Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? Read to Feed!

Are Blueberries Good for Dogs?

Yes! Blueberries are good for your dogs. In fact, when it comes to low-calorie treats for dogs, blueberries are the best.

Not only do they have antioxidants that help keep your pup healthy and immune system strong, but because they are high in fiber, you can be sure he'll feel fuller longer.

And of course, we all know how important vitamins C and K are when looking after our four-legged friends!

You should try adding some blueberry yummies today because who doesn't want a happy dog?

Nutritional Components of Blueberries

The blueberry is a small and delicious berry that packs a punch with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals - you name it!

Here is a detail of its nutrients:

• Vitamins: Vitamins A, C, and K are found in blueberries. They work hard to help your dog's immune system strong and have other additional benefits also.
• Minerals: Some minerals found in blueberries include Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Magnesium. They support the body's bone growth and its ability to use vitamins and minerals more efficiently.
• Phytochemicals: Phytochemicals are chemicals in plants that may have benefits for your pup. They can help fight cancer and also reduce inflammation in chronic diseases.
• Antioxidants: Blueberries are known for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which cause cellular and molecular damage. As a result, they slow down the aging process.
• Anthocyanins: These are the reason that blueberries have a beautiful, rich purple hue. They help lower the risk for high cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer by working together with antioxidants.

What are the Health Benefits of Blueberries for my Dog?

The detailed health benefits of blueberries for your dogs are as follows:

• Boost their Immune System

  Blueberries are packed with vitamins that help your pup's immune system, reduce inflammation, and support the quality of the skin. With Vitamin A, C, K in just one small blueberry, you can give them all they need to have a healthy life!

• Enhance Bone Growth

  Minerals are the key to a pup's bone development. Minerals like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium all play a role in bone development. Blueberries are rich in these minerals, which support their body’s ability to absorb nutrients better for healthy bones.

• Prevent Oxidative Stress

  We all know that oxygen is the stuff of life, but did you also know it can be harmful in certain situations?

  Oxygen reacts with cells to form free radicals. These molecules are very tiny and react quickly by harming our body's cells. If there becomes an unfavorable balance between these free radical reactions, they can get toxic.

  Blueberries are a great way to protect your pup from free radicals and develop their oxidative defense.

How to Feed Blueberries to Dogs?

Blueberries can be fed to your fluffy friend in the following forms:

• Fresh Blueberries

  Dogs love fresh blueberries, and they are a great treat when served in their raw form. The fruit is soft like cotton balls. Make sure you rinse them before giving them, as this can help reduce any moldy berries that could cause an upset stomach or choking risk.

• Frozen Blueberries

  “Can dogs eat frozen blueberries?”

  Frozen blueberries are a choking hazard for smaller dogs, but they're safe if you thaw and mash them first. Bigger breeds of dogs need supervision when eating the berries to avoid choking. It is better to only offer one or two at a single time.

• Mashed Blueberries

  Mashed blueberries can add a nutritional punch to your dog's food bowl. You could also mix them in with other berries, like strawberries and raspberries, for some extra flavor.

• Pureed Blueberries

  During summer days, it's important for your pup to stay hydrated. Pureed berries are a delicious and healthy treat that can be added to yogurt or coconut water. Put the mixture in ice cube trays for an easy hydrating snack.

• Dried Blueberries

  “Can dogs eat dried blueberries?”

  Dried blueberries are a sweet, chewy snack. Mix in fun goodies like nut butter or crunchie treats to make your pup's playtime more exciting.

• Blueberry Smoothie

  The ingredients are simple - all you need to do is mix blueberries together with some yogurt or milk of your preference. Lay out the mixture into two bowls and place them in front of him on the floor.

How Many Blueberries Can I Give my Dog?

“How often can dogs eat blueberries?”

It's important to remember the importance of portion control with treats. For most small dogs, ten blueberries are appropriate, and for large dog breeds, they can tolerate more, around 12-13. But, make sure that it still only comprises about 10% of their diet.

Here are general guidelines;

• Extra-small dogs (2-20 lbs.) = 1-2 blueberries

  Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs

• Small dogs (21-30 lbs.) = 2-3 blueberries

  Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds

• Medium-size dogs (31-50 lbs.) = 3-5 blueberries

  Examples: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs

• Large dogs (51-90 lbs.) = 5-6 blueberries

  Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds

• Extra-large dogs (91+ lbs.) = small handful of blueberries

  Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Does Dog Food Contain Blueberries?

Yes! But not always.

The ancestral diet of dogs includes mostly meat, grass, and some fruits, vegetables, and berries. Commercial blends of dog foods might contain blueberries to mimic the naturally occurring raw food diets that have been found among dogs in recent years.

How To Encourage a Dog to Eat Blueberries?

To entice the dog, offer blueberries as rewards when he does something right, such as patiently sitting through his bath.

