Can Dogs Eat Blueberries And How Much?

Blueberries are a delicious snack for humans, but can dogs eat them too?

The short answer is yes – in moderation.

Blueberries offer many benefits to the canine diet including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.

They can help support healthy skin, coat, digestion, and vision.

Key Takeaway

• Dogs can safely eat blueberries and they should be served as a treat and not make up more than 5-10% of their diet, typically a handful, considering their size and dietary needs.
• Blueberries for dogs offer numerous health benefits, including providing antioxidants, enhancing brain health, supporting the immune system, improving eye health, and aiding in urinary tract health.
• To safely feed blueberries to dogs, introduce them gradually into their diet in small amounts, ensure they are fresh or frozen (not dried due to higher sugar content), and consider mashing or blending them into the dog’s regular food for easier consumption and digestion.

Can Dogs Eat Blueberries And How Much?

Age	Weight	Amount of Blueberries
Puppy	Up to 10 lbs	1-2 blueberries per day
Adult	11-25 lbs	2-3 blueberries per day
Adult	26-40 lbs	3-4 blueberries per day
Adult	41-60 lbs	4-5 blueberries per day
Adult	Over 60 lbs	5-6 blueberries per day
Senior	Up to 25 lbs	1-2 blueberries per day
Senior	26-60 lbs	2-3 blueberries per day
Senior	Over 60 lbs	3-4 blueberries per day

Dogs can indeed eat blueberries, and the general recommendation is a handful or around 8-10 berries per day depending on the dog’s size and tolerance to this fruit.

Even though blueberries are good for dogs, everything should be in moderation when it comes to feeding dogs foods outside of their regular kibble.

Blueberries are incredibly healthy fruit for humans and dogs alike! They’re a source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins that can help maintain your pup’s strong immune system and regular digestion.

To keep your dog safe though, it’s important to feed them blueberries responsibly, up to a handful per day for large dogs.

Blueberries can make an excellent treat or addition to their daily diet as long as you avoid any pips or extract juice from them beforehand. When introducing blueberries, start with only a few at a time so that they can digest them properly without getting an upset stomach.

While working with dogs, I’ve found that not all dogs digest all foods the same way.

Some dogs might have an upset stomach if they eat too many blueberries at once, or they might not like them at all.

Always start with a small amount to see how your dog reacts, and then you can adjust accordingly.

Health Benefits of Blueberries For Dogs

Blueberries offer numerous health benefits to dogs, including boosting their immune system, improving eye health, and aiding in digestion.

Antioxidant-rich

As a veterinarian, I’ve observed that blueberries are packed with antioxidants, which can help combat free radicals and reduce cellular damage in dogs. This can contribute to overall health and longevity.

Supports Immunity

Blueberries contain a significant amount of vitamins C and K, along with fiber. These nutrients can support your dog’s immune system and improve their overall health, something I’ve often recommended to pet owners in my practice.

Good for Eye Health

The antioxidants found in blueberries also benefit dogs’ eye health. They can help prevent eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma, a common issue I’ve encountered in aging dogs.

Aids in Digestion

Blueberries are high in fiber, which aids in digestion and can help regulate your dog’s bowel movements. In my experience, they can be particularly beneficial for dogs suffering from constipation or other digestive issues.

Low-calorie Treat

Finally, blueberries are a low-calorie treat, making them a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks. As a vet, I’ve seen many dogs struggling with weight issues, and incorporating blueberries into their diet can be a step toward maintaining a healthy weight says Wikipedia.

How To Safely Feed Blueberries To Dogs

Feeding blueberries to dogs safely involves portion control, appropriate preparation, and careful observation of your dog’s reaction.

Portion Control

When feeding blueberries to dogs, it’s essential to remember that these berries should only be a small part of their diet.

Even though they are packed with beneficial antioxidants and vitamins, they also have sugar. Treats, including fruits like blueberries, should not exceed 10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake.

