Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? Are Blueberries Safe For Dogs?

Blueberries are closely packed with lots of nutrients, which can turn into a perfect combination in your pet’s diet.

A berry strong in antioxidants, blueberry is a boon for older dogs above six years. These antioxidants are anti-aging attributes and are widely held for improving the health of dogs. Also, antioxidants control free radicals from inducing destruction to health.

They are packed with vitamin C and K, fiber, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. They chiefly contain carbohydrates and provide a sugary taste, as in most berries and fruits.

As per reports, blueberries are rich in Vitamin C and fiber and can reduce obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

The fiber content will also enhance the dog’s digestive system.

The healthy nutrients present in blueberries:

• Protein- 4%, fats- 5%, and carbs- 91%.
• Riboflavin, Thiamin, vitamins E, B6, C,and fiber.
• These berries also contain vitamin K and are one of the well-known sources of vitamin K.

Dogs can eat blueberry muffins prepared with less sugar content or no artificial sweeteners in a minimal amount, preferably homemade ones. However, avoid feeding them to your dog as much as possible. Generally, these treats have high sugar content and are not suitable for a dog’s health.

Many of the baked items such as candy, sugarless gums, and cakes contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic for dogs.

It leads to a life-threatening concern of low blood sugar. If xylitol’s ingestion is high, it may result in seizures, liver damage, and death.

As an average criterion, the perfect food to give your dog is a good quality dog food, specifically made for the dog’s age, wellbeing, and requirements.

Though certain human foods are suitable for dogs, few others turn harmful and highly life-threatening.

Yes! Blueberry yogurt is a yummy treat for your dog. But, ensure that this snack does not have artificial sweeteners.

Artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and aspartame can cause stomach upset, whereas xylitol will cause toxic effects in your dog. Stevia, yet another sweetener, will make the blood pressure lower in your dog.

Also, yogurt made of blueberries may have a high amount of sugar levels. Sometimes, spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon used in the yogurts will also be toxic to dogs if consumed in large amounts.

You should always check the ingredient list of blueberry yogurt for artificial sweeteners, spices, and sugar levels before you buy it.

So, it is still safe to feed plain blueberry yogurt with less fat and no sweeteners.

Dogs can safely consume yogurt, keeping in mind that dogs must not be lactose intolerant. Yogurt can be added to a dog’s daily diet for extra benefits.

If the dog is allergic to meat, then the protein content in yogurt can replace it. Yogurt is also rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics.

Probiotics support the food digestion process and also give enough strength for the immunity part in the dogs.

Blueberry yogurt is suitable for dogs when fed only in small quantities and given occasionally.

Blueberries have little calories, and it consists of a large quantity of Vitamin C, fiber and phytochemicals (naturally found chemical elements seen in plants).

Vitamin C and fiber are essential ingredients of a perfect canine diet. Phytochemicals are related to many factors of health, which include the capacity to fight cancer in people.

Blueberries are also rich in antioxidants and have a successful history of improving animals’ wellbeing and humans.

Antioxidants such as blueberries support fighting loose radicals, destroying cells and molecules in dogs and humans.

As an additional benefit, research shows that taking in antioxidants by the dogs helps it keep its brain without aging, suitable for elderly dogs.

The berries are supposed to be a once in a blue moon type treat, not an everyday supplement. The quantity of blueberry is based on the body mass of the pet.

However, ten or less than ten blueberries a week must be apt for a dog. Lots of blueberries lead to gastric upset and diarrhea. Be mindful of any reaction if you have fed the dog the blueberries for the first time.

If your pet has any prior digestive or stomach disorders, provide those berries with the vet’s advice. If you aren’t sure about how much to feed the dog, take guidance from the veterinarian.

Is it OK for your dog to eat blueberries everyday?

Though dogs can consume blueberries, it comes with certain restrictions. Certain tiny fruits are cultivated for human food, so certain factors are to be thought about before including them in a dog’s everyday diet.

Small fruits can create choking for a fast eating pet. Individual dogs inhale the food the moment it is given to them.

Though slow feeding bowls reduce their eating pace, treats are usually grabbed and eaten quicker than regular dinner by pets. Blueberry has a choking threat.

So while feeding this fruit, be careful as the dog if swallows quickly, it may get choked.

Some pets may have food allergies. Lots of dogs around us have allergies to many kinds of food. When you give food every day to the dog, you must make sure it isn’t allergic to that food item.

So before including blueberry in the dog’s daily diet chart, make sure to talk to a vet if the dog has an allergy to that fruit.

Blueberries contain a large amount of fiber and, when consumed every day, accumulates too much fiber content in their stomach, leading to diarrhea and tummy pain.

