Despite their penchant for ruining your favorite shirt and dying your tongue purple, blueberries are some of the sweetest little fruits out there. It’s hard not to like something that’s so naturally delicious in a bite-size package.
When you have a dog you love, it’s difficult not to share your favorite things with them. If blueberries happen to be one of your favorite things, you’ll be pleased to know that you can safely share them with your pup.
Are Blueberries Safe for Dogs?
Yes, blueberries are quite safe for dogs to eat! Blueberries contain a wealth of potent antioxidants that play an important part in reducing the risks of deadly diseases in dogs, like cancer.
They also help prevent heart disease in both humans and animals. High quality dog foods are even recognizing the importance of natural antioxidants in their recipes, so they’re opting to use powerful fillers like blueberries instead of corn!
The biggest challenge is whether or not your dog will actually like blueberries. Like humans, many dogs gravitate towards foods that aren’t that good for them, and who can blame them? But in terms of a dog’s natural diet, they aren’t made to desire or be satisfied by things that are sweet.
If you drop a blueberry on the floor or try to give them one, don’t be surprised if they give it a hesitant taste and then walk away from it in disgust. Despite the berry’s sweetness, they do have a slightly bitter taste that’s unpleasant to a lot of dogs.
Don’t Overfeed Blueberries to Your Dog!
Berries are naturally high in fiber. That’s a good thing when a dog is eating blueberries in moderation. Too many blueberries, though, and it’s a different ballgame.
If you give your dog a large amount or they somehow get into your blueberry stash, all of that fiber is going to kickstart their digestive system, and it isn’t going to be pretty.
Dogs intestines tend to quickly shuttle out the excess as loose stools or diarrhea when overloaded. If you want to avoid those late night bathroom trips, limit their blueberry intake to a few berries a day.
Safely Feeding Blueberries to Your Dog
If you’re feeding your dog any kind of food, it’s best to keep it as close to its natural state as possible. Raw is the most ideal form in regards to berries. Frozen blueberries can cause tummy troubles, so many vets recommend against frozen berries.
Any kind of packaged or artificially sweetened blueberries should be avoided at all costs. Large amounts of sugar can cause digestive upset, weight gain, and even diabetes in dogs. The dogs may appreciate the extra flavor in sweetened blueberries, but their bodies will rebel eventually.
Your canine’s main diet should be rooted firmly in a high-quality dog food. Anything else you give them should be a small addition to their daily nutrition.
If you want to share blueberries with your dog, simply give them as a small amount every once in a while. Even if fruit is good for you, remember that your dog’s nutritional needs aren’t the same as yours!
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries
Is your dog sticking its nose in the fruit bowl again? Dogs are lovely creatures, but they are also quite naughty. Dogs love to play with their hoomans, and one thing that boosts their playfulness is food.
Food, the one thing dogs are crazy about. Food can make a dog go from your playful pup to a hell’s hound. Just kidding, except dogs are a lively bunch regarding food.
When a dog sees food, it pounces and slams its face onto the plate. Your dog can’t tell whether the food is harmful to it or not; for a dog, food is food. Most dog parents chalk off this behavior as a dog being a dog, but they don’t realize how dangerous it can be.
Dogs are allergic to a couple of things, and eating something remotely indigestible to them can put their lives in danger. Most dog owners are careful when serving food to their dogs, but it’s always best to know what food is safe for your dog.
Speaking of dog-safe foods, let’s return to the fruit bowl; Can dogs eat blueberries? Thankfully, yes. Your dog can safely eat blueberries. But just like any other food, there’s a particular way to feed and serve blueberries to your dog, so let’s dive deeper into this topic.
Dogs And Blueberries
What’s the relationship between dogs and blueberries? Generally, dogs and blueberries have a good relationship. A dog’s digestive system can’t handle a lot of fruit, but blueberries are one of the few that your dog can safely eat.
But why should a dog owner be careful about feeding blueberries to dogs? While blueberries are good for your dog, they can be a choking hazard due to their small size. Additionally, overeating blueberries can make your puppers sick.
A lot goes into blueberries and dogs, but we’re here to help you.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Yes. There’s nothing wrong with dogs eating blueberries, so owners don’t have to worry much. However, you still must be careful when serving food to your dog because some dogs are allergic to typical dog-safe food.
