Dogs love to bite everything that smells tasty for them, and blueberries are one fruit that smells incredibly tasty for their sharp noses. However, can dogs truly eat blueberries? Is having some good or bad for them? What about blueberry-flavored products?
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
In the United States, blueberries are one of the most popular fruits.
Without them, what summer fruit salad would be complete? Not only are blueberries delicious, but they are also the perfect superfood, packed with many health advantages for both humans and dogs.
Is it safe for dogs to eat blueberries? Yes, dogs can eat blueberries.
However, there are a few things you should know before sharing them with your dog.
Blueberries are packed with vitamins and minerals that may significantly benefit dogs’ health, yet since they are tiny and soft, they do not pose a significant choking concern.
Numerous commercial dog meals use them in their formulations.
However, excessive amounts of good food may bring risks, as you might imagine.
While blueberries are rich in fiber, excessive fiber may cause gastrointestinal distress and diarrhea.
Are Blueberries Good For Dogs?
Blueberries are low in calories, making them an excellent snack or reward for your dog that will not contribute to weight gain or obesity.
They are abundant in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, all of which may help strengthen the immune system and combat brain aging, arthritic pain, and even cancer.
They may even aid in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and other ailments such as the common cold.
Blueberries are quite low in sugar in comparison to other fruits, and they may even be OK for dogs with diabetes, however, you should always consult your veterinarian before providing them to any dog with a medical problem.
Benefits Of Blueberries For Dogs
Blueberries offer many health benefits for dogs because of their compositions. Let’s check what exactly blueberries have that make them a healthy snack for your furry partner:
Vitamins
The little blueberry contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. They work diligently to strengthen your dog’s immune system, decrease inflammation, and promote appropriate function and quality of the skin, coat, muscles, and nerves, as well as build bone density.
Minerals
Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium all have a role in the health advantages of blueberries. These minerals promote bone formation and aid the body’s absorption of vitamins and minerals.
Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals are a kind of chemical substance found in plants. They’re associated with a slew of health advantages for people and canines alike.
Phytochemicals have been demonstrated in studies to be anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory in chronic disorders.
Antioxidant
Blueberries are arguably best recognized for their antioxidant capabilities, and for good reason. Antioxidants are a necessary component of human and animal diets.
They combat the free radicals that cause cellular and molecular damage and help halt the aging process.
Research was conducted on antioxidants and cellular damage in sled dogs during vigorous exercise.
It discovered that supplementing dogs’ meals with blueberries shortened their recuperation time after strenuous activity.
This may be a huge advantage for active dogs, since it may boost their mobility as they age.
Additionally, antioxidants have been demonstrated to slow the aging process or cognitive deterioration in elderly dogs.
Anthocyanins
These are the pigments that give blueberries their blue/purple hue. They function in conjunction with antioxidants to help prevent heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and cancer.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries: Are They Safe or Toxic For Them FAQ
Can Puppies Have Blueberries?
Yes, puppies can definitely eat a bit of blueberry as these little fruits bring many benefits to them. Just remember that puppies need to stick more to dog food. Don’t let them consume too many berries, only up to 10% of their diet.
How Many Blueberries Can A Dog Eat?
Portion management is critical with any fruit or vegetable. Treats should account for no more than 10% of your dog’s diet and should be seen as an infrequent treat.
Ten blueberries would be an adequate quantity for the majority of little dogs. Although large dog breeds may tolerate more, keep the 10% ratio in mind when giving them.
Due to the tiny size of blueberries, it is feasible for a big dog to consume an excessive amount.
They often eat without chewing and hence may consume the whole dish before you notice they’ve swiped it.
This might result in stomach pain or create a choking danger. If berries are sucked down or served frozen, little dogs might easily choke on them.
Are Blueberries Bad For Dogs?
Blueberries are safe for dogs, but only in small amounts!
Blueberries are rich in fiber, and consuming an excessive amount might result in stomach aches and diarrhea.
That is particularly dangerous if you cultivate them in your yard and they are accessible to your dog.
Keep an eye on your pet or close off the blueberry garden to prevent them from feasting on these fruits.
Artificially flavored blueberry items are likewise toxic to dogs.
They often include chemicals, preservatives, or other potentially dangerous items to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Muffins? (Or Other Muffin-Flavored Food)
Blueberry muffins are loved by everyone, but you should not let your dog eat them.
Muffins intended for human consumption are not a suitable choice for your dog’s diet because they usually include substances that cause food intolerances and stomach distress.
For the same reason, you should avoid giving your dog blueberry yogurt, blueberry pie, pancakes, or anything else flavored with fake blueberries. Only feed your dog the real fruit!
Final Words About Can Dogs Eat Blueberries
Can dogs eat blueberries? Yes! Is it good or bad for them to have some? It is definitely safe for dogs, and even healthy.
Blueberries have many good things that will help your dog feel better if they consume blueberries on a regular basis, just remember that 90% of your dog’s diet should be proper dog food.
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