Can a dog eat too many blueberries?

To explain this theoretically, when a dog eats lots of this fruit just like other fruits, it may create a laxative effect, which could result in stomach upset and diarrhea in your dog.

The limited portion of feeding fruits to the dog is advisable and could keep the dog safe.

Another critical point to note is that dogs that habitually inhale the foods may inhale fruit and choke. Blueberry being in a tiny shape may rightly block the windpipe, causing choking hazards in the dog.

All of us are aware that blueberries are healthy for us. These berries are “superfoods,” which we often include in our food. Unsurprisingly they are also beneficial for your dog.

The full pack of antioxidants, fiber, and phytochemicals blueberries possess has similar advantages for the dog’s health as in your body. Feed frozen blueberries to your furry friend as a crunchy treat.

Blueberries can be given at all mealtime. The right amount of blueberries always depends on the dog’s size. They can be included in a dog’s regular kibble.

Some dogs also prefer eating frozen blueberries, and experts warn that these could result in unnecessary choking troubles.

Additionally, blueberries are excellent training treats while you teach your puppies basic commands. Not to mention, for some dogs, blueberries can cause allergen but are generally safe.

Tips To Add Blueberries To Your Dog’s Diet

Few dog owners crush the blueberries and blend them with the dog diet for a health boost. They can be added to treat recipes or be combined along to make a tasty smoothie.

Generally, the blueberries are fed to dogs in the raw stage. As it contains less sugar and calories, they are a perfect reward when training schedules.

At all times, make sure to pick organic blueberries that aren’t sprayed with pesticides or herbicides as it can lead to the dog being ill, and do wash the berries before you keep on the dog’s plate.

Few people prefer to freeze the berries before feeding the dog; it is a good treat during summer days, but it also comes with caution as the berries, when frozen, can choke a small dog’s throat.

Recipes for feeding blueberries to your dogs

As blueberries taste good, there is just a little requirement to dress them up. If your pet has a liking for a chewy treat, try to feed them some dried up blueberries, which helps them chew them.

On the other hand, if your dog looks out for a crunchy treat during a summer day, freeze the blueberries and let them enjoy the crunchy frozen berries as ice cream.

A Simple Blueberry Dog Treat Recipe

Ingredients

• Egg, beaten – 1 no (eggs give a protein boost to dogs)
• Honey ( as per requirement)
• Rolled oats – ¼ cup
• Dried blueberries – 1 tablespoon
• Whole wheat flour – 1 cup
• Mashed blueberries – ¼ cup
• Apple blueberry puree – 4 oz container

Preparation

• Firstly, preheat the oven at 350 degrees with a lined baking sheet and parchment paper.
• In a regular bowl, mix dried blueberries, rolled oats, flour, mashed blueberries, and blueberry baby food. Add some honey for taste as honey relieves skin allergies in dogs. However, adding honey is optional as it may increase the sugar level in diabetic pets. Then, use a spatula to blend everything. Now, pour contents on a working surface and dough together.
• After preparing the dough, roll them into a ½ to ¼ inch and cut them into any shape of your choice.
• Place the cutouts on a baking sheet and gently rub egg wash on top of each cutout.
• Finally, put these cutouts in the oven for around 20-30 mins until they turn crisp.
• Don’t forget to rotate the pan midway while baking.
• Remove the tray after the prescribed time; allow it to cool and feed it to your dog.

It is essential to be aware of the fruits which are not acceptable for dogs to consume. Berries that are dangerous for dogs have substances that have adverse effects on dogs. Below are few berries to be kept away from your furry friend:

Holly Berries

The plant is seen as a climber, tree, or shrub found all over subtropical and temperate zones. The leaves appear shinning and straightforward with a thorny leaf margin.

The colors of the fruit in this plant are either black or brown. The holly berry is also seen in green and yellow shades, though these shades are rare.

The berries of this plant are poisonous to both humans and dogs. Holly berries contain few elements called cyanogens, saponins, and methylxanthines, which result in vomiting and diarrhea.

Taking in its leaves also leads to internal injuries, which are caused due to its spiny leaves.

Juniper Berry

The juniper berry is not a berry though it has a name berry. The fruit is similar to a seed cone, and different varieties of junipers result in this fruit.

The cone appears fleshy with scales that merge, making it appear as a berry.

This berry is apt for various cooking requirements, but the Juniperus Sabina species is toxic because of its poisonous components like thermal oil.

If your dog consumes juniper berries in excess, it can be dangerous for its health. The adverse reaction of the berries are:

• Hypoglycemia or reduced
• Issues with kidney functioning
• Seizures

Baneberries

If you can call one fruit without any thought toxic, it must be baneberry. The fruit is made of glucoside and ranunculin content, which leads to poisoning.