Before you begin serving blueberries to your dog, you must consult with the vet. Most vets won’t have any problems with your dog eating blueberries, but some might recommend against it.
Whether or not your dog can have blueberries depends on its health and age. Some dogs can excessively eat all kinds of dog-safe food without any problems, while others may get sick from even a tiny amount.
Blueberries are relatively safe for your dog to eat, but it’s always best to check in with the vet. Let’s discuss this in detail.
Are Dogs Allergic to Blueberries?
Dogs are allergic to many things; chocolate, mushrooms, macadamia nuts, caffeine, onions and garlic are just some common food allergies in dogs. Dogs are also allergic to grapes and raisins and can’t eat particular fruits in excess.
Many people automatically assume dogs are allergic to all fruits, so they’ll immediately believe dogs are allergic to blueberries, but that’s not true. Most dogs can safely eat blueberries without any problems.
However, just because most dogs are not allergic to blueberries doesn’t mean it is impossible. Dog allergies are pretty similar to ours; not all dogs are allergic to blueberries, but some might be.
If you’re not sure whether your dog is allergic to blueberries, you can get your dog checked with the vet. Get allergy tests done, and if your dog is allergic to blueberries, you’ll know well before you try serving the fruit.
For the most part, blueberries are one of the healthiest and safest fruits to serve to dogs. Of course, since your dog could be allergic to blueberries (even though it’s rare, it could happen), we recommend consulting with the vet.
Are Blueberries Safe for Dogs?
Is a dog’s eating blueberries okay? Yes! Dog owners don’t have to worry when feeding blueberries to their lovely furballs, but they should still be careful.
Blueberries are amongst the safest fruits for dogs. There are tons of benefits to eating blueberries.
However, one of the most common ways dogs get sick is when their owners begin stuffing food without paying heed to the portion size or frequency. Serving blueberries to your dog carries the same risk; if you’re not careful with the portion size or how many times you’re serving them, you could get your dog sick.
Are Blueberries Good for Dogs?
Why would dog parents want to give their dogs blueberries in the first place? What makes blueberries a good treat for dogs?
There are a lot of benefits to eating a blueberry for dogs; blueberries are rich in antioxidants and improve a dog’s immunity. Additionally, many dogs love to taste the sweet, tangy mix of flavors that hits the taste buds when biting into a blueberry.
Blueberries are perfect for owners who want to give their dog a good, healthy treat. Blueberries are light and tasty, and they bring lots of good nutrients.
Do Dogs Like to Eat Blueberries?
Can dogs have blueberries? Yes. You can let your dog have blueberries once in a while. But do dogs even like to eat blueberries?
Many believe that a dog can’t taste something like we humans do. But that’s a myth; dogs can definitely taste some of the aromatic food we have and can also tell apart different tastes. A dog’s sense of taste is limited but powerful; dogs can tell when something is sweet, tangy, sour, or spicy.
Blueberries are a pretty delicious treat for us; we often like to pop the berry because of its sweet, tangy flavor. Dogs like blueberries for the same reason; dogs can taste the tart sweetness that flows from the blueberry, so they like eating the fruit.
Another reason why dogs like to eat blueberries is the texture. Blueberries are neither mushy nor stiff, so dogs love chewing them.
So, yes, dogs like eating blueberries. If your dog frequently tries to gobble some blueberries when it thinks you’re not looking, it’s a sign that your doggo loves the blueberry to bits.
Nutritional Information
Can dogs eat blueberries? Yes. But what makes a blueberry so beneficial for dogs? Let’s find out. In a single serving (148 grams) of blueberries, there are:
| Nutritional Component | Nutritional Value (grams) | Daily Value (%) |
| Fat Trans Fat Saturated Fat | 0.5 g 0 g 0 g | 1% – 0% |
| Carbohydrates Fiber Sugar | 21 g 4 g 15 g | 8% 14% – |
| Protein | 1 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 0 g | 0% |
| Salts Sodium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamins Vitamin A Vitamin C Vitamin D Vitamin K | 14.29 mg 0 mcg 14 mg 0 mcg 29 mcg | 40% 0% 15% 0% 25% |
| Minerals Calcium Iron Potassium Manganese | 120.9 mg 10 mg 0.4 mg 110 mg 0.5 mg | 24% 0% 2% 2% 20% |
| Calories | 80 | – |
Benefits of Blueberries for Dogs
As you can tell from the table, blueberries have a high concentration of nutrients. Blueberries are rich in vitamins and minerals and have only 80 calories, making them one of the healthiest treats for dogs.