It’s always a good practice to start with a few berries and gradually increase the amount if your dog enjoys them and doesn’t show any adverse reactions.

Appropriate Preparation

Blueberries can be served to dogs in various ways – fresh, frozen, or even mashed up. Some dogs may prefer the cool, crunchy texture of frozen blueberries, while others may enjoy them fresh.

For smaller dogs or puppies, consider cutting up the berries or mashing them to prevent any potential choking hazards.

Mixing mashed or finely cut blueberries into their regular food can also be a fun and nutritious variation to their diet.

Careful Observation

As a vet, I’ve found that individual dogs’ responses to new foods can vary greatly. After introducing blueberries to your dog’s diet, keep a close eye on them.

Watch for any changes in behavior, appetite, or bowel movements. If you notice anything unusual, like diarrhea or vomiting, it’s best to stop feeding them blueberries and consult with a vet.

Remember, while many dogs can enjoy blueberries without issues, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not necessarily work for another.

Can Dogs Eat Frozen Blueberries

Dogs can eat frozen blueberries but it is always best to make sure they are not too cold to cause toothache and not too hard to cause a choking hazard.

It’s always tempting to treat our canine companions to something special, especially if we’re enjoying a delicious frozen treat ourselves. Frozen blueberries can be a healthy snack for humans and some of us might wonder if they’re good for dogs too.

A large dog can eat a handful of frozen blueberries per day. A mid-size dog can eat up to fifteen frozen blueberries each day, while a small dog shouldn’t eat more than seven blueberries daily.

Before serving your pooch any frozen blueberries, make sure it’s appropriate for his size and breed. Breeds like chihuahuas may be too small for swallowing frozen blueberries and that’s why it’s best if you let them thaw first. But larger breeds should be right in consuming dog-friendly frozen fruits like blueberries.

The antioxidants contained in the berries have anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit the eyes, heart, brain, and more.

From my experience as a vet, I’ve found that many dogs enjoy the crunchy texture of frozen blueberries.

However, it’s important to note that the size of the blueberry might pose a choking hazard for smaller dogs. In such cases, it may be best to thaw the berries or cut them in half before serving.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Blueberries?

Dogs can eat dried blueberries, but it’s important to remember that these should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content.

Dried blueberries are a safe treat for dogs and can be included in their diet. However, they are often higher in sugar than their fresh counterparts, which could potentially lead to weight gain or other health issues if consumed in large amounts.

It’s always best to feed your dog dried blueberries in moderation, keeping in mind that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

In preparing dried blueberries for your dog, ensure there are no added sugars or preservatives, as these can be harmful to your pet.

The blueberries should be served in small quantities and always under your supervision.

Can Dogs Eat Blueberries With Skin?

Yes, dogs can eat blueberries with the skin without worrying about digestive problems. Blueberries are high in fiber, anthocyanins, and vitamins C and K which are very beneficial for dogs.

Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that dogs can benefit from eating the fruit. The best way for dogs to consume blueberries is with the skin.

Blueberries are an excellent snack for dogs and can provide them with a variety of nutrients. However, you should be mindful of how many blueberries you offer your furry friend.

Too much of a good thing can be harmful! Excessive amounts of blueberries can cause gastrointestinal distress in dogs. Experts recommend limiting any treats, including blueberries, to no more than 10 percent of their daily caloric intake.

This breaks down to about one or two blueberries per every ten pounds that your furry pal weighs. Moderation is key; when introducing any new food, start small and watch out for symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Can Dogs Have Blueberry Yogurt?

Dogs can have blueberry yogurt, provided it is plain, low-fat, or non-fat, and does not contain any artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Blueberry yogurt can be a tasty and nutritious treat for dogs. In my years as a vet, I’ve recommended plain yogurt to many dog owners as a healthy treat.

It’s rich in calcium and protein, which are beneficial for your dog’s health. The blueberries add a boost of antioxidants and vitamins.

