Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

Dogs love to eat their owner’s scraps, but not everything we eat is safe for our pups. So before you can go and let your dog lick your dinner plate clean, you need to make sure that what you’re giving them is safe. And if your dog is a fruit lover, like many dogs are, you’ve probably wondered: Can dogs eat blueberries?

Yes, dogs can eat blueberries. In fact, they’re a great source of antioxidants and fiber. Blueberries can actually be a good replacement for treats because dogs enjoy them so much. You can even use blueberries instead of treats when training/teaching your dog.

Blueberries are packed with nutrients that are great for your pup’s health and can help them to live a long and happy life. So the next time you make blueberry pancakes for the family, be sure to set aside a couple of berries for Fido.

In this article, we’ll be answering questions like “can a dog eat blueberries?” and “how many blueberries can a dog eat?” so you can get a better idea of when and when not to feed your dog blueberries. Continue reading to find out more or use the links below to skip to a section of your choice.

• Feeding Blueberries To Your Dog
• Which Berries Are Safe For Dogs To Eat?
• Which Berries Are NOT Safe For Dogs To Eat?
• Can Dogs Eat Blueberries: Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Notes

Feeding Blueberries To Your Dog

While it’s safe to feed your dog blueberries, that doesn’t mean you can just give them an endless amount. You should give your dog no more than 8-10 blueberries a day because they have a high sugar content and too much sugar isn’t good for dogs and can lead to weight gain and diseases such as diabetes.

Start small with the number of blueberries you feed them and then work your way up once you have an idea of how your dog reacts to the fruit. 

Even though blueberries are a healthy alternative to dog treats, they should still be served in moderation. Treats, including blueberries, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.¹ So you shouldn’t think of blueberries as an alternative for dog food, but rather a special treat for your pup.

There are also a couple of ways that you can go about feeding your pup blueberries. You can give blueberries to your dog as a treat or you can use them during dog obedience training. So the next time you want to teach a dog to shake, reward them with a handful of blueberries instead of a regular dog treat. You can also mix blueberries into your dog’s food, which is a good option if your dog doesn’t necessarily like the taste of blueberries but you want to provide them with the health benefits. 

Benefits Of Feeding Your Dog Blueberries 

So now that we’ve answered the question of “can my dog eat blueberries?”, you’re probably wondering what health benefits they have.

There are many benefits of feeding your dog blueberries, in addition to the delicious taste.² Blueberries are high in vitamin C, fiber, and phytochemicals. Vitamin C is essential so your dog can maintain a healthy immune system and fiber helps your dog’s digestive tract work properly. Phytochemicals can help your dog fight bacteria and virus infections.

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which can help to prevent cell damage in dogs so your dog can stay healthy for longer. They have also been found to improve night vision and mental function in older dogs. 

So, whether your dog is young or old, you definitely can’t go wrong with feeding them blueberries. As long as you feed them in moderation, of course.

When Should Dogs Avoid Blueberries?

Blueberries aren’t safe for all dogs as they contain high oxalate content which can irritate some dogs. So, dogs that are diabetic or have oxalate sensitivity shouldn't eat them. Dry blueberries can also cause dehydration and diarrhea. 

Just like humans, dogs can have food allergies, too. So it’s always a good idea to check with your vet first before introducing any new ingredient into your dog’s diet. If your dog has a negative reaction to blueberries, you should stop feeding them and bring them to the vet so they can get checked.

Which Berries Are Safe For Dogs To Eat?

In addition to blueberries, there are various other types of berries that your dog can eat.³ Some berries that are safe for dogs to eat include:

Blackberries

Blackberries are low in calories and sugar, so they’re a great treat to feed your pup every once in a while. You can feed your dog blackberries by themselves as a treat or you can mix them into their dog food. The amount of blackberries you should give your dog depends on their size. A small dog should eat no more than 2-3 blackberries a day, but a bigger dog can eat a handful.

Strawberries

Strawberries are a great treat for your pup because they’re delicious and packed with vitamin C and fiber. Strawberries also contain a certain enzyme that can help to whiten your dog’s teeth as they eat them. However, strawberries are pretty high in sugar, so make sure to feed them in moderation. One strawberry a day should suffice for small dogs and bigger dogs can eat up to 5.

Raspberries 

Raspberries are another great fruit to feed your pup because they’re full of vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Raspberries can also help to boost your dog’s immune system so they can be as healthy as possible. Just like any other fruit, raspberries should be given to your dog in moderation, so don’t give them more than just a couple a day.

Which Berries Are NOT Safe For Dogs To Eat?

So now that we’ve covered what berries are safe for dogs to eat, let’s discuss what dogs can’t eat. There are various berries that can be toxic for a dog to eat, such as:

• Marionberries 
• Gooseberries 
• Salmonberries 
• Serviceberries 
• Juniper Berries 
• Holly Berries 
• Nightshade Berries 
• Dogwood Berries 
• Poke Berries 
• Mistletoe Berries 
• Baneberries 

What To Do If Your Dog Eats A Toxic Berry

If you happen to catch your dog chowing down on a bowl full of toxic berries, the first thing you should do is call animal poison control at (888) 426-4435.⁴ You should then consult with an emergency vet who can examine your dog to make sure they’re okay and provide any necessary treatment.

Can Dogs eat Blueberries: Frequently Asked Questions

How many blueberries can I give my dog?

The amount of blueberries that you should give your dog ultimately depends on their breed and size. For small dogs, 10 blueberries a day should be plenty, but a larger dog can eat more. But regardless of the size of your dog, you should only feed your dog blueberries in moderation because they are high in sugar. 

Remember, treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet, so keep that in mind when feeding your dog blueberries. You can also discuss with your vet the number of blueberries that are safe to give your dog.

Do blueberries give dogs diarrhea?

Some dogs might be sensitive or have a food allergy to blueberries or other foods, which can give them diarrhea. So before giving your dog any human food, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet about it first so you can discuss what you should and shouldn’t feed your dog.

What fruit can dogs not eat?

There are several fruits that dogs should not eat because they can be toxic, such as cherries, grapes, raisins, currants, and wild berries.

Final Notes

It’s no secret that dogs love to eat human food, but that doesn’t mean that all human food is safe for dogs to eat. In fact, there’s a lot of food that can be toxic for dogs to eat and can even cause serious health problems. So before you cave and give your dog your dinner scraps, you need to make sure that what you’re feeding your pup is actually safe for them to eat. 

If your dog does eat something they shouldn’t, don’t panic. It happens! If you find your dog eating something they shouldn’t be, call your vet. They will have the best idea of what to do and if any treatment is necessary. And if you need help getting in contact with a vet, you can use Dutch.com.