At A Glance
If you’re wondering, are blueberries good for dogs, I can tell you they are one of the safest and healthiest fruits for your pups to snack on. However, the calorie intake should not exceed 10% of your dog’s overall calorie consumption.
Last Updated on: May 15, 2023
Sweet and succulent, blueberries are a true summer delight! From decadent pies to healthy acai bowls, there is no recipe that a handful of these delicious berries cannot transform.
Blueberries are one of the superfoods that we’re lucky to enjoy. But what about our pets?
Can dogs eat blueberries?
Turns out, this superfood, rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, is actually a healthy treat for dogs. When fed in moderation, dogs can derive plenty of benefits from blueberries. So let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of blueberries and dogs.
As AKC writer Anna Burke explains, “Blueberries are a great source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more. This fruit is a healthy snack for both large and small dogs, and most pups love them.”
Blueberries are rich in anthocyanin, the flavonoid that gives them the characteristic blue color, which helps reduce oxidative stress in dogs. In fact, the cocktail of antioxidants present in blueberries also neutralizes free radicals, reducing the risk of cancer, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular diseases in dogs.
Studies show the phytochemicals in blueberries help prevent age-induced brain damage, especially in those that have sustained traumatic head injuries. This could apply to dogs as well.
‘Veterinarian Dr. Ellen Malmanger puts it succinctly, “Blueberries have been shown to improve night vision, help prevent cell damage, and assist with mental function in aging animals.”
Additionally, thanks to a low glycemic index of 53, blueberries double up as an amazing low-calorie treat. They’re a great source of dietary fiber too.
So, blueberries are great for:
Blueberries also have high water content. Because they offer such a host of health benefits, even mama wolves insist on feeding blueberries to their cubs.
As a pet parent, you can consider adding them to your dog’s diet after you have consulted with a vet.
Despite its amazing health benefits, blueberries are not always good for dogs, at least not all dogs. Does that imply blueberries are toxic to dogs? Not really. Just that blueberries can:
Since blueberries are fiber-dense, eating too many will cause the food to pass your dog’s digestive system quickly. As a result, its body won’t be able to process the nutrients as it should.
This could lead your dog to suffer from nutrient deficiencies and, eventually, digestive issues. Flatulence, diarrhea, vomiting, and similar problems can arise if your dog eats more blueberries than recommended.
Although blueberries have small and fragile seeds that pose no danger to dogs, swallowing the fruit whole can be a potential choking hazard, especially for smaller dog breeds.
It is recommended to cut them in half or feed them as a part of an easily chewable homemade treat to prevent your dog from gagging.
Now that you know the answer to “Can dogs eat blueberries?” is a big, fat yes, let’s find out ways to feed them to your dog. Although many suggest feeding them whole as a snack between meals, I advise against it.
I suggest slicing up the berries before serving them to your dog. Alternatively, you can add pureed or mashed ripe blueberries to your dog’s regular kibble. The idea is to get your pet to consume the fruit as safely as possible, whether with or in between meals.
And since blueberries lend themselves very well to a variety of homemade treats, I’d always recommend home-made healthy treats and have listed some recipes I usually dish up for Dex. After all, our dogs deserve some pampering!
Here are some of Dex’s favorites:
This is one excellent summer treat, as it is cooling, healthy, and delicious.
A crowd favorite, this recipe yields a big batch of crunchy treats you can store.
Although a little more effort-intensive than the other two recipes on this list, these blueberry pupcakes are a true delight. They are perfect for a special treat, like your dog’s birthday.
If you consider yourself to be a doting dog parent, go ahead and give these recipes a shot! You never know when a picky pet could take a keen interest in homemade treats and chow down on them without a fuss.
But always remember to exercise portion control. Like all dog-safe fruits and veggies, blueberries must be fed in moderation. This brings us to the question:
The simple answer is: it depends on the size of your dog.
Toy breeds and small dogs can enjoy about 3-4 blueberries occasionally, while medium- to large-sized dogs can easily eat up to 8-10 blueberries. Keep your dog’s health, weight, and underlying medical conditions in mind before letting it have blueberries.
The oxalate content in blueberries contributes to urinary problems in canines. Keep blueberries out of your pet’s diet if it has kidney issues.
Also, steer clear of any baked goods containing artificial sweeteners and sugar. Stick to the recommended amount and feed blueberries only in moderation.
Remember, blueberries are a treat. As Senior Animal Nutritionist Jan Dempsey says, “Treats should make up no more than ten percent of your dog’s daily calories – even if the treats are a low-calorie and healthy option like blueberries. We always promote a one hundred percent complete and balanced diet as the main part of any pet’s diet.”
If a blueberry muffin has been baked for humans, it is unfit for your dog to eat. Most ingredients that are safe for you and me, like sugar and butter, are not good for dogs.
However, you can always bake your pet a dog-friendly blueberry muffin or cupcake as a special treat.
While blueberries are not commonly known to induce allergic reactions in dogs, some may be allergic to the fruit. Overeating can also lead to allergic reactions in some dogs.
You might notice your pet itching or scratching its coat, vomiting, or getting diarrhea. Allergy symptoms remain unchanged irrespective of the food source, so it might be difficult to determine what caused the reaction.
Although one or two a day every day won’t do them any harm, it’s best not to give dogs blueberries daily. Despite their low glycemic index and ample health benefits, blueberries can trigger allergic reactions or digestive issues when eaten in excess.
So it is best to limit blueberries or any other fruit in your pet’s diet.
Store-bought blueberry yogurt contains sugar or sweeteners like xylitol which can be toxic to dogs.
However, if you whip some up at home using fresh blueberry puree and natural yogurt, your dog can easily enjoy some with you.
Yes, they can! Drying or dehydrating removes the water content from fruits, intensifying the nutrient content.
So, you need to serve them a smaller portion than you would fresh berries. That said, dried blueberries can be a great snack but must be served in moderation.
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.
