Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
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Blueberries, often considered a “superfood,” are a popular choice for dogs due to their delicious taste and health benefits. Blueberries are indeed good for dogs and many dogs actually love them.
However, before giving blueberries to your dog, it is essential to know some important details about them. Let’s take a closer look at whether this human superfood is completely safe for your pup.
Blueberry Nutrition Information
Blueberries, small, round fruits ranging from blue to purple, are low-fat, cholesterol-free, and sodium-rich. They contain 84.4 calories, 1.1 grams of protein, 0.5 grams of fat, 21.4 grams of carbohydrates, 3.6 grams of dietary fiber, 14.4 mg of vitamin C, 28.6 mcg of vitamin K, and 0.5 mg of manganese.
They are low in calories, cholesterol, and sodium, making them suitable for those with diabetes. Blueberries also contain 16% of their carbs from fiber, providing 3.6 grams per cup.
They are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins and flavonols, which are believed to help with heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Overall, blueberries are a popular healthy food choice.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Blueberries are a popular treat for dogs due to their antioxidant properties and fiber content. Dog food companies often add blueberries to their food for their health benefits. However, it’s important to ensure that dogs don’t eat too many blueberries, as they contain sugars.
Blueberries are low in calories and can be a healthy treat for dogs, provided they are served in moderation. It’s crucial to avoid letting your dog pig out on them.
Are Blueberries Good for Dogs?
Blueberries are a healthy option for dogs, as they are high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese and are an excellent source of antioxidants and fiber. They are also low in calories and high in fiber, and studies suggest they may help prevent cell damage, improve night vision, and promote mental function in senior pets.
They pose no risk to dogs, and they are small enough to avoid choking unless the dog gulps down hundreds at once. Pet insurance companies recommend washing blueberries before giving them to dogs to prevent mold and remove pesticides and dirt.
If your dog has underlying health issues, consult your veterinarian before giving blueberries or any other food. Blueberries are safe for dogs to eat, providing numerous nutritional benefits, including antioxidant-boasting phytochemicals that battle diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Are Blueberries Bad for Dogs?
Blueberries, despite being a healthy treat, can pose a choking hazard for some dogs due to their small size. Consuming too many can cause digestive upset, and cavities in dogs are rare but can form if they consume too much sugar.
While wild blueberries are safe for dogs, excessive consumption is advised. It is crucial to ensure that blueberries are actually blueberries, as certain wild berries, like salmonberries, can be poisonous to dogs. Therefore, blueberries should be fed in moderation.
How Many Blueberries Can Dogs Eat?
Blueberries should be given to dogs in small portions, not more than 10% of their daily calories, as they can cause digestive upsets like diarrhea or stomach aches. A cup of blueberries contains 84 calories, so a dog with a weight of 30 pounds needs 800 calories per day.
A well-balanced dog food diet should provide 90% of the dog’s calories. Before feeding blueberries, consult your veterinarian to determine a safe amount based on your dog’s age, size, and overall health.
| Dog Size | Serving Size |
|---|---|
| Extra-small dog (2–20 pounds) | 1–2 blueberries |
| Small dog (21–30 pounds) | 2–3 blueberries |
| Medium-size dog (31–50 pounds) | 3–5 blueberries |
| Large dog (51–90 pounds) | 5–6 blueberries |
| Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) | Small handful of blueberries |
Start by giving your dog a few blueberries to see if they like them and if they have any stomach issues.
If you suspect your dog may have eaten too many blueberries, watch for signs of an upset stomach, such as decreased appetite, fatigue, depression, discomfort, gulping or licking their lips, the air, or objects, and vomiting or diarrhea.
If you notice persistent vomiting, excessive diarrhea, blood in their vomit or stool, weakness, or collapse, take your dog to the vet promptly.
How Often Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
To provide your dog with a variety of snacks, rotate blueberries with other fruits and vegetables and give them two or three times per week.
As long as they consume the recommended amount, blueberries can be a daily snack, but treats should only make up 10% of their diet.
What Are Other Healthy Alternatives to Blueberries In A Dog’s Diet?
Blueberries are a healthy treat, but other fruits and vegetables can provide similar benefits. These foods should be given to dogs in moderation, but consult a veterinarian if they have health issues.
Other options include apples, asparagus, bananas, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, cranberries, cucumber, green beans, mangoes, oranges, parsnips, pears, pineapple, potatoes, strawberries, summer squash, sweet potato, tomatoes, and zucchini.
How Do You Give Your Dog Blueberries?
Blueberries are often given to dogs raw, but they can also be used in various ways. They can be added to plain yogurt, mashed into regular dog food, or sprinkled on their food.
However, it is not recommended to give dogs most human foods containing blueberries due to added sugar.
Fresh blueberries are delicious, but frozen ones are especially tasty on warm days. Freezing fruit gives your dog variety by changing its texture. You can feed your dog one blueberry at a time as a sweet treat or sprinkle them on their food.
Before giving blueberries, consult your veterinarian to determine a safe amount based on your dog’s age, size, and other factors.
How to Encourage Your Dog to Eat Blueberries
To discourage bad behavior in dogs, encourage good behavior by offering healthy foods as rewards for good behavior. Offer blueberries as a reward for good behavior, such as patient bathing.
Involve your dog in eating blueberries and dropping them on the floor, as they are more interesting than their bowl. Add blueberries to food your dog already likes to make it more interesting.
Do Some Dog Foods Contain Blueberries?
Some dog foods, like Farmina Lamb & Blueberry Adult Mini, and Raised Right Fresh Dog Food do contain blueberries. Usually, this fruit is included in dog food to give your dog a more varied diet.
But this berry might not be present in your dog’s food in sufficient quantities to offer any nutritional advantages.
Are Blueberry Plants Toxic to Dogs?
Blueberry bushes are not toxic to dogs, but regular fertilizer with ammonium sulfate or potassium sulfate can cause lethargy and breathing issues. Potassium sulfate fertilizer is safe and is even added to commercial pet food.
Blueberry plants may be affected by insects or fungi, and pesticides used to combat these problems can be toxic to dogs. To avoid this, isolate the shrubs from your dog.
Blueberries grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones three through eight, but dogs can adversely affect them if they urinate on or near them.
Dogs are opportunistic eaters, so fences may be necessary to keep your dog from gorging and ensure you get fruit for yourself.
Final Thoughts
Blueberries are a healthy, low-calorie snack that dogs enjoy due to their high content of vitamins C, K, manganese, antioxidants, and fiber. However, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian before feeding blueberries to dogs with health issues.
It is also important to monitor dogs after feeding new foods for adverse reactions and explore other fruits and berries that dogs can eat, as well as foods that may not be safe for them.
