Do you know the dog is the most loyal friend of man for over 20,000 years? So, when you have such a loyal friend, it would be a great injustice to neglect your dog’s health. Feeding your favorite pet with highly nutritious foods ensures the best health. But questions like can dogs eat blueberries, star berries, raspberries etc are still important to know. Many berries and other fruits are tasty and richly nutritious and also healthy for dogs. But some of them are also unhealthy that can upset your dog’s stomach. Therefore, it is essential to have proper knowledge of fruits like blueberries, strawberries etc.
Contents
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Blueberries are rich in vitamin C and low calorie with a unique taste with countless health benefits for humans. But the question “can dogs eat blueberries” still needs a satisfying answer.
The answer is yes, dogs can eat strawberries. A renowned veterinarian Dr. Sharon Williams says, “They are sweet but they don’t have high sugar. Some dogs love blueberries.”
Benefits of Blueberries:
Research in National Institutes of Health proved that a rich diet in foods that contains Vitamin C and fiber (such as blueberries) are linked to less cardiovascular problems and obesity in humans. Such foods also aid to prevent various types of cancer.
The same benefits apply to animals like dogs, says Williams. Blueberries contain rich fiber which helps to improve the digestive system of dogs. Such types of berries are low in sugar as compared to other fruits. Also, these are easier to serve than strawberries.
Blueberries are high in antioxidant properties which prevent free radicals from damaging the cells of dog. Therefore, an antioxidant-rich diet is beneficial for older dogs.
Free radical prevent promotes brain health and can be a perfect pick for geriatric dogs. The low amount of sugar in blueberries makes them the best choice for dogs with diabetes. But before giving new foods to your dogs, it is a wise idea to talk to your veterinarian.
How to Serve Blueberries to Your Dog?
You can serve blueberries to your dog at every meal time. However, the proper amount of blueberries depends on the size of your dog. You can also mash the blueberries into a dog’s kibble.
Many dogs love to eat frozen blueberries but they can be a choking hazard.
So, blueberries are safe for dogs and can be used without any worries. But it doesn’t mean that are fruits are safe. For instance, grapes can lead to renal failure.
Blueberries are loaded with fiber, antioxidants and various healthy vitamins. Above all, they are natural which means you are not feeding your dog with artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
What are the best ways to feed your dog Blueberries?
There are two prime ways to feed your dog with blueberries. The first way is to provide a fresh batch of delicious organic berries.
Raw
Simply give a one or handful as training treat to your dog.
Incorporate blueberries into the favorite home-baked biscuit recipe with additional goodness.
Is Blueberries Safe for Dogs?
Yes, it is safe to add blueberries to your dog’s diet. Blueberries are healthy and tasty with many health benefits for the dog.
But don’t use it in a dog’s diet if it is contained in tasty human treats such as blueberry muffins, cookies, and pies.
Are Blueberries Toxic or Healthy?
As blueberries have several amazing health properties, they are considered as a superfood. It means that the natural chemicals found in this superfood have the ability to breakdown free radicals.
These free radicals are the prime reasons for cell damage and put the body under serious stress. Antioxidant properties help to get rid of such free radicals which allow taking the stain off the body to repair itself. Do you know powerful antioxidants have been well-known for the anti-aging benefits?
- Nutrients found in blueberries are
- Fiber
- Vitamin C and K
- Antioxidants like flavonoids
- Minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus
- Dogs Need Proper Vitamins and Minerals too
As we all know, dogs belong to the carnivore’s family. But this simplification is due to the eating habits of dogs. Wild dogs don’t only eat muscles of the prey but the gut contents and skin which contain fruit, vegetables, and herbage. It proves that even wild dogs need a proper source of vitamins and minerals for their health.
Blueberries are a nice source of nutrients when compared to other options. So it is a wise idea to include such health option in your dog’s diet.
What are the Possible Side Effects of Blueberries on Dogs?
Though we have answered the questions “can dogs eat blueberries” but still most people want to know about the side effects too.
If your dog eats a ton of blueberries and other fruits it can lead to doggy diarrhea and stomach upset. But if you feed a sensible amount of blueberries and fruits in moderation, it will prevent the possible side effects.
Another possible side effect may be a pose of choking hazard. If a small dog inhales a blueberry rather than swallowing and chewing, then it is a proper size to block the windpipe which can cause choking. But this possibility can be with any food with a similar size not only with the blueberry.
Other Foods Dog can eat:
Raspberries
Strawberries
Apple
Bananas
Watermelon
Mango
Pineapples
Green beans
Broccoli
Cucumber
Carrots
Cranberries
Celery
Pears
Asparagus
What Fruit is bad for Dogs?
Just like healthy fruits, there are bad fruits and vegetables for dogs. Avoid foods like grapes and raisins in your dog’s diet as they can lead to kidney damage.
Chocolate is also toxic to dogs and cats.
Corn is a common allergen.
Rhubarb, wild mushrooms, avocado, garlic, and onions are all toxic to pets.
Other bad foods for dogs are
Lemons
Cherries
Serviceberries
Salmonberries
Gooseberries
Grapefruits
Persimmons
Limes
Grapes and raisins
Marionberries
Several wild berries like those found on holly and many other wild plants can be toxic and must be avoided to prevent health problems of your dogs.
Leave a Reply