Can Dogs Have Blueberries?
Can Dogs Have Blueberries?
Can Dogs Have Blueberries?. Blueberries are tiny superfoods full of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. But can dogs have blueberries, and how many is too many? For most dogs, blueberries are a healthy, safe treat for both adult dogs and puppies if given in moderation. Discover the advantages of blueberries for dogs, how to feed them safely, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Blueberries are safe for the majority of dogs to consume in small amounts and provide health benefits such as antioxidants and fiber.
- Do not feed dogs canned, sweetened, or flavored blueberries, which could have added sugars or dangerous chemicals.
- Feeding blueberries in excess may lead to digestive issues or unwanted weight gain, so it’s best to stick to recommended portions.
- Serve fresh, frozen, or mashed blueberries, and consult your veterinarian before adding blueberries to your dog’s diet.
Can Dogs Have Blueberries?
Can Dogs Have Blueberries?. Yes, all but a few dogs can eat blueberries safely. Fresh or frozen blueberries are ideal—just be sure they’re plain and unsweetened.
Dogs can safely eat wild blueberries in moderation, but avoid giving them in large amounts. Always make sure they’re genuine blueberries, since certain wild berries—like salmonberries—can be harmful to dogs.
Can Dogs Have Blueberries?. Shun canned blueberries, blueberry pie filling, and anything that’s been packed in syrup, as those tend to have a lot of sugar or artificial sweetener in them that will upset your dog’s stomach or even poison them.
As omnivorous animals, dogs can digest both plant and animal material. So you may ask yourself: Can dogs eat fruit? And if so, what fruits can dogs eat?
Some fruits are okay to give to dogs, but others will be toxic. Although some fruits are considered safe, dogs that suffer from conditions such as obesity, diabetes, bladder stones, allergies, or digestive issues should only be offered fruit after consulting a veterinarian.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Are blueberries safe for dogs?” the answer is yes. Unlike grapes, blueberries are non-toxic and safe for pups. Let’s take a closer look at why they make a healthy snack and how you can include them in your dog’s diet.
Are Blueberries Good for Dogs?
Yes, blueberries make a wonderful low-calorie snack for dogs. They’re also packed with antioxidants, fiber and vitamins C and K. These help the immune system and aid overall health. Including blueberries in your dog’s diet is a wonderful way to assist in keeping him healthy and happy.
When Are Blueberries Bad for Dogs?
While blueberries are a healthy snack, their size may be a choking hazard in small dogs. Too many can also cause gastrointestinal upset. Blueberries are uncommon for causing cavities in dogs, but if they consume too much sugar, it will create one. Blueberries are healthy but have sugar in them as well, so give in moderation.
How to Serve Blueberries for Dogs
Prior to giving blueberries to your dog, consult with your veterinarian. They’ll assist you in finding a safe amount depending on your dog’s size, age and other criteria. As Jan Dempsey, Senior Nutritionist at Purina, comments, “Treats should comprise no more than ten percent of the daily calories of your dog – even if the treats are a low-calorie and good thing like blueberries. We always encourage a one hundred percent complete and balanced diet as the primary component of any pet’s diet.”
After you get your vet’s suggestions, go ahead and feed your dog the recommended number of blueberries. Fresh blueberries are a tasty treat, but frozen ones are particularly delightful on hot days. “Freezing a fruit provides your dog with variety since it alters the texture for him,” says Dempsey. You can give your dog one blueberry at a time as a sweet treat, or add them to their food.
Are Blueberries Healthy for Dogs?
Blueberries are low in calories and rich in vitamin C, fiber, and phytochemicals (naturally occurring chemical substances in plants). Fiber and vitamin C are essential elements of sound canine nutrition. Phytochemicals have been associated with a number of health aspects, such as their ability to combat cancer in human beings. Blueberries are also packed with antioxidants and have been found to enhance the health of animals, as well as humans.
Antioxidants, such as found in blueberries, assist in combating free radicals, which cause cellular and molecular damage in dogs and human beings. As a bonus, research indicates that supplementing a dog’s diet with antioxidants minimizes the impacts of brain aging, which is wonderful if you possess an older dog.
Some fruits that are safe for dogs to consume, as well as fruits that you should avoid giving your dog.
Key Takeaways
- Most fruits are fine for healthy dogs to consume but some are best avoided.
- Wash the fruit and remove the stems, leaves, seeds, pits, and skin before giving it to your dog.
- Consult with your veterinarian to figure out what you can safely give your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Fruit?
It depends. Since dogs are omnivores, they can enjoy certain fruits safely, while others may be harmful or even poisonous to them. Due to the balanced nature of high-quality, nutritionally complete commercial diets, it’s not necessary to supplement your dog’s diet with fruits, but it can be fun to use them as treats.
Remember that all treats, including fruits, must constitute no more than 10% of the diet of your dog. The remaining 90% must be from a complete and balanced dog food.
