Can dogs eat blueberries? Yes, they can, but as with any other fruit, it is important to feed your dog blueberries in moderation.
In the United States, blueberries are famous fruits. Without them, what summer fruit salad would be complete? Not only are blueberries delicious, but they are also the perfect superfood, packed with numerous health advantages for both humans and dogs.
Consider the several reasons why blueberries are an excellent alternative for enhancing your dog’s health.
What are the health advantages of giving blueberries to my dog?
Blueberries are packed with vitamins and minerals and have the greatest antioxidant content of any fruit. That may seem ridiculous for such a small berry, but there is more!
Besides that, they contain anthocyanins and phytochemicals and are high in fiber. All of these ingredients work in unison to provide a nutritious punch for dogs of all ages.
Let us explore why…
Vitamins: The little blueberry is high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A. They work diligently to strengthen your dog’s immune system, decrease inflammation, and promote appropriate function and quality of the skin, muscles, nerves, coat, as well as build bone density.
Minerals: Magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus promote bone formation and aid the body’s absorption of vitamins and minerals.
Phytochemicals: A term that refers to a chemical substance found in plants. They’re associated with a slew of health advantages for humans and canines alike. Phytochemicals have been demonstrated in studies to be anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory in chronic disorders.
Antioxidants: 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.
Fascinating research was conducted on antioxidants and cellular damage in sled dogs during rigorous exercise. The study discovered that supplementing dogs’ meals with blueberries shortened their recovery time following strenuous activity. This may be a huge benefit for active dogs, since it may boost their mobility as they age.
Antioxidants also 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.
Blueberries have several health advantages for dogs, which is why many dog food producers incorporate them into their formulations.
How many blueberries is permissible for my dog to consume?
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 viewed 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 offering them.
Due to the tiny size of blueberries, it is feasible for a large dog to consume an excessive amount. They frequently eat without chewing and hence, can consume the entire bowl before you notice they’ve gulped down. This might result in stomach pain or create a choking hazard. If berries are gulped down or provided frozen, little dogs might easily choke on them.
Numerous dog owners cultivate blueberry plants in their yards. Dogs may overeat on the delicious berries, so it’s a good idea to keep them aside from your dog. While the shrub itself is not poisonous to your dog, any pesticides, or herbicides on it may make him sick.
Certain dogs (about 10%) may develop intolerances or even allergies to novel meals. Keep an eye out for signs of stomach distress, persistent gas, itching, ear irritation, or rashes in your dog. If any of these symptoms occur, discontinue administering the berries and see your veterinarian.
When are blueberries not appropriate for dogs?
Blueberries are high in fiber and consuming an excessive amount might result in stomach aches and diarrhea. This is especially 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 frequently include preservatives, additives, or other dangerous items to dogs.
Furthermore, items containing blueberries may have added sugar and other potentially toxic additives. Always read labels and consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog human food.
Because these fruits are tiny and soft, they provide no choking risk; nevertheless, when frozen, they turn rigid and may cause choking in smaller dogs. While this is improbable, the risk can be minimized by simply defrosting blueberries before feeding them to tiny dogs.
Is it okay for my dog to eat blueberry muffins?
Muffins intended for human consumption are not a suitable choice for your dog’s diet. They may contain substances that cause food intolerances and stomach distress.
For the same reason, you should avoid giving your dog professionally produced blueberry yogurt, blueberry pancakes, blueberry pies, or anything flavored with fake blueberries.
How can I feed my dog blueberries?
There are several ways to spice up blueberries for your dog. To begin, carefully clean them to remove any filth or debris, taking care to remove those bothersome stems as well. Following that, blend them into a puree or just sprinkle them on top of your dog’s regular meal. Another amusing possibility? Combine blueberries with peanut butter for a double tantalizing feast.
Due to the tiny size of blueberries, you’ll want to keep a watch on your dog while they consume them to avoid any risks such as choking. You may feel certain, though, that you’re offering them a healthful alternative treat. Consult your veterinarian whenever you have questions regarding your pet’s nutrition or food.
So, can dogs eat blueberries? Yes, your dog can eat blueberries, but make sure that you are feeding blueberries to your pooch in moderation. In fact, blueberries are healthy, and they have great health benefits for your dog.
Sources: AKC, Pumpkin Care