Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? Blueberries are one of the most popular fruits consumed abundantly in the United States. Blueberries have gained popularity as a superfood in recent years.
Can they be shared safely with your dog? For the most part, yes. However, it’s a thing to consider if you want to share your blueberries with your best friend.
Let’s look at several reasons why blueberries are the perfect choice to boost your dog’s health.
Can dogs have blueberries?
According to the AKC, blueberries are not only completely safe to feed to your dog. Instead, it is encouraged to do so.
Blueberries are full of antioxidants, which protect cells in both the dog and human body. And improves brain function; blueberries are also low in calories, which is a perfect choice for those who monitor our puppies’ weight. Like any treatment, moderation is key.
What are the health benefits of feeding blueberries to my dog?
Blueberries are rich in vitamins minerals and contain the highest amount of antioxidants for a fruit. That’s a lot for such a tiny berry, but there’s more!
Let’s see why
Vitamins: Vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K are found in tiny blueberries.
Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium all have a place in blueberry health benefits as well.
Anthocyanins: These are responsible for the blue/violet color of blueberries. They work with antioxidants to reduce the risk of heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and cancer.
Phytochemicals: A chemical compound found in plants. They have been associated with many health benefits for both humans and dogs. Studies have shown that phytochemicals fight cancer and reduce inflammation in chronic diseases.
Antioxidants: Blueberries are perhaps best known for their antioxidant properties, and good reason. Antioxidants are an integral part of both human and animal diets. Studies have also shown that antioxidants reduce senior dogs’ aging process or cognitive dysfunction.
Blueberries offer so many health benefits for dogs that many dog food manufacturers add them to their dog food formula.
Can my dog safely eat blueberries?
Alternatives to blueberry
If you’re concerned about the choking hazard present in blueberries or find that your dog is allergic to them, some other summer fruits can work just fine as juicy replacements. Some foods that are large and require a little more chewing include:
If your dog also proves to be allergic, other fruits of similar size.
How to Feed Blueberries to Your Dogs
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries Crunch Treat: This gives the Blueberry a more substantial base for dogs to get their teeth in. So they are unlikely to swallow it all at once and end up choking. Borrow My Doggy has the perfect recipe for making these crunchy, challenging dishes with a lot more flavor but less sugar than other cookie-type desserts.
Grain-Free Blueberries and Bananas: Dog treats are suitable for those dogs. Those who already have a substantial grain-based diet – don’t want to overfeed them.
Frozen Blueberry Treats: Perfect to help keep your dog cool and hydrate them on those hot summer days. But without the added risk of choking because they have to be chewed.
How many blueberries can my dog eat?
Like any fruit or vegetable, portion control is essential. Treats should comprise only 10% of your dog’s diet. And it should be considered a topical treatment. For most small dogs, 10 blueberries will be a fair amount. Larger breeds of dogs may tolerate more, but keep the 10% ratio in mind when introducing them.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries muffins?
Muffins intended for human consumption are not a good choice to feed your dog. They may contain ingredients that can cause food intolerance and stomach upset. For the same reasons, you wouldn’t want to give your dog commercially prepared blueberry yogurt, blueberry pie, pancakes, or anything with artificial blueberry flavoring.
How do I feed blueberries to my dog?
Fresh Blueberries: Often given to dogs in their raw form. The fruits are soft and do not pose a high risk of exposure. When preparing fresh blueberries, wash them in water and inspect for any moldy berries before giving them to your dog.
Frozen blueberries: Safe, but can present a choking hazard, especially in small breed dogs. But you can melt them. And you can also mash them before serving. Large dogs need supervision when eating the berries to avoid choking. If the berries are frozen, it is better to give one or two at a time.
Mashed Blueberries: A great way to add them to your dog’s food bowl. You can also pair them with other berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a nutritional punch.
How Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
There are several ways you can prepare them to spice up blueberries for your dog. First, clean them thoroughly to make sure you’ve washed off any dirt or grime, and take care to remove those pesky stems as well. Next, mash them into a puree, or sprinkle blueberries on top of your dog’s typical food. Another fun option? Combine blueberries with peanut butter to make a treat that’s twice as salivating.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? Final thoughts
While blueberries are not technically unsafe for dogs, they do have some risks of their own, and feeding them too much of any one thing can damage their health in the long run. Keep in mind a few options and recipes that make your dog’s treats a little safer.
