golden berries specifically for cats, the fruit does offer some potential benefits. Golden berries are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Fiber helps with digestive health and can prevent constipation. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage. Additionally, golden berries contain flavonoids, which are plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Golden Berry Nutrition Facts

Here are the nutrition facts for golden berries per cup, according to the USDA:

Calories: 74

Fat: 1 gram

Protein: 2.7 grams

Carbohydrates: 16 grams

Fiber: 6 grams

Sugar: 9 grams

Golden berries are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Additionally, they contain flavonoids, which are plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to Feed Golden Berries to Your Cat

Golden berries can be fed to cats fresh, dried, or in a puree. When feeding golden berries to your cat, start with a small amount and see how they react. Some cats may have a mild reaction, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat does not have any adverse reaction, you can give them more golden berries.

Where Do Golden Berries Come From?

Goldenberries are native to South America and grow in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Chile. The goldenberry plant is a perennial shrub that can grow up to six feet tall. Goldenberries are typically harvested by hand.

How Are Golden Berries Processed?

Goldenberries can be eaten fresh or used in recipes. They can also be dried, frozen, or made into a puree.

What Do Golden Berries Taste Like?

Golden berries have a sweet and tangy flavor. Cat can’t taste sweet but they may enjoy the texture.

How to Store Golden Berries

Goldenberries can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for up to six months.

Dried golden berries can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Where Can You Buy Golden Berries?

You can purchase golden berries at some health food stores, Whole Foods, and sometimes at Trader Joe’s.

You can buy them dried through Amazon. See the link below for current pricing.

Are Exotic Fruit Safe for Cats?

Most common fruits are safe for cats to eat, except a few (such as grapes and raisins, which can cause kidney failure). Pits or seeds of many fruits are toxic to cats (apples, cherries, peaches, plums)

Other exotic fruits may not be as safe. If you’re unsure whether or not a fruit is safe for your cat, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian first.

Can Cats Eat Blueberries, Raspberries, Cranberries, and Blackberries?

Yes, cats can eat blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries. These fruits are safe for cats to eat and offer some health benefits. Blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries are good sources of fiber and antioxidants. Blackberries are a good source of fiber and vitamins C and K.

Conclusion

Goldenberries are safe for cats to eat. The fruit is a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Additionally, golden berries contain flavonoids, which are plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. If you’re unsure whether or not a fruit is safe for your cat, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian first.

Kevin "Ken" Davies

My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.