If you’re looking for more reasons to feed blueberries to your dog, simply take a look at these benefits:
● High Antioxidants
Blueberries contain flavonoids and stronger antioxidants. Antioxidants improve a dog’s immunity and help protect its cells from damage.
● Stronger Immunity
Vitamin C strengthens immunity.
● Counteracts Brain Aging
A Group of essential nutrients like manganese, potassium, and vitamins like Vitamin C, D, and K improve the brain’s functioning and reduce brain damage. Blueberries also slow down the aging process of a dog’s brain, effectively enhancing its lifespan.
● Increases Bodily Energy
Antioxidants and minerals in blueberries increase energy in a dog’s body, improving movement and activity.
● Promotes Healthy Digestion
Blueberries are rich sources of fiber, which promotes a healthier digestive cycle in dogs. In fact, some vets recommend feeding blueberries to dogs to relieve constipation.
Risks of Blueberries for Dogs
Can dogs eat blueberries? Absolutely. But are there risks to eating a blueberry for dogs? Yes. Although blueberries are one of the safest fruits for dogs, they can be a little dangerous in certain situations. Common dangers of eating a blueberry are its choking hazard and high fiber content.
● Choking Hazard
Blueberries are pretty small; they aren’t bigger than grapes and contain pits. We all know how hasty dogs get when they eat; dogs barely chew and gulp down their meal in seconds.
It can be pretty dangerous for a dog to swallow whole blueberries; if you don’t remove the blueberries’ pits and your dog swallows them, they could get stuck in your dog’s throat.
Blueberries lodged in the throat can cause breathing problems and death.
● High Fiber Content
Generally, high fiber content is great for pets. Yet, excess of everything is bad. A high-fiber diet is good for dogs, but excessively eating fiber-rich sources can trigger stomach problems.
Most people forget that fiber is a natural relief for constipation. Overeating fiber-rich sources can trigger stomach aches, diarrhea, and even vomiting.
How a dog reacts to a fiber-rich source also depends on the dog’s health, size and age; dogs with chronic illnesses or old dogs will have trouble adjusting to the high fiber content in blueberries.
Moreover, the smaller the dog, the smaller its digestive system. The digestive system of a small dog has trouble adjusting to foods rich in fiber than that of bigger dogs, so blueberries are not a good fit for small-sized dogs.
Can Pomeranians Eat Blueberries?
Pomeranians are cute, cuddly, and tiny. Because of Pomeranians’ size, many dog parents assume blueberries are not a suitable fruit, but that’s a myth.
While Pomeranians are smaller than most dog breeds, and you must be careful when feeding them fruit, blueberries are one of the few fruits your lovely Poms can have. However, you must still be careful when serving blueberries to your Pomeranians; eating blueberries with their pits can cause choking, and Pomeranians can’t eat as much fruit as bigger dogs due to their smaller digestive systems.
If you have a cute Pom or even a chihuahua, it is best to serve mashed blueberries in quantities recommended by the vet.
● Intolerance/Allergy to Blueberries
Although rare, allergies or intolerance to blueberries can happen. In cases where a dog is mildly allergic or even intolerant to blueberries, serving them even a tiny quantity of blueberries is dangerous.
Blueberry Treats for Dogs
Can dogs eat blueberries? Yes, but what about blueberry desserts?
Although your dog can safely have blueberries, it is best to be careful when serving blueberry desserts. Not all blueberry desserts are dangerous for dogs, but some contain ingredients that vets recommend against.
If you’re baking up a classic blueberry pie or flipping delicious pancakes and your dog’s whining, don’t give in to those puppy eyes because a bite of some blueberry desserts is enough to put your dog in danger.
Let’s discuss delicious blueberry treats and desserts in a little more detail:
➔Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Muffins?
Blueberries are a safe dog treat, but we can’t say the same for blueberry muffins. Although your dog can have a nibble or two of a muffin, it is best to keep blueberry muffins for rare occasions.
Blueberry muffins contain sugar and traces of salt, ingredients that vets don’t recommend serving your dog. Since blueberries are naturally sweet and muffins have added sugar, blueberry muffins aren’t the safest treat.
