Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries?
Dogs can eat goji berries, but maybe they shouldn’t. Even though goji berries are considered a superfood because they have so many nutritional benefits, they are not great for dogs as they can upset their stomachs.
It’s okay to share one or two goji berries with your dog, but it’s not something you should do often. Unlike other dog-friendly berries like blueberries or blackberries, goji berries are not easy on the stomach. Plus, they are most popular in trail mixes and granola, where they’re dried, making them much more concentrated and higher in sugar.
What are goji berries and why do we think of them as a superfood?
Goji berries are small, red berries that are very rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and iron. They are popular in natural medicine for their immune-boosting properties. Along with acai, another superfood that’s actually unsafe for dogs, goji berries were all the rage a couple of years ago, and they still are.
Most people take some sort of goji berry extract or use dried goji berries in smoothies and oatmeal. I already mentioned granola, which you shouldn’t give to your dog, as granola is not safe for dogs! Goji berries are also sometimes cooked in soups and stews.
Is goji berry a superfood for dogs?
No, it’s not. Dogs don’t need additional vitamins from fruits, and they don’t need a lot of fruit in their diets.
We usually give them fruit as a treat, and we can do that safely by making sure that fruit and other treats make up no more than 10% of their diet. The rest should be their regular dog food, which actually has what they need—protein, fat, and healthy carbs.
Goji berries are not toxic or harmful to dogs, but they aren’t a superfood for dogs and don’t have many benefits.
How many goji berries can I give my dog?
Minimal to none. You don’t need to give your dog goji berries as there are no real benefits for them. But if you still want to share, you can give your small dog one to two berries, while larger dogs can handle a handful.
Let’s explore some other berries that are much safer for dogs and won’t cause an upset stomach!
- Blackberries: Rich in antioxidants, sweet, tasty, and full of flavor. Blackberries are great for dogs and can be a great food topper.
- Raspberries: Full of flavor, vitamins, and healthy fiber, raspberries are safe for dogs and a great choice for fruit bowls. You can combine them with yogurt!
- Strawberries: High in vitamin C, low in calories, and naturally sweet, strawberries are safe for dogs and an excellent choice for their treats.
- Blueberries: Full of good nutrients and antioxidants. Dogs can eat blueberries several times a week as a snack!
- Cranberries: Known for supporting urinary health, popular in powder form, and often added to dog kibble, cranberries are safe for dogs!
Love, life, and fur forever!
FAQs
Can dogs eat goji berries every day?
No, dogs can’t eat goji berries every day. Even though goji berries are not toxic to dogs, they are still not recommended as a fruit snack because they can upset your dog’s stomach. Stick to dog-friendly fruits like apples or berries such as strawberries and blueberries.
Can dogs eat raw goji berries?
Yes, they can, but they shouldn’t. Raw goji berries are not really something dogs enjoy, so don’t offer them to try. If they eat some by accident (you leave them unattended, and they eat a few), don’t worry. Raw goji berries are not toxic to dogs, and they will most likely feel fine after dealing with temporary diarrhea.