Blueberries are one of nature’s most perfect foods. They’re small, sweet, perfectly round, and abundant during summer months. I love blueberries with cereal, yogurt, ice cream, or just on their own right out of the carton (or freezer). It’s so tempting to toss my dog a blueberry when I’m enjoying some for myself. But are blueberries safe for dogs to eat?
The answer is, yes! Dogs can eat blueberries in moderation. These sweet little treats are a great source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, which boost your dog’s digestive, immune, and brain health.
Dogs Can Eat Blueberries in Moderation
Blueberries are higher in sugar than some other snacks, and you don’t want to give your dog too much dietary fiber, so it’s best to offer them in moderation.
To introduce your dog to blueberries, start off with small servings. Give your dog 2-3 berries a day, and watch them carefully for any negative reactions. As long as your dog tolerates berries, you can gradually increase to 2-3 fresh or frozen blueberries a few times a day as a snack.
Just be sure to back off if you notice any changes in your dog’s bowel movements. Too much fruit can cause loose stool, which isn’t fun for you or your dog to deal with.
Blueberries in Dog Food
You may have seen blueberries included on the ingredient list for premium dog foods. Blueberries are a “superfood” for people and dogs, meaning they’re believed to have immunity-boosting qualities.
Blueberries, in particular, have antioxidants that help prevent cellular and molecular damage in dogs and humans. In fact, studies show that adding antioxidants to your dog’s diet can reduce the effects of brain aging! Blueberries aren’t a magical cure-all, but as a part of a balanced diet, they can be super-healthy for your dog.
How to Serve Your Dog Blueberries
Here are some of my favorite ways to share blueberries with my dog:
- Make a game of tossing frozen blueberries into their mouth to catch
- Mix a small handful of blueberries with a couple spoonfuls of unsweetened plain yogurt, and add to their regular kibble
- Mash up fresh or frozen blueberries with a piece of banana and mix in with their food (or just let them lick the spoon)
- Freeze blueberries in ice cubes for a refreshing summer treat
- As an ingredient in high-quality kibble like FirstMate Chicken Meal with Blueberries limited-ingredient dog food
If you’re looking for a more interesting way to serve your dog blueberries, check out this recipe for blueberry scones for dogs. All you’ll need to get started is some oven-dried oats, whole wheat flour, yogurt, milk, eggs, coconut oil, and of course, blueberries! Watch this video for full instructions:
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-k0WNeiTc4[/embedyt]
For More Information
We offer a collection of articles on foods that are healthy or dangerous for dogs to eat, covering everything from grains, fruits, and vegetables. You might also be interested in reading “Can My Dog Eat Strawberries?”
The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
