Most berries are safe for canines but can dogs eat blackberries? This is a common concern of many paw-rents. You would be glad to know that dogs can safely eat blackberries.
As we have become more conscious of our own diet, it is no surprise that more and more dog owners are also thinking about their dog’s diets. Adding fruits to your pup’s diet is a great way to do that.
Several foods safe for human consumption can be dangerous and toxic for dogs. So, looking up a particular food item before serving it to your dog is always a smart idea.
Blackberries are one of the most nutrient-rich foods out there. Berries are nature’s candy. Not only are they delicious to eat, but they are also packed with several vitamins and minerals that make them a healthy snack. But can you share blackberries with your furry friend?
Continue reading to find out more about whether can dogs eat blackberries.
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?
Yes, dogs can eat blackberries. This sweet, tart fruit is a healthy snack or treat option for your pet dog.
Blackberries are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that benefit your dog. Plus, blackberries are low in carbs and high in water content. However, blackberries also contain sugar, so you need to monitor when and how much you feed your dogs.
Now that we are past the primary concern let’s discuss the nitty-gritty of dogs eating blackberries.
They Can But Should They: Are Blackberries Ok For Dogs?
So far, we have already established the fact that blackberries are safe for dogs. In fact, they provide many nutrients that improve your dog’s overall health.
Therefore, it is 100% okay for your pup to eat blackberries. Blackberries don’t contain any toxic compounds that can harm dogs.
That said, you must be mindful of how much blackberries you feed your dog. Overeating blackberries can cause a number of problems in dogs. So, you need to ensure that you only feed a handful of these berries to your dog no more than once or twice a week.
Safety Comes First: Can Dogs Eat Blackberries Safely?
Compared to humans, dogs have a sensitive digestive system. They cannot efficiently digest different foods as humans do.
Everyday human foods are too fatty and rich. They contain ingredients like sodium that dogs can’t efficiently digest. Therefore, if your dog eats human food, it may suffer from poor digestion and side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis.
So, can dogs safely eat blackberries? Yes, they can. Blackberries are low carb and low fat and have high fiber and water content. Dogs can digest blackberries easily, making blackberries a safe treat for dogs.
Benefits Of Blackberries For Dogs: Are Blackberries Good For Dogs?
Yes, blackberries are a healthy and good addition to your dog’s diet. Here are a few reasons why blackberries are super beneficial for your furry friend:
Anti-inflammatory:
Blackberries contain a lot of antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, that fight free radicals in the body. This leads to a number of health benefits. Antioxidants lower the risk of severe issues like heart disease, inflammation, cancer, cognitive decline, etc.
Low Fat:
Blackberries make a low-calorie treat for dogs. The low sugar content and carbs allow your dog to munch on these berries without gaining weight. So, compared to other sweet fruits like mangoes, blackberries are a much better option.
Improves Digestion:
Blackberries have fiber which improves digestion in dogs. Blackberries also improve gastrointestinal problems like constipation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Nutrient Rich:
A dog’s diet is primarily meat-based with high protein content. Incorporating nutritious treats like fruits is a great way to add different vitamins and minerals that your dog does not get from kibble.
So, feeding blackberries to dogs is an excellent source of vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. All these vitamins boost immunity, metabolism, growth, energy levels, and enzyme synthesis.
Quantity Matters: How Many Blackberries Can I Give My Dog?
As stated earlier, you should give blackberries to your dog in moderation. Even though it is healthy food for dogs, it should not exceed 10% of the dog’s daily diet. The other 90% should come from dog food like kibble and meat.
A well-balanced diet ensures that your dog has a balanced diet with all the essential nutrients without overconsuming carbs, fats, and sugars.
But dogs vary in size. How do you decide which dog should eat what number of blackberries? A handful of blackberries will be good enough if you have a large dog. On the contrary, 1 to 2 blackberries are more than sufficient for a small-sized dog.
Follow these general guidelines for feeding blackberries to your dog:
- Extra-small dogs (2-20 lbs.): 1 to 2 blackberries
- Small dogs (21-30 lbs.): 2 to 3 blackberries
- Medium dogs (31-50 lbs.): 3 to 5 blackberries
- Large dogs (51-90 lbs.): 5 to 6 blackberries
- Extra-large dogs (91+ lbs.): Small handful of blackberries
Snack Or Meal: How To Feed Blackberries To Dogs?