That being said, it doesn’t mean you can’t give blueberry muffins to your dog at all. If you make your blueberry muffins from unprocessed sugar in low amounts, you can give your pupper up to a quarter of a muffin at a time.
➔Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Waffles?
Waffles are one of the few snacks a dog can eat in moderation. If you’re making blueberry waffles and your dog is giving you the classic puppy eyes, you can give in and give your dog a bite or two.
Waffles typically contain less sugar than other breakfast baked goods, so they are a better option for your dog. However, it is best to serve homemade blueberry waffles because you can control the sugar content.
Even though blueberry waffles are slightly on the safe side of dog snacks, serving up to a quarter waffle at a time would be best.
➔Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Bagels?
If dogs can eat blueberry muffins and waffles in moderation, could they eat bagels? No. Do not feed blueberry bagels to your dog.
Bagels contain a lot of ingredients that aren’t safe for dogs. Bagel ingredients and toppings like onions, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, raisins, and garlic powder are unhealthy and even toxic for dogs to eat.
If a dog eats blueberry bagels, the chances of getting sick are high; you must not serve bagels to your dog, even if your furry friend keeps whining for a bite.
➔Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Pancakes?
Your dog can have blueberry pancakes, but only under certain circumstances. To serve blueberry pancakes to your dog, you must carefully prepare them and ensure that you follow particular rules.
The thing is, pancakes are only safe for dogs if they contain limited amounts of sugar. Sugar in high quantities is toxic for dogs, so you should make the pancakes at home.
Additionally, dogs can’t have a diet rich in carbohydrates. Due to the flour, butter, and other ingredients, pancakes contain a lot of carbs. However, if you use amaranth or whole-wheat flour and use minimal quantities of butter and sugar in the pancake mix, you can serve them to your dog.
To make dog-safe blueberry pancakes do not use sugar; try to use as little butter as possible. Even dog-safe pancakes are only suitable if taken in moderation, so ensure you’re not over-feeding your dog.
➔Can Dogs Eat Dried Blueberries?
Grape raisins are highly toxic for dogs, so most dog parents assume the same goes for other dried fruit. But don’t worry; dried blueberries are perfectly safe for dogs.
In fact, your dog can safely have blueberries as long as they don’t contain pits and you don’t mix them with other potentially unsafe ingredients.
➔Can Dogs Eat Frozen Blueberries?
Yes. Your dog can eat frozen blueberries. However, we don’t recommend serving cold, frozen blueberries to your dog because the temperature could hurt its tongue.
Dogs don’t have trouble eating frozen berries, but not many dog parents know that dogs can get brain freeze from eating something too cold. A dog with brain freeze will experience pain, migraine, and discomfort, so you must not serve unthawed blueberries to your dog.
How Do I Serve Frozen Blueberries to My Dog?
Although it is best to serve thawed blueberries to your dog, there are specific scenarios where you may serve them frozen. If and only if it is a hot summer day, you may give your dog 3-4 frozen blueberries. However, if your dog isn’t feeling hot, there’s no need to serve blueberries cold.
➔Can Dogs Eat Wild Blueberries?
Yes. Dogs can eat wild blueberries, and you’ll be delighted to learn that dogs even love them. Dogs love the sweet taste of wild blueberries, and we all know fruits and vegetables are best when fresh.
However, if you’re buying wild blueberries from an open vendor, it is best to thoroughly wash the fruit before serving. Farmers often spray their crops with insecticides and pesticides to keep the critters away, and these sprays are highly toxic to you and your pet.
If your dog happens to nibble on a couple of wild blueberries while you’re on a hike or a nature walk, don’t worry because your dog can safely have them. However, you should still keep your dog closer to you and away from other wild fruits; not all wild berries are suitable for dogs!
How to Feed Blueberries to Dogs?
Dogs can eat blueberries, but how do you ensure you’re not overdoing it? There is a particular way to serve anything to pets, and you must be careful with fruit as sweet as blueberries.
Here is how to safely serve blueberries to dogs:
● Preparation and Serving
Follow these directions to serve blueberries to your dog correctly:
1. Wash/Rinse
Always wash the blueberries before serving. Blueberries grown on a farm typically contain traces of pesticides, which are dangerous for you and your pupper. You must never serve unwashed blueberries to your dog.
Even if you get your blueberries from a pre-packaged source, thoroughly rinse them. Packaged fruit contains additives to keep it fresh, so you’ll need to wash the blueberries properly.