Apart from this, baneberry has a bitter taste on the tongue, and it possesses a high grade of acidity that irritates the mouth along the throat.

It requires a few, maybe around six berries to turn fatal for humans or dogs. Few symptoms of baneberry poisoning:

• Neurovascular and cardiovascular signs; however, these both are rare
• Hematuria or evidence of blood in a dog’s urine
• Blisters or irritation in the skin.

Pokeberries

No peasant grows this berry as it is poisonous to men and animals. Pokeberries are a pest breed.

On the other side, this berry is fed by songbirds such as brown thrasher, gray catbird, northern cardinal, northern mockingbird, and other breeds that are not affected by its poison.

Taking in of pokeberries can turn fatal to a dog. However, there are few warning signals which the pet may show when ingested with pokeberry toxin:

• Hypotension or reduced blood pressure
• Inflammation in the stomach and intestine parts.
• Diarrhea and blood in stools.

Mistletoe Berries

Mistletoe berries consist of lectins, polysaccharides, and alkaloids, which are all very dangerous to the dog’s internal parts. Intake of lots of mistletoe berries could result in:

• Gastrointestinal irritation results in drooling, puking, abdominal pain, and loose motion.
• Abnormal heart rate suddenly and hypotension
• Ataxia or walking drunk, including seizures.

1. Can blueberries give dogs diarrhea?

Your pet may have a liking to fresh or freezing blueberries. Do wash them properly before giving these berries to the dog as it would contain pesticides and dirt.

Keep away all kinds of blueberry flavored foods as they are usually filled with preservatives, additional sugar, and other contents which is not safe for the dog.

Similar to any other food item, feed blueberries on a moderate scale for the dogs. Though it is a safe food for the dog, it might result in diarrhea when given excess.

If you are trying to feed blueberries for the first time, make sure to keep an eye on the dog’s reactions to any allergy.

2. Can diabetic dogs eat blueberries?

Fortunately, blueberries don’t consist of any elements which are considered toxic for dogs. Blueberries are a perfect snack or treat choice as this fruit is very healthy compared to market bought supplements, which are filled with sugar, salt, and fat.

Unlike other fruits, blueberries contain less sugar content, making them suitable for diabetic and obese dogs.

3. Can blueberries help fight cancer?

Blueberries are filled with antioxidants, and this fruit also contains ellagic acid, which prevents the metabolic channels, which results in cancer.

The antioxidants present in blueberries help prevent cell damage, and the anthocyanins or dark compounds that provide the fruit its hue have anti-inflammatory qualities.

In laboratory tests, blueberries have been proven to have destroyed and prevented various kinds of cancer.

4. Are blueberries good for dogs with kidney disease?

Are you confused because the grapes and raisins lead to kidney failure? Probably blueberries also affect dogs in the same way? No, it is not the case. Blueberries don’t harm the dog.

Yes, blueberries are a safe food for the dog when consumed moderately.

Blueberries don’t cause any kidney damage. Blueberries elements are seen in dog foods and treat sold in departmental stores.

5. Can blueberries make a dog’s poop black?

Yes, blueberries for sure change the poop black. At times it seems to appear as black rocks when they excrete without being digested.

Most know that blueberries are filled with a high content of fiber in its round structure.

If the dog is ingested with lots of soluble fiber, which blueberries are rich in, they can’t be digested by the dog’s stomach, which is the primary reason for the change in poop color.

6. Are blueberries good for dogs with pancreatitis?

The food formula, which is made with organic content, is one of the best choices for dogs suffering from pancreatitis. It begins with organic, all types of chicken and organic sweet potatoes.

Omega 3 fatty acids are included for additional skin and coat advantages. The formula also contains organic blueberries, flaxseed, and coconut oil for other antioxidant benefits.

7. Are blueberries good for dogs with liver disease?

Though it is normal to be confused about what to feed a canine that is attacked by liver disease, do remember not to make any significant changes in the dog’s diet without prior advice from the vet.

Liver problems are not a disorder that could be treated without any guidance from the veterinarian. A good diet plan, including homemade food and natural raw food, is essential for dogs with liver disease.

A detox or liver cleansing is an essential part of the recovery process. Blueberries are filled with antioxidants and support the dog in the liver’s cleansing and recovering from the disease.

8. Why are blueberries bad for dogs?

Though blueberries are known to be very healthy food, their small size seems to give a choking threat to a few dogs.

Eating a lot of blueberries could lead to digestive illness. Cavities in dogs are not much seen, yet too much blueberry consumption by dogs could cause it.

Blueberries are said to be healthy, but they also consist of sugar so feed within the limit.

