Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?
Yes, they can! Blackberries are great for dogs as they are low in calories, low in sugar, and high in vitamins and minerals. They are also incredibly juicy, sweet, and refreshing—simply amazing!
Many dogs love to pick blackberries straight from the bush and steal them from our fruit bowls and supermarket bags, and I don’t blame them—blackberries are the best!
Along with raspberries, which are also safe for dogs, blueberries, and strawberries, blackberries are one of the healthiest fruits your dog can eat. Unlike cherries, which are also safe but have pits, with blackberries, you don’t have to worry, and you can relax during snack time.
Health benefits of blackberries for dogs
As I mentioned, blackberries are one of the healthiest fruits you can give to your dog or eat yourself. I simply adore them, and they remind me of cozy summer days in my dad’s garden. I pick and eat them straight from the bush and love sharing some with Ricco (my dog), and Iris, my parents’ Samoyed! You should see her white fur covered in blackberries!
Here are some of the key nutritional benefits that blackberries offer:
Did you know that frozen blackberries make a great treat on hot summer days?
Since dogs can eat frozen blackberries, for a refreshing treat in the summer, try freezing some blackberries and mixing them with cooked pumpkin to make cool treats for your dog. Think of it as a dog-friendly popsicle or sorbet. You can also mix frozen blackberries with Greek yogurt and dog-friendly ice cream!
Can dogs eat wild blackberries?
Yes, dogs can eat wild blackberries! Wild blackberries are just as safe as regular blackberries, but it’s important that you know how to recognize them and not mix them up with other wild berries! This is really important, as personally, I wouldn’t dare to eat anything I find in the forest since I don’t have experience (maybe searching through Google Lens can help). However, if you’re sure that you’ve found wild blackberries, by all means, you and your dog can enjoy nature’s treasure.
Just make sure that the wild blackberries are growing in clean areas, away from roads so they are free from pollution, chemicals, or pesticides.
Similar to regular blackberries, wild blackberries are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Can dogs eat cooked blackberries? How about blackberry jam or jello?
Technically, dogs can eat cooked blackberries; there’s no reason they wouldn’t be allowed to have them. Also, cooking blackberries doesn’t remove their nutrients, so they’re still a healthy snack for your dog. But what are you making? If it’s some kind of blackberry jam or anything with lots of sugar or sweeteners, forget about it!
Things like blackberry jam or jello are not good for dogs. Most jams and jellos are unhealthy for dogs as they contain high amounts of sugar or, even worse, artificial sweeteners! Some jellos can even have xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs, even in tiny amounts! So while dogs can have plain cooked blackberries, please be cautious about extra sugar or xylitol in other blackberry-flavored products.
How many blackberries can I give to my dog?
You can give your dog a handful of blackberries each week as a tasty treat!
However, remember that the right amount depends on your dog’s size—smaller dogs should eat fewer blackberries, while larger dogs can have a bit more.
It’s also important to know your dog. Some dogs have more sensitive stomachs, so if it’s their first time trying blackberries, start with just one or two and see how they react. If everything goes well, blackberries can be a great occasional snack to add to their diet!
This is not set in stone, you know your dog and how they like their food and treats, but if it’s your first time introducing berries, then this may help!
Can dogs with diabetes eat blackberries?
Yes, diabetic dogs might be able to enjoy a few blackberries here and there. Blackberries are low in sugar compared to other fruits, so they’re one of the better options if your dog has diabetes. They’ve got natural fruit sugar, which isn’t the same as the white sugar we usually think of, and they’re high in fiber, which helps slow down how fast sugar gets absorbed.
Most diabetic dogs don’t eat a lot of fruit, though, so if you’re thinking about adding blackberries to their diet, it’s always best to check in with your vet first to make sure it’s a safe choice.
Love, life, and fur forever!
FAQs
Can dogs eat blackberry seeds?
Yes, they are an integral part of blackberries, and dogs can eat them just like people do, similar to how we eat strawberry or raspberry seeds. There’s really no need to worry so much about every little detail; not all berry seeds are toxic or harmful. Relax.