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My 7 kg West Highland Terrier ate a handful of fresh blackcurrants this morning but my 5 kg cat didn't — should I worry about the cat?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

The cat is safe — blackcurrants are non-toxic to both species. What matters now is the sugar load for your terrier. A handful of fresh blackcurrants contains about 5–7 grams of sugar, which is fine for a 7 kg dog occasionally but can cause loose stool if eaten regularly. Watch for soft stool or mild gas over the next 24 hours, and keep the berries out of reach going forward. No vet call is needed unless he develops persistent diarrhea.

Blackcurrant — Food safety facts

Safe to share · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Safe in small amounts; the sugar content adds up quickly.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Safe to share), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Blackcurrant is not toxic to dogs. The real limit is calories, fat and salt, so treat it as a small extra alongside the normal ration rather than a meal in itself.

There is no poisoning risk here, and the usual problem is simply eating too much at once: a heavy fat or salt load can bring on loose stools or a single vomit. Offer water, keep an eye on the pet for 24 hours, and do not induce vomiting.

Why these cautions matter

Added sugar brings empty calories, and over months that means weight gain and dental disease — both far harder to undo than to avoid.

Blackcurrant can stay on the rotation, but only as an extra mouthful: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Blackcurrant food facts page.

Open the full food page: Blackcurrant food facts →