You should also eat or talk about eating some of these delicious berries yourself in order for them to seem more interesting and tempting than what is in their bowl!

Next time you have a handful of fresh blueberry goodness at hand, drop one on the floor. So, they think it's forbidden fruit but know that if they want another taste, then all they need to do is take it from your fingers without any fuss whatsoever.

Finally, adding this versatile berry into regular meals will give an added boost to both the nutrition and the flavor.

Delicious Blueberry Serving Recipes for your Pup!

Here are some tasty DIY blueberries treats that you can easily try out at home for your pup.

• Blueberry Biscuits

  You will need eggs, coconut flour, blueberries, and a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Blend the ingredients into the dough until smooth, then gently stir in the berries, before baking for 10-15 minutes.

  Remove from heat when done baking and allow them to cool down completely before storing them in an airtight container.

  The recipe for grain-free fresh or baked treats is great because they are more substantial than other types of dog food, so dogs can chew on them instead of choking.

• Blueberry Banana Pupsicles

  We've got a sweet treat that's sure to keep your pup cool this summer.

  Simply mash the bananas, combine coconut cream and milk, then pour into ice cube molds or trays filled halfway up. Add blueberries on top of each mold before covering it in banana mixture until it reaches the rim of the mold.

  Freeze for twenty minutes before serving.

  Any leftovers can be stored and thawed at room temperature for serving later on.

• Blueberry Puppy Donuts

  “We love giving donuts to Coco, and you should see the wagging tail as he gets one!”

  There are some easy donuts to make, that are for your pet too. First, you need to mix applesauce, rice flour, and almond butter together like pancake batter. Then gently stir in blueberries without breaking them.

  Spoon the batter into a large donut baking pan or mini-donut pan and bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Blueberry Serving Safety Tips

Here are some safety precautions for you to read before you feed blueberries to your dog:

• Be careful if they are new to it: A dog's diet is important. They have different needs than humans, so always consult a vet before giving them any new foods. The wrong food or quantity can prove to be fatal for your pup.
• Feed in Moderation: Feeding them too much may cause stomach upset and vomiting. These could lead to further health problems such as dehydration or infection from toxins. Always feed your dog a 100% complete and balanced diet with only 10% of snacks.
• Pick the Berries Yourself: Buy sustainably-raised berries only. These are better because they are free from pesticides and herbicides. Also, discard old or dried-out ones and wash carefully with water so dirt, germs, or manure won't contaminate them.
• Give it Gradually: Gradually introduce blueberries to your dog's diet. Start by giving him two or three berries and watch for any negative reactions, stomach upset, vomiting, itching, etc. If he seems fine, then work up to a handful of berries per day.

When Are Blueberries Bad for Dogs?

Commercially available blueberry-infused delights have artificial blueberry flavoring or sweetener that could all result in stomach upset for dogs who consume it.

Blueberries can be harmful to your dog if they binge on them. Excess of everything is bad, and so is the case with Blueberries.

Some other harmful forms of blueberries for dogs are:

• Blueberry Muffins

  “Can dogs eat blueberry muffins?”

  Blueberry muffins are not a good choice for your dog. They have ingredients that could cause food intolerances and an upset stomach. Blueberries can also have chemicals like fertilizers used in their products which may be harmful if consumed by dogs.

• Blueberry Jelly and Xylitol Sweeteners

  Xylitol is appealing as a sugar alternative to humans, but it's toxic for dogs. A small amount can drop their blood sugar levels and cause illnesses or death. Nowadays, the commercially available jelly has xylitol rather than normal sugar, which can be fatal for your dog.

• Blueberry Plants

  Blueberry bushes are safe for dogs but beware of the fertilizer that they use. Although it is a small amount and not harmful to humans in any way, ammonium sulfate can lead to lethargy and breathing problems if your dog has regular contact with them.

• Blueberry Yogurt

  Store-bought blueberry yogurt is not good for your canine buddy. It is loaded with sugar and it could also have xylitol which is toxic for dogs. Due to excessive amount of sugar, it could lead your dog to obesity and other diseases. If you want to add yogurt to your dog’s diet, make it plain yogurt with blueberries.

Can Dogs be Allergic to Blueberries?

You know what happens if your dog eats too much of anything? They can get a gastric or allergic reaction- and the same goes for blueberries.

Monitor your dog for constantly licking, scratching at their skin, vomiting anywhere, having diarrhea after eating something with any traces of blueberry whatsoever. In that case, you need to see a vet ASAP!

Can Dogs Eat Blueberries Safely - Yes, For sure!

Yes, you read that correctly. Blueberries are not only good for humans, but they can also be a healthy and delicious treat for your dog too!

Their high antioxidant content and delicious taste make for a great addition to any meal - fresh or frozen! They can be easily added to your dog’s food or served as part of their dessert.

Just remember the above-mentioned precautions and safety tips, and you can safely add a delicious delight to your dog’s diet.

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