You can feed blackberries and some other fruits to your dog but in a certain way. You have to be careful about the quantity and the frequency. Here is how you can incorporate blackberries into your dog’s diet:
- As a daily snack
- As a low-calorie food topper
- Given as an occasional treat
- As a training treat (if your dog is fond of blackberries)
Blackberry Treats For Dogs
Apart from giving blackberry fruit to your dog, there are many other ways to feed your dog blackberries. Let’s take a look at some yummy blackberry treats for hungry pups:
Frozen blackberries:
Frozen blackberries are a yummy treat for dogs in the hot summer months.
Fresh raw blackberries:
The benefits of fresh fruits surpass that of processed ones. If you can, give your dog a handful of fresh blackberries to enjoy as a sweet snack.
Combine with other fruits: You can also pair blackberries with other berries to add different textures and flavors to your dog’s diet. Here are some combinations to try:
Blackberries and blueberries
Blackberries and raspberries
Blackberries and strawberries
Blackberry yogurt:
Yogurt is super healthy for dogs as it is high in protein, calcium, and probiotics. It improves the dog’s digestion and overall health. So, you can give your dog some blackberry yogurt. Just make sure it does not contain any sweeteners and harmful food additives.
Wild blackberries:
Wild berries are also safe for dogs to eat. So, you can give loganberries and other blackberry hybrids to your dog. Fortunately, blackberries are not toxic to dogs, whether wild or natural.
Risks of Feeding Blackberries to Dog: Are Blackberries Dangerous For Dogs?
Are blackberries bad for dogs? No, but there are a few risks involved when it comes to feeding blackberries to dogs.
Overeating:
If your dog somehow eats a large quantity of blueberries at one time, it may experience diarrhea, vomiting, and other signs of an upset stomach.
Allergic Reaction:
Blackberry allergy is very rare in dogs. However, if your dog shows signs of an allergic reaction after eating blackberries, you should consult the vet.
Gastrointestinal Issues:
Some dog breeds are too sensitive. They cannot easily digest different foods, especially fruits and vegetables. The high fiber content may result in diarrhea, stomach ache, gas, and other gastrointestinal issues.
Choking Hazard:
Don’t feed whole blackberries to puppies and small dogs, as they can be a choking hazard for them. Either cut them into smaller pieces or give them the smaller-sized berries.
Weight Gain:
Ensure you don’t feed your dog processed blueberries containing artificial sweeteners. Buy fresh blackberries from the grocery store or the farmer’s market. Fresh blackberries are low in sugars and won’t cause weight gain in your dog.
Can Blackberries Kill Dogs?
Blackberries contain trace amounts of Xylitol, natural sugar alcohol. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs. A small amount of xylitol results in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver failure, seizures, or any other serious issues. On the other hand, a high dose of Xylitol is life-threatening for dogs and can be fatal.
Since Xylitol is only available in a trace amount in blackberries, it is not harmful to dogs. However, it is better to be safe than sorry. It would be best if you watched how much blackberries your dog eats. Never give them more than a handful.
If your dog does end up eating a large number of blackberries, watch out for these symptoms of xylitol poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Excessive diarrhea
- Collapse
- Blood in stool or vomit
In case of any of the above-mentioned symptoms, take your dog to a vet ASAP.
Summing Up | Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries? Every dog parent is easily manipulated by their dogs. We give in to those puppy dog eyes and give them what they want. However, you can’t always be lenient with your pets, especially if they wish to have snacks.
Sometimes your dog may ask for foods that are harmful to them. So, if your dog has been asking for some blueberries lately, you must ask yourself: can dogs eat blackberries? Are blueberries safe for dogs?
Yes, they can. This article thoroughly discussed how much and how often your dog should have blackberries. We also mentioned some yummy blackberry treats for pups.
Just make sure your dog does not overload on blackberries. Give your doggy a moderate amount (around 10% of your daily diet).
If your dog shows any allergic reaction or poisoning signs, contact the vet as soon as possible. Do not wait for the symptoms to improve on their own.