If you walk by a farm or a wild batch of blueberries, wash them before serving them to your dog.
2. Thaw
Although dogs can have frozen blueberries, eating anything too cold can give dogs brain freeze. If you are storing blueberries in the freezer or getting frozen blueberries from the market, always thaw them before serving.
3. De-pit
Blueberry pits/seeds are harmful to most pets and even us. Never serve blueberries with the pits to dogs since they can be dangerous and even choke your innocent pupper.
Cut the blueberries in half and remove the pits before serving them to your dog.
4. Mash
It is best to serve mashed blueberries to prevent choking. Dogs have a habit of swallowing food without thinking about properly chewing, so it is best to mash any fruit to make it easier for dogs to eat.
● Frequency
Often, dog owners can’t tell when they are going overboard with serving food. Dogs can happily gobble a lot of food, but overeating can trigger severe health problems.
Blueberries are a safe fruit, but regular eating can trigger serious problems. If you want to treat your dog to blueberries, it is best to serve a couple once a month. Regularly Eating blueberries can cause digestive problems in dogs.
If you want to feed your dog blueberries regularly, you may serve only one berry. However, we don’t recommend serving blueberries daily because they can disrupt a dog’s digestive system.
● Quantity
How many blueberries can a dog eat? Blueberries are not toxic to dogs, and they make for a healthy treat, but overeating blueberries can cause stomach problems. Blueberries also contain sugar, which can be dangerous in higher quantities.
To safely serve blueberries to your dog, ensure that you’re not giving more than 5-6 blueberries at a time. Do not serve 5-6 berries daily; instead, serve blueberries once or twice a month to be safe.
● Treats and Desserts
Blueberries mixed with dog-unsafe ingredients can cause severe health problems, possibly leading to death. If you want to protect your pupper, it is best to serve the fruit as a treat.
If you want to serve blueberry desserts like muffins or pancakes, make them at home so you can control the quantity and quality of ingredients used.
Conclusion | Can dogs eat blueberries?
Can dogs eat blueberries? Yes. Blueberries are one of the healthiest fruit snacks for dogs.
While blueberries aren’t toxic and dogs can safely eat them, dogs with chronic illnesses and fruit allergies should not take blueberries without the vet’s advice. Smaller dogs may have trouble digesting blueberries as quickly as bigger dogs, so it is best to serve blueberries in small quantities to dogs.
Most blueberry desserts that contain sugar, butter, and additives are unhealthy for dogs, so you can’t feed them to dogs. However, if you make the desserts at home using dog-safe ingredients and cut down on the sugar, your dog can easily have several bites.
FAQs | Can dogs eat blueberries
Got some questions? Get your answers here:
➔Are Blueberries Poisonous to Dogs?
No. Blueberries are not poisonous or toxic to dogs. Most dogs can safely eat blueberries unless they have an allergy/intolerance to the fruit.
If your dog experiences vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach ache from eating blueberries, it might be intolerant or allergic to the fruit.
➔How Many Blueberries Can You Give A Dog?
You can give up to 4-5 blueberries to a dog at a time. If you have a Pomeranian, chihuahua, or other smaller dog breeds, you can give up to 2-3 blueberries at a time.
Do not overfeed blueberries to your dog.
➔Will Blueberries Upset My Dog’s Stomach?
Blueberry has a high fiber content, which naturally relieves constipation. Some vets recommend giving blueberries as a remedy to treat constipation, so a slight upset stomach is not concerning.
However, if your dog has a healthy digestive cycle and experiences stomach problems, including diarrhea from eating blueberries, it means blueberries do not suit your dog.
In some instances, a dog can get an upset stomach from eating blueberries. This can happen if your dog is allergic/intolerant to blueberries or if its digestive system cannot properly digest blueberries.
➔Can Dogs Eat Blueberries Every Day?
No. While there isn’t anything wrong with serving blueberries to your dog, serving them daily can disrupt your dog’s health. Overeating anything can be harmful to dogs, and if they are overeating blueberries, they might get sick from the high sugar and fiber content.
➔Can Diabetic Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Yes. A diabetic dog can eat blueberries because their sugar content isn’t as high as other berries and fruits like strawberries. However, overfeeding blueberries can spike the sugar in your dog’s blood, so it is best to consult the safe quantity with the vet.
