Blueberries are loved by everyone and your furry member will not lag from munching this fruit. It is a delicious fruit packed with vital vitamins and minerals.
Should dogs eat blueberries?
Blueberries are a great low-calorie treat for your dog. They are tasty and full of nutrients that can give dogs a big health boost. Compared to other berries, blueberries are relatively low in sugar. So, they may even be appropriate for dogs with diabetes. Blueberries are small and soft, so they don’t present choking hazard.
Although blueberries are safe for dogs, avoid feeding them blueberry flavored foods and desserts. You should always ask your vet before sharing human foods with your dog, and blueberries are no exception.
Are blueberries okay for dogs?
Blueberries are safe to feed to your dogs in small quantities. When fed in moderation, they are generally safe and may even have some health benefits for your furry companion. However, a large number of blueberries can lead to an upset stomach in dogs.
- Blueberry desserts and juices with large amounts of sugar, alcohol, or other ingredients are not safe for dogs.
- Dried blueberries sometimes come mixed with raisins. You should be careful as raisins are very toxic to dogs.
- Blueberry sauce is high in sugar and many recipes include grapes, raisins, or alcohol. Such recipes are problematic for dogs but plain blueberry sauce fed in small quantities is safe for your dog.
The benefits of blueberries for dogs
Blueberries are incredibly healthy and nutritious fruit. They're low in calories but high in nutrients. They contain some important vitamins and minerals that are great for your furry friends.
Let's have a look at some of the benefits of blueberries for dogs:
- They are about 85% water. So, an entire cup of blueberries contains only 84 calories, with 15 grams of carbohydrates.
- Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that protect your dog's body from free radicals.
- Blueberries are packed with vitamin C and K. Vitamin C is necessary for supporting a healthy immune system while vitamin K works alongside calcium to keep your dog's bones strong and healthy.
- Blueberries are a great source of fiber and help keep your dog fuller for longer. They serve as good food when trying to help your dog manage their weight.
- Blueberries contain phytochemicals, a chemical compound in plants that have been found to help fight cancer. So, blueberries could help your dog keep cancer at bay.
Potential health concerns when feeding dogs blueberries?
While blueberries are a great food for dogs, there are a few things you should keep in mind when feeding blueberries to your dog.
- A huge amount of blueberries can give dietary upsets in dogs. It can cause issues like vomiting, nausea, hyperactivity or diarrhea, and intestinal upset.
- Avoid feeding blueberry products that contain additives and sugar. They can actually make your dog sick.
- Remember to control the amount of blueberries in your dog's diet. Blueberries may be healthy, but they also contain sugar, so feed in moderation.
- Blueberries that are not organically grown (most are not) are loaded with chemical residues from pesticide sprays and others used in the process of growing them. They are harmful to your dog.
Pet Parent Tip: Stop feeding your dog blueberries immediately if you notice any allergic reaction or signs of stomach upsets. If you notice any allergy symptoms like itching, swelling, or hives, contact a vet for diagnosis.
If you want to introduce blueberries to your dog's diet, it's a good idea to start slowly to see how your dog's stomach reacts. You can add blueberries with other ingredients to your dog's regular diet.
Safe ways to feed blueberries to your dog
Wash the blueberries to remove any pesticides or fertilizer. Remove the stems and leaves to avoid choking hazard. Most of the time, blueberries are given to dogs raw. You can also mash blueberries and add them to their dogs’ food for a tasty health boost. They can also make an excellent reward during dog training sessions.
When feeding blueberries, moderation is key. Remember the 10% rule: blueberries should not exceed 10 percent of your dog's daily calories.
It's better to avoid any processed blueberries like blueberry jams, blueberry yogurt, or blueberry ice creams. These products can contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can be deadly to your dog if ingested.
Conclusion
Always feed your dog a diet that meets their nutritional needs. Safe Guard Probiotics for dogs may help create a thriving environment for a healthy gut and strong immune system.
If you have any questions about blueberries, please do let us know. We would be glad to hear from you.