Blueberries are chock-full of nutritional value for both humans and dogs alike. So, can dogs eat blueberries? Yes, they absolutely can. To learn more about dogs and blueberries, keep reading.
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Can Dogs Have Blueberries?
Are blueberries safe for dogs to eat? The short answer is yes. Dogs can have blueberries, a safe fruit for your pup to consume.
As with all fruits and vegetables, you’ll want to provide blueberries to your furry friend in small quantities and moderation.
Let’s take a quick look at the nutritional facts of blueberries to see how healthy they are.
Blueberry Nutritional Facts
According to Healthline, this blue fruit is often considered a “superfood.” This yummy fruit is filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The best part is that blueberries regulate blood sugar levels and support heart and brain health.
The following chart shows the general nutrition facts of a 3.5-ounce cup of raw blueberries.
| Blueberry Nutrition Facts | Amount in Grams |
|---|---|
| Calories | 57 |
| Carbs | 14.5 grams |
| Fat | 0.3 grams |
| Fiber | 2.4 grams |
| Protein | 0.7 grams |
| Sugar | 10 grams |
| Water | 84% |
As you can see, there’s a lot to love about blueberries.
This fruit also contains the following:
- Calcium
- Copper
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K1
What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Dogs Blueberries?
Now that we know all the goodies packed into these tiny berries, what benefits of feeding blueberries to dogs?
There are many benefits, such as the following:
- Supports brain health, heart health, and immune system
- High in antioxidants
- Low in calories
- Low in fat
- High water content for hydration
What Are The Disadvantages Of Feeding Dogs Blueberries?
Fortunately, there are a few disadvantages to feeding your doggo blueberries. However, in some cases, blueberries can be unsafe for dogs.
For example, if your canine companion has diabetes, a prescription diet, or food sensitivities, then blueberries may not be a healthy treat to provide them.
Blueberries are relatively high in sugar content, so a dog with diabetes certainly won’t benefit from having a few of these berries.
On the other hand, blueberries are relatively small. While dog breeds of all sizes can consume this fruit, these berries pose a choking hazard.
As always, you’ll want to monitor your pup while eating blueberries.
How Many Blueberries Can Dogs Eat?
You’ll want to provide blueberries in moderation, as with all human foods. When you do feed your dog blueberries, it should be in small amounts.
For example, extra small dogs (up to 20 pounds) should only have about one to two blueberries. Small dogs (21 to 30 pounds) can have two to three blueberries.
Medium dogs (31 to 50 pounds) can have three to five blueberries. Large dogs (51 to 90 pounds) can get away with having about five to six blueberries. Finally, giant dog breeds (above 91 pounds) can have six to ten blueberries or a small handful.
As with all dogs, their diet should follow the 90/10 rule. This rule means that 90% of their diet should be their commercial dog food. The other 10% should be dog treats and other food, such as blueberries.
Even though blueberries are rich in nutrients, they should still be treated as a snack for dogs.
What Happens If My Dog Eats Too Many Blueberries?
Your dog may show signs of illness if they consume too many blueberries. Some symptoms to watch out for may include the following:
- Acting depressed
- Decreased appetite (or loss of appetite)
- Excessive gulping or licking their lips, air, or objects
- Fatigue
- Looking uncomfortable
To be on the safe side, call your veterinarian right away if you notice these signs.
On the other hand, before feeding your pup blueberries, discuss it with your vet first.
How To Feed Your Dog Blueberries
Dogs can eat blueberries in various ways. For instance, you can provide fresh (or raw), frozen, mashed, dried, or pureed berries.
They can be used as an occasional snack or training treat. Alternatively, you can puree them and use them as a food topper for their dinner.
When frozen, blueberries can be a tasty snack to cool off in the summer. You can freeze pureed blueberries in a mold to create a yummy pupsicle.
Blueberry-Flavored Dog Treats
Finally, you can provide blueberry-flavored dog treats for your pup if you don’t have fresh blueberries on hand.
For example, these yummy pumpkin and blueberry treats are low in calories. These other blueberry crunchy treats are packed with flavor.
Dog-Friendly Recipes That Include Blueberries
On the other hand, you can make homemade dog treats with blueberries as an ingredient. This way, you’ll know what you’re putting into your pup’s body.
Try the following recipes below:
- 4-Ingredient Blueberry Dog Treats
- Crunchy Dog Treats With Blueberry, Oats, and Peanut Butter
- Easy Blueberry Dog Treats
Question Corner: FAQs About Dogs Eating Blueberries
Have you tried giving your pup blueberries yet? To learn more about dogs eating blueberries, read through the frequently asked questions answered below.
How Many Blueberries Can You Give Your Dog A Day?
Depending on your pup’s breed size, you can provide as little as one to two blueberries daily. Alternatively, if you have a bigger dog, you can give them up to ten blueberries. However, they should only have blueberries once every one to two weeks.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Muffins?
Unfortunately, no. Muffins contain too many other ingredients that are not safe for dogs to eat. You’re better off feeding your doggo fresh blueberries.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Pancakes Or Waffles?
Similar to blueberry muffins, the answer is no. Too many other unsafe ingredients are in pancake or waffle mix. If your dog snags a bite of your pancake in the morning, they should be okay. But it shouldn’t be fed to them.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Yogurt?
No, blueberry yogurt often has added sugar and xylitol. Both are unhealthy and unsafe for your doggo to eat in high quantities.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Jam?
Dogs should stay away from blueberry jam. Similar to other blueberry-flavored items, jam contains a lot of sugar. Also, some may have added preservatives.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Pie?
As with muffins, pancakes, and waffles, blueberry pie is unsafe for your doggo to eat. Too many other ingredients in the pie recipe aren’t healthy for your furry friend.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Blueberries?
Yes, but you should dry the fruit yourself at home with a dehydrator. Store-bought dried fruit often has added sugar and preservatives.
Can Blueberries Cause Diarrhea In Dogs?
If you notice a soft stool in your dog, then yes. They may have eaten too many blueberries since this fruit is high in fiber. This won’t harm your dog, but you should stop giving them blueberries for a week or two to regulate their digestive system again.
What Age Can Dogs Have Blueberries?
Blueberries are safe for dogs of all ages. However, puppies have different nutritional needs as they grow and develop. So, it’s best to stick to puppy food for them. When your doggo is about a year old, you can talk to your vet about feeding them blueberries.
Should You Give Your Dog Blueberries?
Whether you add the occasional blueberry to your dog’s diet or not is entirely up to you (and your vet). However, this superfood will be a lovely addition to their dinner once in a while.
Rachel Poli is a content writer and author, but her real job is being a stay-at-home pet mom. Her zoo currently consists of a dog, a cat, two turtles, and two fish tanks. She’s also an avid pet sitter for a few local families, caring for various animals.
After realizing how little information there is for pet sitters on the internet, Rachel decided to start her own animal website. She strives to educate pet parents and pet sitters about the overall care of our furry friends.