6 best berries for dogs

This post shows you the 6 best berries for dogs! Berries are one of the safest and healthiest fruits for dogs.

a variety of berries and a dog

Berries are low in sugar, which makes them great for dogs, but they’re also high in vitamins and antioxidants. While dogs get their complete nutrition from dog food (kibble and wet food), berries can be a healthy snack! Plus, they’re the friendliest ingredient for homemade dog ice cream and other treats.

Here are the six best berries for dogs, along with tips on how to serve them!

collage of blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and mulberries and text saying six best berries for dogs

1 Blueberries: one of the most popular berries for dogs

Blueberries are one of the best berries for dogs! They’re very healthy, low in sugar, and high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help with muscle recovery and overall health. Blueberries are also rich in vitamins, and because they’re low in sugar but high in fiber, they support healthy digestion.

How to give them to your dog: They’re easy to serve and go great with other food! They’re the most popular ingredient in dog-friendly ice cream. You can mash them, freeze them, mix them with yogurt and bananas, or find other creative ways to make your dog a sweet and healthy treat.

Tip: Mix blueberries and Greek yogurt, add some bananas, and mash them together. Pour it into a silicone mold, and you’ll make one of the best dog-friendly ice creams (that you can enjoy, too!).

2 Strawberries: sweet and full of vitamin C

whole and sliced strawberries

Strawberries are sweet, tasty, and hydrating! They’re low in calories, safe for dogs, and easy to digest. This is important because some fruits can cause digestive issues, so it’s always a good idea to start with a small amount and see how your dog reacts. Strawberries are rich in vitamins, contain plenty of water, and have healthy fiber that can help with constipation.

How to give them to your dog: Serve strawberries fresh, and always remove the green tops. You can mix them with other fruits or use them as a training treat. If you ask my dog, strawberries are definitely one of the best berries for dogs!

Tip: Mash strawberries with bananas and add some chopped mint. Freeze everything and share it with your dog as a refreshing summer treat!

3 Blackberries: juicy and full of antioxidants

Blackberries are simple and very healthy! Unlike raspberries, they’re not as acidic, and they’re also low in sugar and calories but high in vitamins. This makes them one of the best berries for dogs. Blackberries are packed with antioxidants and minerals like potassium and magnesium.

How to give them to your dog: Share them fresh and give a few as a special treat. They’re soft and easy to chew, making them ideal for senior dogs. My dog loves to eat them with cooked pumpkin, so try mixing them with other fruits or veggies for a special dog food bowl.

Tip: Toss a couple of blackberries into your dog’s food or use them as a low-calorie training treat. Similar to raspberries, they also pair well with oatmeal.

4 Raspberries: low-calorie and full of fiber

fresh raspberries in a wooden bowl

Raspberries are another great choice for dogs. They’re easy to share, low in calories, and low in sugar. They’re also full of good fiber, but be careful not to give your dog too much, as this can lead to digestive issues. Like other berries, raspberries have lots of vitamins and minerals, and they are a really healthy choice.

How to give them to your dog: Raspberries pair well with oatmeal, which can be a great food for an upset stomach. You can also serve them with other fruits and some yogurt.

Tip: If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you might want to skip raspberries. Since they’re a bit acidic and high in fiber, they can cause temporary diarrhea or stomach upset.

5 Cranberries: tart but packed with nutrients

Cranberries are tart and tangy berries with amazing health benefits. However, because they’re so sour and acidic, they’re mostly popular as a powdered extract. You’ll often see cranberries as an ingredient in dog kibble, and there are great cranberry supplements available that support urinary tract health and prevent UTIs.

How to give them to your dog: You can serve cranberries fresh or dried, but make sure the dried ones are unsweetened. You can also find cranberry treats in pet stores or online.

Tip: If you like baking cookies for your dog using oat or rice flour and mashed pumpkin, you can add a few dried cranberries for extra flavor and nutrients!

6 Mulberries: nutrient-rich and unique

Mulberries are an unusual berry for dogs, but if you have a mulberry tree in your garden, you probably know how much dogs love them. When ripe, mulberries are super sweet yet low in calories, making them a great treat.

How to give them to your dog: Give them fresh as a treat, but always make sure they’re ripe. Unripe mulberries can upset your dog’s stomach and cause tummy aches.

Tip: Mulberries are great in smoothies! Blend a banana, some Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and a handful of mulberries. Pour the mix into ice molds to create an amazing and healthy ice cream for your dog (and for you!).

How to safely serve berries to dogs

The most important tip is to know your berries! While wild blackberries and strawberries are safe for dogs, you need to be absolutely sure you can identify them before giving them to your dog.

Next, don’t let your dog eat wild berries in dirty areas, especially near roads.

Always wash your berries thoroughly and remove any leaves and stems (like those on strawberries). Don’t let your dog eat too many berries, as fruit should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet.

And don’t get caught up in boosting their nutrients—dogs don’t need the extra vitamins, as they get everything they need from their dog food. Berries are just a little extra treat you can share with your dog, and by doing so, you’re actually making a healthy choice!

Which berry is your dog’s favorite? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your dog’s berry adventures!

And don’t forget to pin this post so you’ll always have these berry-serving tips handy. Happy treating!

Love, life, and fur forever!

collage of four images showing blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries and text saying top berries for dogs

This post showed you the 6 best berries for dogs.

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