However, it’s essential to choose a yogurt that is plain, low-fat, or non-fat, and free from artificial sweeteners. Xylitol, a common sweetener in many foods, is particularly harmful and can be deadly to dogs.

When serving blueberry yogurt to your dog, moderation is key. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Start with small amounts to see how your dog reacts to this new addition to their diet.

Which Berries Are NOT Safe For Dogs To Eat?

Several berries are not safe for dogs to eat, including grapes, wild berries, cherries, holly berries, juniper berries, baneberries, and certain regional berries like gooseberries, marionberries, salmonberries, and serviceberries.

Grapes

Grapes, which some might consider a type of berry, can cause severe kidney damage in dogs. Even small amounts can be harmful, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially fatal kidney failure. It’s best to keep all forms of grapes, including raisins, away from your dogs.

See also: 10 Signs Your Dog Has Grape Poisoning

Wild Berries

Wild berries pose a risk because they can be easily misidentified, and many varieties are toxic to dogs. These can cause a range of symptoms from upset stomach to more serious health issues like kidney damage. As a general rule, avoid feeding your dog any berries you find growing in the wild.

Cherries, Holly Berries, Juniper Berries, and Baneberries

Cherries contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs, while holly berries, juniper berries, and baneberries can cause upset stomach and other health problems. It’s essential to ensure these types of berries are out of your dog’s reach.

Regional Berries

Some regional berries, such as gooseberries, marionberries, salmonberries, and serviceberries, may also be toxic to dogs. The effects of these berries on dogs can vary widely, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid them.

FAQs

Do blueberries give dogs diarrhea?

While blueberries are generally safe for dogs, consuming them in large quantities can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea, due to their high fiber content. It’s essential to introduce blueberries into your dog’s diet gradually and in small amounts to monitor for any adverse reactions.

What fruit can dogs not eat?

Certain fruits should be avoided in dogs’ diets due to their toxicity or potential health issues. These include grapes, raisins, cherries, and fruit with pits (like peaches, plums, and apricots) as the pits can be a choking hazard and contain cyanide. Citrus fruits in large quantities can also cause stomach upset, so it’s best to avoid giving them to your dog.

What are blueberries?

Blueberries are small, round, blue-purple berries that belong to the heath family, which includes cranberries and bilberries. They’re known for their rich antioxidant content, particularly vitamin C and vitamin K, and dietary fiber, making them a popular healthy snack for humans and suitable for dogs in moderation.

Are blueberries bad for dogs?

No, blueberries are not bad for dogs when consumed in moderation. They are low in calories and fat, making them a good treat choice for dogs. However, excessive consumption can lead to digestive issues, so it’s important to feed them to your dog in small quantities.

How to safely feed blueberries to your dog

To safely feed blueberries to your dog, start by giving them a small quantity (1-2 berries) to ensure they don’t have an allergic reaction or any digestive upset. Wash the blueberries thoroughly to remove any pesticides or chemicals. Serve them whole, or mashed if you have a smaller dog or a dog with dental issues. Always supervise your dog while they’re eating to prevent choking.

Serving suggestions for blueberries:

Blueberries can be served to dogs fresh, frozen, or mashed. They can be given directly as a treat or mixed into their food for a sweet surprise. You can also use blueberries as an ingredient in homemade dog treats. Remember, moderation is key, so only serve a few blueberries at a time.

Can puppies have blueberries?

Yes, puppies can have blueberries, but in smaller quantities than adult dogs. Their digestive systems are more sensitive, and introducing new foods should be done gradually. Start with one or two blueberries and monitor for any signs of digestive upset or allergic reactions.

Can dogs eat other blueberry products?

It’s best to stick with fresh blueberries. Many blueberry products like jams, jellies, or baked goods contain additional sugars, sweeteners, or other ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. Always read ingredient labels if you’re considering giving your dog a blueberry product and consult with your veterinarian if you’re unsure.