Blueberries are safe for dogs to eat. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, vitamin K1, manganese, and zinc. If you are looking for healthy dog treats, blueberries are one of the most nutritious fruits your dog can snack on.
Before you feed blueberries to your dog, there are a few things you should know.
Can dogs have blueberries?
Yes, blueberries are a great alternative to regular dog treats. Blueberries are low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals. This includes Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, manganese, phytochemicals, and antioxidants.
Studies show that because of these nutrients, blueberries come with several health benefits, such as:
- Fights off free radicals
- Keeps cancer at bay
- Helps strengthen the immune system
- Aids in improving overall health
- Reduces inflammation
- Reduces the effects of brain aging
- Enhances cognitive functions
- Supports cardiovascular health
Are blueberries safe to eat for dogs?
Blueberries are not toxic to dogs; however, due to the blueberries’ small size, the fruit is a choking hazard, especially frozen ones. Small dogs are at a higher risk of choking as they have a narrower esophagus.
To avoid accidents, be sure to thaw frozen blueberries before giving them to your dog.
Some dogs are also prone to food allergies that blueberries may trigger. If it’s your furry friend’s first time eating this fruit, only give him small quantities. Then, keep a close eye on him and check for any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as:
- Itchiness
- Swelling
- Reddish and irritated skin
- Hives
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Take your dog to the vet if he exhibits these symptoms to be properly diagnosed and treated. Once it’s confirmed that blueberries are the cause of the allergic reaction, exclude them from your dog’s diet.
How often can dogs eat blueberries?
Feed your dog blueberries occasionally. It should never become a daily supplement. Excessive consumption of the fruit can lead a dog to suffer from an upset stomach and diarrhea. This is caused by the fruit’s high amounts of fiber, sugar content, and vitamins.
How many blueberries can I give my dog?
The maximum number of blueberries you can give to a dog is 10-12, depending on his size. For a small dog, ten blueberries will be plenty. Larger dogs can have a dozen blueberries. Avoid overfeeding. Eating blueberries excessively can negatively affect his gastrointestinal tract.
Aside from stomach upset and diarrhea, blueberries can cause tooth decay because of their high sugar content.
Can diabetic dogs eat blueberries?
Feeding blueberries to diabetic dogs is okay since they are relatively lower in sugar than other fruits. The powerful antioxidants of blueberries are also believed to help improve insulin activity. Still, it is advised to consult the vet before adding any new ingredient to a diabetic dog’s diet.
Can puppies eat blueberries?
Yes, puppies can eat blueberries but keep in mind that puppies have a more sensitive digestive system than full-grown dogs. Feeding them too many blueberries can result in gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea. There is also the risk of allergies.
Check with the vet if it’s safe to give your puppy some blueberries. If it’s your puppy’s first time eating the fruit, only give him 2 or 3. Any signs of allergy or stomach upset mean that blueberries are unsuitable for your puppy.
Can dogs eat canned or jarred blueberries?
No, avoid giving your dog canned or jarred blueberries. Other blueberry-flavored food such as muffins, juices, and cookies should be prohibited as well. They are high in sugar and contain ingredients that can upset his stomach.
How to safely prepare blueberries for your dog?
- Pick organically grown fresh blueberries with low exposure to chemicals such as pesticides.
- Wash the blueberries thoroughly. Do this to remove any harmful chemical residue or bacteria on its skin.
- Add the blueberries to the dog food or serve them fresh as a tasty treat. Freezing blueberries is also a wonderful snack for your pooch during hot summer days. Always keep in mind that it should only be an occasional treat.
Homemade Blueberry Dog Treats
Do you want to get creative and transform plain blueberries into delicious dog treats? Here is one blueberry recipe that your dog will enjoy.
Blueberry Oat Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup dried blueberries
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 to 4 tbsp water
Procedures:
- Preheat the oven to 350 F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a food processor, pulse the oats for 15 to 30 seconds until it turns into fine flour.
- Transfer the ground oats to a medium mixing bowl. Add the eggs and applesauce to the oats.
- Whisk until all the ingredients are properly incorporated and moist.
- Add a tablespoon of water if the dough is too dry. Do this one tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together.
- Form balls of dough using a small or medium cookie scoop. Place them on the cookie sheet.
- Flatten them into discs using the flat side of a spatula sprayed with non-stick spray.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Take them out of the oven and allow them to cool before serving.
- Place leftovers inside a Ziploc bag or airtight container and store them in the fridge.
