Sweet blueberries may seem like an ideal treat for your dog or puppy but are they safe?
03 May 2021
Not every canine owner is aware that dogs are omnivores. This means they can digest fruit and vegetables as well as meat, just like humans. However, some types of fruit and veg are not suitable to feed to dogs as it will upset their digestive system. Some varieties can be toxic and avoided at all costs. It is always worth checking what is safe before you hand a fruity treat to your dog.
So, with that in mind, can dogs eat blueberries? The answer is yes! Blueberries are a perfectly safe fruit for dogs to eat. This applies to puppies as well!
Health benefits for dogs eating blueberries
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin K, making them a very healthy treat. Antioxidants are mainly known for fighting free radicals, which are chemicals causing cellular and molecular damage in dogs and humans. Diets rich in antioxidants can help reduce brain ageing, so they are extra beneficial to older dogs.
Vitamin C helps to support a healthy immune system. Vitamin K is needed for blood clotting and also works alongside calcium to keep bones healthy and strong.
Another bonus of blueberries is their low calories count. Great for dogs that are watching their waistlines!
How many blueberries can my dog eat?
Whilst blueberries are a healthy and delicious treat for dogs, they should not be fed in excess. They contain a lot of fibre which can cause gastrointestinal problems and diarrhoea in large amounts. Blueberries also contain natural sugars, which can cause cavities in dogs.
Keep to the veterinary advice of feeding only 10% of your dog’s food as treats. 90% of their nutrition should come from a quality, nutritious complete dog food. Slipping the odd blueberry or two to your dog is perfectly safe but don’t hand them a whole punnet!
It’s worth pointing out that although blueberries are fine for dogs, don’t be tempted to feed them blueberry flavoured foods such as sweets and cakes. These are full of fat and sugar and various additives and preservatives that are not good for dogs at all.
What about feeding blueberries to puppies?
Sweet blueberries make an excellent treat for puppies and you will probably find they love them! While blueberries are pretty tiny, be careful when feeding them whole if you have a small puppy. They can be a choking hazard. As an alternative, feed them squished up!
Some people suggest feeding frozen blueberries on a hot day, but this is not recommended. They become very hard, making them even more of a choking danger.
With an Agria Pet Insurance policy, you can access the free Pet Health Helpline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The veterinary-trained team will advise on any concerns or queries that you may have over your pet’s health – much like the NHS 111 service for people. Call free on 03333 32 19 47.