Can dogs eat blueberries?

 

Quick takeaways about blueberries

• Fresh and frozen blueberries can be healthy treats for dogs.
• Packed with fibre, vitamins and antioxidants, blueberries support healthy immune system function.
• Use them in enrichment games, as rewards or sprinkle a few over your dog’s main meal.

 

It’s no secret that blueberries are one of nature’s power foods. They may be small, but each berry is packed with vitamins, fibre and antioxidants.

The good news is that blueberries are a great, healthy food for dogs too. Blueberries have even been proven to help canine digestion – as this recent study on wolves suggests.

If you want to introduce blueberries into your pooch’s diet, read on to find out their benefits – and the best way to feed them to your dog.

 

Are blueberries good for dogs?

Blueberries are great for dogs! They’re low in calories and packed with nutritional goodness.

Buy organic blueberries when possible and wash them first to remove any pesticides.

 

What are their key benefits?

Considered a superfood, blueberries are low in fat, high in fibre and contain magnesium, calcium and potassium.

They have disease-fighting antioxidants, vitamin C to support your dog’s immune system and vitamin K which helps their blood clot.

 

How should I feed blueberries to my dog?

While blueberries are full of good things they’re also relatively high in sugar, so consider them a treat.

Treats should make up just 10% of your dog’s food intake and be part of a balanced diet.

Add them to your dog’s bowl of food, use them as rewards or in enrichment games, or give them to your dog as a snack. Freeze them for a refreshing treat.

 

Can I give my dog blueberry muffins or blueberry-flavoured food?

Avoid feeding your dog blueberry muffins, blueberry-flavoured foods or any other human food containing blueberries.

Muffins and yoghurt might contain xylitol, a type of artificial sweetener poisonous to dogs.

These foods can also be high in fat, sugar and other additives, so it’s best to stick to whole, fresh berries.

 

Can I feed my dog too many blueberries?

Yes, you can. A blueberry overdose is rarely life-threatening. However, it’s still possible to feed your dog too many. The berry is high in natural sugars, and a high-sugar diet can lead to diabetes, obesity and dental problems in the long run.

More immediately though, blueberries are high in fibre and too much of this can cause stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhoea. This goes for strawberries and raspberries also.

 

The bottom line

Dogs can benefit from eating blueberries as part of a balanced diet. Keep quantities low and hand them out in moderation as you would any other treat.

Like all new foods, introduce blueberries into your dog’s diet gradually to avoid any tummy upsets and speak to your vet if you have any concerns.

 

Dogs and blueberries - FAQs

Can dogs eat frozen blueberries?

Frozen blueberries are a great dog treat. They are, however, a choking risk for small dogs so mash them up first if necessary.

 

Can dogs eat dried blueberries?

Dogs can also eat dried blueberries. Drying them at home is best but organic, preservative-free, store-bought berries can also work. Just watch out for added sugars – fresh blueberries are best for this reason.

 

Can dogs eat strawberries and blueberries?

Strawberries, blackberries and raspberries are also nutritional treats for dogs. Feed your dog these berries as you would blueberries – in moderation.

 

Can dogs eat blueberries every day?

Due to their high sugar and fibre content, think of blueberries as treats. Dogs can eat them daily but in small amounts.

To work out how many blueberries you should feed your dog, as a guide, large dogs can have up to around 8 blueberries a day, while smaller breeds like chihuahuas should be limited to just a couple a day.

 

Can dogs be allergic to blueberries?

Blueberry allergies in dogs are very unlikely but not impossible. Your dog might have an intolerance if you notice any of the following after eating them:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Itching and skin irritations.

Speak to your vet if you’re ever worried.

 
Try our personalised meal plans with high-quality raw ingredients – including fresh fruits and vegetables – to help keep your dog healthy and happy.