9. Is blueberry bushes poisonous to dogs?

Blueberries are not poisonous to the dog, and they are suitable for pets. It contains low calories with also necessary vitamins and nutrition.

It also consists of antioxidants that fight free radicals, which results in molecular and cellular destruction in a dog’s health. Antioxidants also help to boost the immune system of dogs.

10. Are frozen blueberries good for dogs

These fruits are tiny and delicate, which is why they don’t cause much choking hazard, but when they are set, they tend to harden and result in choking problems in smaller animals.

It is unlikely the danger can be kept away by keeping blueberries in the defrosted state before giving it to small dogs to eat.

11. Are blueberries harmful to dogs?

Blueberries are full of different vitamins and minerals apart from antioxidants, fibers, etc., with loads of health advantages.

As dogs don’t suffer from many stomach problems eating blueberries can be considered a healthy dog treat, either fresh or frozen.

It is technically acceptable to feed blueberries to canines. Unlike raisins, which are not safe for dogs as they emit toxicity risk in your furry pet’s health.

Blueberries are a safe and healthy option to snack on for dogs, and they are also rich and good sources of fiber and vitamin c. Being low in sugar content, they can also be fed to dogs with diabetes.

12. When Are Blueberries Bad for Dogs?

Less in calorie content and filled with vitamin C, blueberries are a yummy and nutritious diet for dogs that are on the lookout for a healthy way to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Though blueberries are filled with nutrition, few dogs are allergic to this fruit. Blueberries are an allergen to some pets; though it is a rare scenario, it is better to check for allergies in the dog when fed for the first time.

13. Does Dog Food Contain Blueberries?

Certain dog foods consist of blueberry, such as Beneful active life. This fruit is generally combined with dog food to give variety to your dog’s diet.

The dog supplement may not include this berry in a significant quantity, but it is added to the dog food sufficient to provide the required nutritional benefits.

14. What are the alternatives to blueberries to Try with Your Dog

There are a few reasons why people give their pets treats at the time of training sessions. The dogs are also given treats to keep them occupied.

Whatever be the reason the dogs are happy to munch on something tasty. Here are a few choices which the dog’s love to munch on other than blueberry:

Peanut butter popsicles

During warm seasons your pup feels a bit overheated so that this chill treat will be of good help. The peanut butter can be combined with mashed banana and some water.

This mixture is to be spread in wax paper or a toy such as Kong and frozen. Later remove it from the freezer and feed your canine.

Apples

Apples contain Vitamin C, Fiber, and calcium. Just limit the apple intake, cut it into pieces, and remember to pick out the seeds and core before feeding your dog.

Carrots

Carrots can be a perfect pick as they contain Vitamin A and fiber values. All the dogs will consume carrot raw or cooked but don’t miss to cut the raw carrot to avoid any choking hazard.

Commercial treats

If you don’t want to feed your dog any natural food or fruits, you can always find a substitute for commercial supplements. They are also an excellent choice to treat, packed with enough nutritional values.

15. Can Dogs Have Berries?

Berries are generally a good treat for the dog because of their juicy nature, tart taste, and inherent sweetness, which your dog would love to taste.

Apart from that, berries provide the same health benefits to both humans and dogs, so they are an excellent choice for dogs.

Not every berry is made up in the same manner when it is concerned with feeding pets. Generally, the less popular berries usually seen in the wild are poisonous to pets and humans.

Typically, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are suitable for a dog’s health.

Though the berries found in supermarkets and ate by humans are usually suitable for dogs, various wild berries need to be avoided. These are generally the decorative berries like mistletoe and holly berries.

16. Can Dogs eat Raw blueberries?

Yes, dogs can consume raw blueberries as it is a great low-calorie treat for them.

Frozen blueberries are everyday treats for dogs during summer days, but this may choke small dogs’ throats, so close monitoring is required while feeding frozen blueberries.

The raw blueberries pass over the healthy nutrients directly to the dog’s immune system. It carries beneficial antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins such as C and K.

They contribute to the well-being of overall health. Feeding dogs raw blueberries is a perfect way to support him with a healthy and happy life.

17. Can Dogs eat Cooked blueberries?

Generally, blueberries are fed to dogs in their cooked, juiced, or processed state; providing them right off the vine is the perfect way to extract all the tasty vitamins from it.

If you happen to have many blueberries, just store them in your freezer to give the canine a frozen treat.

The colder temperature never degrades the nutrients packed in the fruit.

When you are cooking a tasty meal for your furry friend or serving a delicious dry diet during the mealtime, sprinkle some blueberries over the meal as a healthy topping.

Dogs love the crunchy munchy chew of these berries, either cooked or raw or frozen.