Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

Are blueberries safe for dogs?

The good news is that blueberries are safe for dogs! Blueberries are not toxic to our furry friends, so it is safe to give them to your pet occasionally. Although dogs primarily eat meat, they are actually omnivorous and will also eat a variety of fruit, vegetables, and grains. This little purple-blue-colored fruit appears on many lists of safe fruit and vegetables you can offer to your dog. Other examples of non-toxic fruit include –

• Pears
• Strawberries
• Banana
• Melon
• Mango
• Raspberries

Blueberries are best served to your dog raw and unsweetened. Make sure they have been washed before serving. You can give frozen blueberries too, as a cooling summer snack, just take care with small dogs and puppies who could choke on this small, round fruit.

You should only ever feed a few blueberries at a time to your pet. Too much of any fruit or vegetable could cause stomach upsets. The general recommendation is that fruit and vegetables should only make up a maximum of 10% of their total daily rations. As with any new food item, introduce it slowly to your pet, offering a small amount, to begin with, to check for any adverse reactions or tummy troubles.

Are blueberries good for dogs?

Blueberries make an excellent low-calorie treat, that contains high amounts of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. In people, we know that blueberries are termed a ‘superfood’ due to all of the goodness they contain. Let’s take a look in more detail –

Vitamin C 

Humans (and guinea pigs) can’t produce their own vitamin C, so require external sources from fruit and vegetables. Vitamin C is responsible for boosting the immune system and maintaining healthy skin and connective tissue. Dogs however can manufacture their own so don’t need to get it from their diet, but it’s not going to hurt them to have a little bit extra.

Fiber 

Fruit and vegetables contain fiber, which is essential for helping maintain healthy digestion. In dogs, fiber can improve stool quality and help with issues such as anal gland problems. Fiber can also help your pet feel fuller for longer which can help when they are on a weight loss regime. So a little extra fiber from some blueberries may help your pet’s digestion. 

Antioxidants 

Blueberries contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties thanks to a large number of phytochemicals. These have proven health benefits in people helping to reduce the risk of certain health conditions, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Some of these benefits may be seen in our pets too, though further research is needed.

Whilst dogs may benefit from some of these nutrients, it’s worth bearing in mind that if your pet is on good quality, nutritionally complete pet food, then he shouldn’t need to rely on other foods. As with any fruit or vegetable, you should feed blueberries in moderation especially as they contain high amounts of natural sugars.

As with any fruit or vegetable, you should feed blueberries in moderation especially as they contain high amounts of natural sugars.

When should blueberries be avoided in dogs?

You should avoid giving your dog too many blueberries as this could cause an upset stomach, especially as they contain high levels of sugar and fiber. So if your dog gets into a large punnet of blueberries then you could experience some unpleasant side effects afterward! Stick to small amounts of blueberries, given on an occasional basis.

As well as avoiding feeding large quantities of this fruit, you should not give processed blueberries. If they have been stewed in sugar or turned into jam, then this will be unhealthy for your pet to consume.

Don’t feed your dog snacks like blueberry muffins or blueberry pie; any possible health benefits from the blueberries will be insignificant compared to the extra calories and fat they will be receiving. Feeding your dog products like this could lead to unhealthy weight gain.

Take care if offering your pet dried blueberries. Dried fruits sometimes come in mixed bags with raisins or sultanas, which are toxic to dogs.

Always contact a vet near you if you have any concerns about your dog after they have been eating blueberries.

Conclusion

You can feed your dog raw blueberries in moderation, just make sure they have been washed first. When introducing anything new to your pet make sure you only give them a small amount, to begin with, to check for any possible tummy troubles, before giving them any more. Don’t ever force your pet to eat blueberries, he may not like them and might prefer to stick to his normal diet instead. If your pet is acting unwell, then always seek the advice of your veterinarian.