Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Yes, dogs can eat blueberries! Blueberries are one of the best fruits for dogs and an absolute favorite among our dogs. They are healthy, easy to digest, and full of antioxidants that are important for overall health. Blueberries are also safe for puppies and an excellent training treat!
Most dogs really adore blueberries, and I understand why! They are juicy, tasty, and fun to eat, so it’s good to know they also come with various health benefits!
Health benefits of blueberries for dogs
Blueberries are rich in vitamins and healthy fiber. They are also very low in calories and sugar, which makes them a perfect snack for dogs!
Here’s why they’re such a healthy choice:
Are blueberries good for dogs? Why antioxidants are important
Blueberries are absolutely good for dogs! As I explained, they are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants! Now, I want to talk more about antioxidants, as I found a fascinating study about how blueberries can protect dogs!
In the study called “Total antioxidant power in sled dogs supplemented with blueberries and the comparison of blood parameters associated with exercise,” researchers focused on sled dogs—an ideal group because they’re incredibly active and predisposed to oxidative stress, a type of cell damage caused by free radicals produced during exercise.
To one group of sled dogs, they gave a diet with blueberries, while another group ate a regular diet. The researchers then had both groups go through their usual exercise routines.
Afterward, they measured the dogs’ blood to look for markers of cell damage and antioxidant levels. Specifically, they checked for things like creatine kinase and isoprostane levels, which indicate muscle stress and oxidative damage, as well as total antioxidant power in the blood.
Here’s what they found: the dogs who ate blueberries had significantly higher antioxidant levels after exercise compared to the control group.
Interestingly, even though both groups exercised at the same intensity, the dogs on the blueberry diet showed no unusual muscle damage, thanks to the protective effect of the antioxidants.
I find this pretty amazing!
We often read about some fruits that are really good for dogs, but reading research like this one really helps us decide which ones are the best options for our dogs!
Frozen, dried, and wild: are all blueberries safe for dogs?
Yes, all types of blueberries—frozen, dried, and wild—are safe for dogs, but not all are ideal!
Frozen blueberries are a great treat, and many people use them to make dog-friendly popsicles. You can take some blueberries, mix them with a fork, and mix them with Greek yogurt and peanut butter to make dog-friendly ice cream!
Just be careful with frozen blueberries, as small dogs can choke on them, and they are not that easy to chew and swallow!
Dried blueberries are also safe, but they are not recommended to dogs. They are much more concentrated in sugar and, therefore, are no longer a healthy snack. Similar to prunes and dried figs, they are healthy for us, but for dogs, they are just unnecessary sugar.
Wild blueberries are absolutely safe for dogs! They even have more antioxidants compared to store-bought blueberries. If you’re picking them yourself, make sure they’re truly blueberries and not a similar-looking toxic berry.
Are blueberries safe for all dogs?
Blueberries are generally safe for most dogs. They are safe for puppies, as they are soft, easy to chew, and low in calories and sugar. If you’re giving blueberries to puppies, start with a few and don’t overdo it, as blueberries are rich in fiber, and too much fiber can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
For dogs with diabetes, blueberries can still be an option because they’re naturally low in sugar compared to other fruits. However, since every diabetic dog’s needs are different, it’s best to ask your vet before sharing any. Generally, they are really safe, as berries are usually low in sugar.
If your dog has pancreatitis, then it’s best to talk to your vet. Again, dogs with pancreatitis follow a special low-fat diet, so blueberries can still be a good treat.
What other berries are good for dogs?
Most berries are great for dogs! They’re low in sugar, full of vitamins and antioxidants, and taste amazing. Here are some of the best berries for dogs:
- Strawberries: Most dogs really love strawberries, as they are sweet and juicy. They are rich in vitamins and low in calories, which makes them perfect for dogs!
- Raspberries: Raspberries are safe for dogs and make a healthy snack. You might’ve heard they contain natural xylitol, but your dog would need to eat a ton for it to be an issue. A few raspberries here and there are perfectly fine.
- Blackberries: Dogs can eat blackberries, and they’re a refreshing and healthy treat. Like blueberries, they are great fresh or frozen and they are rich in vitamins.
- Cranberries: Cranberries are safe for dogs! They are also very popular as an ingredient in dog kibble (cranberry extract is usually added to the kibble).
- Mulberries: Dogs can have mulberries as a naturally sweet and tasty treat. These little berries are full of fiber and vitamins, making them a nutritious snack option.
Have you tried giving your dog any of these berries? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear their favorites!
Love, life, and fur forever!
FAQs
Can small dogs eat blueberries?
Yes, small dogs can eat blueberries! Because of their size, blueberries are easy for small dogs to chew. If you’re worried about choking, especially for tiny breeds, you can mash them up.
Can dogs eat cooked blueberries?
Dogs can eat cooked blueberries. Cooking kills some of the nutrients, but if you’re making something dog-friendly, like oatmeal with cooked blueberries, then feel free to share. Just remember that you’ll get maximum antioxidants from fresh blueberries.
Can dogs eat freeze-dried blueberries?
Yes, dogs can eat freeze-dried blueberries! They are not toxic, and they are considered healthy, but you shouldn’t give your dog too many freeze-dried blueberries as they are high in sugar.