Can dogs eat blueberries?

Many fruits make the perfect, healthy treat for your dog or puppy. Others are toxic. So what about blueberries? Are they safe?

Blueberries are a safe fruit for dogs to eat. And puppies can eat them too!

Health benefits for dogs eating blueberries

Blueberries are packed with goodies – vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. This makes them a healthy snack for your dog. Antioxidants are known to fight free radicals, which are chemicals causing cellular and molecular damage in humans and dogs. Diets rich in antioxidants help to reduce ageing in the brain, so they have even more benefits for senior dogs.

Vitamin C is essential in supporting a healthy immune system. Vitamin K works alongside calcium to keep bones strong and healthy. It's also needed for blood clotting, so it has a couple of pretty important jobs to do.

Another blueberry bonus is their low-calorie count. Even better for any dogs needing to watch their waistlines!

How many blueberries can my dog eat?

It’s true that blueberries are a healthy and delicious dog treat, but don’t feed them in excess. They contain plenty of fibre, which can cause gastrointestinal problems and diarrhoea in dogs if they eat too many. Blueberries also contain natural sugars, which can cause cavities in their teeth.

Veterinary advice states that only 10% of your dog’s calories should come from treats. 90% of their nutrition should come from their main dog food. Choose a quality brand to ensure they get the nutrition they need. The odd blueberry or two is perfectly safe for your dog, but don’t give them a whole punnet!

Although blueberries are fine for dogs, avoid feeding them blueberry flavoured foods such as cakes and sweets. These foods are full of sugar and fat and contain various colours, additives, and preservatives, none of which are suitable for dogs.

What about feeding blueberries to puppies?

A sweet and juicy blueberry makes an excellent treat for puppies. You will probably find they love them! Just be careful when feeding them blueberries, especially if your puppy is a smaller breed. They can be a choking hazard. Alternatively, provide them mashed up!

Feeding frozen blueberries on a hot day may seem like a good idea, but this is not recommended. They will be very hard, making them even more of a choking danger.