Can dogs eat blueberries?
By Dr Rebecca MacMillan BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS
The good news is that dogs can eat blueberries!
These little, bite-sized fruits pack a sweet and tangy punch that many dogs love. But it’s important to know how to offer them safely. In this blog we’re going to look at the potential health benefits of this delicious treat, and the best ways to serve blueberries to your pet.
#Are blueberries good for dogs?
Blueberries are nutritious little fruits that are safe for dogs to enjoy and have many potential health benefits. Low in calories and rich in antioxidants, fibre and vitamins, blueberries have been dubbed as a ‘superfood’ – and with good reason! Let’s look at some of their potential health benefits in more detail.
##Vitamins in blueberries for dogs
There are two main vitamins found in blueberries.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps boost the immune system and maintain healthy skin and connective tissue in the body. However, unlike us (and our guinea pig friends!), dogs produce Vitamin C naturally. This means they don’t rely on it from their diet, but it won't do them any harm to have a little extra.
Vitamin K
Blueberries are also rich in Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and wound repair. It’s also important for healthy bones; too little Vitamin K could contribute to bone fractures.
##Nutritional benefits of blueberries for dogs
As well as vitamins, blueberries also have the following nutritional benefits:
Fibre
Fibre is essential for helping maintain a healthy digestive system. In dogs, increasing dietary fibre can improve stool quality, as well as help with some anal gland problems. Fibre can also make pets feel fuller for longer, which can be helpful if you’re trying to watch your dog’s weight. Many owners seek out high-fibre treats for dogs - blueberries could help tick that box.
Antioxidants
Blueberries are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to the phytochemicals they contain. In people, these have proven health benefits and can reduce the risk of certain health conditions, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. More research is needed into the health benefits for dogs but the mood music is good.
Low in calories
Blueberries make great low-calorie treats for dogs. With obesity being a common pet problem, it is essential that owners make healthy choices on behalf of their dogs. Blueberries are high in water and low in calories, containing around 75kcal per 100g.
#Can I feed my dog blueberries?
Blueberries can make a tasty occasional treat for your pet. Start by offering just one or two to see if they enjoy them, and to ensure they don’t have any adverse reactions. Remember, every pet is different – while many dogs love blueberries, some might not be interested, and that’s perfectly okay. Always let your pet decide and never force them to eat something they don’t want.
Blueberries are best served plain, rather than processed. Blueberries that have been stewed in sugar or turned into jam will be unhealthy for your dog. Blueberry-based snacks like muffins, pies, or protein bars must also be avoided. Any possible health benefits from the blueberries in these products will be counteracted by the extra fat and calories in them. Feeding your dog human snacks like these could lead to weight gain over time.
#How many blueberries can dogs eat
There’s no set number of blueberries that you should stick to, but many sources agree that fruit and veg snacks should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily food intake. Due to their high natural sugar and fibre content, too many blueberries could put your dog at risk of tummy troubles and an unbalanced diet. A large punnet of blueberries eaten in one sitting could cause some unpleasant side effects!
Always contact your vet if you have any concerns about your dog after they’ve eaten blueberries.
#Can dogs eat frozen blueberries?
Yes, dogs can eat frozen blueberries, with many of them enjoying the crunchy texture. Just make sure your dog is supervised, as hard items can be a choking hazard, especially for small dogs and puppies.
Frozen blueberries can make great cooling treats during hot weather. In fact, why not try our blueberry ice cream recipe for an extra special summer snack?
#Are blueberries poisonous to dogs?
Blueberries are not poisonous to dogs so if your dog has snaffled some then they should be fine. However, large quantities of any fruit or vegetable could cause digestive upset such as mild vomiting or diarrhoea. That is why you should offer these tasty treats in moderation.
You should also speak to your vet for advice if your pet has a health complaint or they’re on a carefully controlled diet.
The main time to take care is if you are offering your pet dried blueberries. Dried fruits sometimes come in mixed bags with raisins or sultanas, which are toxic to dogs.
#Conclusion – Can dogs eat blueberries?
Let’s recap a few key points
- Blueberries are safe for dogs to enjoy in moderation
- Blueberries are low in calories while being rich in vitamins, antioxidants and fibre
- This little fruit can be enjoyed fresh or frozen but never offer processed human snacks
- Be sure to introduce any new snacks gradually and remember that while blueberries are popular, not all dogs enjoy them. So never force your pet to eat them
Hopefully, we’ve answered all your blueberry questions! If you have any concerns about your pet’s diet or health, please speak to your vet for advice. Otherwise, you and your pet should be able to enjoy this nutrient-packed fruit together, if you stick to our advice.
