Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

Snack-sized, full of flavour, and a true sign that summer has begun, blueberries are absolutely a contender for all-time best berry (don’t let the strawberries steal your thunder, little guys!) But as much as we humans adore this bite-sized berry, can dogs eat blueberries, too?  

The short answer is yes! Dogs can eat blueberries fresh, frozen, dried, or however you like to snack on these delicious fruits. But, as is always the case when adding an ingredient to your pup’s existing diet of healthy dog food, moderation is key! 

In this article, we’ll cover the health benefits of blueberries, tips for healthy snacking, and a few ideas on how to serve this winning berry to your dog.

Health benefits of blueberries

Blueberries may be small, but they pack a mighty health punch! 

For one thing, blueberries are a source of antioxidants, which are known to protect the body from a variety of ailments from heart disease to cancer by preventing cell damage. Blueberries also contain Vitamins C and K, both of which promote a strong immune system and recovery. 

The minerals found in blueberries, including calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, and more, contribute to healthy bones and teeth. They also play key roles in cognitive functioning and a healthy circulatory system.

If this all seems too good to be true, wait until we tell you that blueberries are a lower calorie snack than most other fruits! They’ve also got a good amount of fibre to encourage a healthy digestive system for your pup.

Can dogs eat blueberries to their heart’s content? 

Before your pup goes filling up on blueberries like Violet in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, remember that they should always be served as a treat. Although they are packed with antioxidants and all those amazing vitamins and minerals, they do also have a fair amount of sugar. 

And, just like we humans might experience stomach cramps after eating too many blueberries, your dog might also regret going overboard with these easy-to-eat fruits. Gobbling down too many blueberries at a time can lead to stomach pain and diarrhoea, probably as a result of too much fibre or natural sugars.

How many blueberries can your dog eat?

Exactly how many blueberries can your dog eat comfortably, without throwing off the balance of their regular diet? The answer comes down to size, age and lifestyle.

A young, highly active big dog with a strong tolerance to new foods and fibre can probably eat a generous handful of blueberries per day. A small, elderly lap dog would appreciate a much smaller serving, probably no more than five or six berries in a day.

Consider your dog’s history with food sensitivity. And think about whether their daily exercise is enough to counter the added sugar in their diet. 

How can dogs eat blueberries as a part of a healthy diet?

If you’re looking to include more of this dog superfood into their diet, here are a few ways to do it safely:

• Portion your blueberries out ahead of time. To keep from going overboard with the blueberries (or make sure that everyone in the family isn’t feeding their own portion of blueberries), separate the day’s serving size ahead of time. Make sure everyone in your household is pulling from the same container to avoid confusion

• Make sure they’re washed. Washing your blueberries will lower the risk of your dog ingesting pesticides or other harmful substances

• Use blueberries during training sessions. If your dog enjoys blueberries, use it to your advantage! Training sessions are so much more exciting for dogs when they get to work for a variety of different treats, so keep some blueberries on hand for your next lesson

• Hide them in a puzzle toy. Blueberries are an obvious choice for interactive toys, because their texture and smell encourage foraging. Throw in a couple of blueberries for some mental enrichment for your dog

• Remember that berries stain! True, blueberries are an excellent addition to puzzle toys, but be mindful that you’re not leaving your dog with a berry-filled KONG toy on your white carpets. Some dogs will spit out and pick up a blueberry a few times before they actually eat it, so make sure they enjoy this treat in a stain-friendly environment.

• If your doggo doesn’t like blueberries, that’s okay too. As much as we’ve talked about the health benefits of blueberries, one important thing to note is that your dog should be getting everything they need from their main diet. In fact, if you want your furry friend to get the best that nature has to offer, you might consider transitioning them to a raw dog food diet. With all of their nutrition needs met, that means that blueberries, along with any other dog-friendly veggies you might toss your pup throughout the day, are a plus, not a need! And if your pupper tries a blueberry and they don’t like it, that’s perfectly fine

Can dogs eat blueberries? Final thoughts

It’s clear that blueberries are a brilliant treat to share with your dog. Serve them fresh, frozen, in a delicious dog-friendly smoothie, or as part of your training routine. If your dog likes blueberries, the possibilities are endless!

Of course, while the answer to the question, “Can dogs eat blueberries,” is yes, remember that moderation is always recommended. Stick with less than a handful a day and your pup is set to enjoy this tasty summer fruit!

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