Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

Featured image by © bigstockphoto.com / LightField Studios

Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? is it safe?

Blueberries have been the main ingredient of many tarts, pies, and cakes since their introduction in America in the early 20th century. They are a surefire way to liven up any thanksgiving or social gathering with their sweet, slightly acidic taste, and their appetizing color when baked. Whether you feed them to your dog raw or cooked, they will surely like nibbling on these little fruits as many city dogs and farming breeds have considered them to be their favorite treat.

If you’re a dog owner, your main concern might be a berry’s toxicity, because dogs will eat anything presented to them without any hesitation. Some acidic fruits can pose a danger to a dog’s digestion while other ones, like mangoes, have pits that can be a choking hazard for small dogs. Many fruits also pack a lot of sugar, so there’s the question of just how much to feed your dog.

It’s always helpful to ask your veterinarian if you’re unsure any food you’re about to feed your dog. However, for most fruits that grow in nature, the answer might be a quick google search away.

So can dogs eat blueberries without damaging their health?

The Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Blueberries

For the most part, blueberries are safe for all dog breeds. Blueberries are very small, so they’re not much of a choking hazard. They’re also so brimming with nutrients that many dog foods use them as a major ingredient in some of their formulas.

For the Dog on a Diet

Unlike many fruits that can make your dog overweight, blueberries are not calorie-dense, so they make excellent rewards for good behavior. You have to try very hard to make a dog gain weight using blueberries. They’re versatile and can be eaten as a snack or as part of a healthy main course.

Blueberries are high in Vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient for regenerating muscle fibers, skin tissue, and fighting signs of aging. It also helps your dog absorb iron, which helps them maintain a great immune system. Even though dogs can synthesize a supply of vitamin C from their liver, the benefits of supplementation as part of a balanced diet is undeniable.

For Good Digestion

Blueberries are also rich in fiber, which improves the health of your dog’s digestive system. A regular helping of fibers reduces the chance of colon cancer as it aids in the speedy elimination of waste which can include any carcinogens that your dog may have eaten. Fiber also aids in the quick healing of constipation and diarrhea.

Just like humans, dogs that are obese are prone to many health conditions. Blueberries can quickly satiate a dog, allowing them to feel full for longer without consuming as much food as they would’ve eaten on a regular meal. Because fiber slows down digestion, it prevents your dog’s blood sugar from surging, especially when it’s diabetic.

are blueberries bad for dogs
Fresh organic blueberries in a white heart shaped bowl © bigstockphoto.com / svf74

The Downsides to Feeding Your Dog Blueberries

As with any food or treat, blueberries need to be taken in moderation, as excess fiber can cause irregular bowel movements and diarrhea. It’s also important to differentiate blueberry products from blueberry flavored products as the latter may contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and other chemicals that might be harmful to dogs.

How to Feed Your Dogs Blueberries

Make sure your blueberries are defrosted before giving them to your dog, especially when you’re taking care of toy dogs and other small breeds to minimize the risk of choking. Blueberries are versatile and can be mashed or blended with other fruits into a smoothie. However, most of the time, blueberries are given to dogs raw and uncut.

Depending on the size of your dog, your vet can recommend a good serving size so you don’t go overboard. When shopping for blueberries, always choose organic ones to make sure that they’re free from harmful pesticides and chemicals that might be a health hazard for your dog.