Can Dog Eat Blueberries? Blueberries are one of the most widely consumed fruits in the United States. They are not only delicious but are also the supreme superfood, with numerous health benefits.
But can dogs eat blueberries? The answer to this is a sure yes!
Discover more about blueberries…….
The nutritional profile of blueberries and health benefits to dogs
Blueberries are loaded with vitamins, minerals and are known to have the highest content of antioxidants from all other fruits. High fiber ratio, low calories, Phyto flavinoids, and a lot more healthy nutrients make them a top-rated superfood for dogs. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients’ benefits.
Vitamins
All the three important vitamins; Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K are found in blueberries.
- Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It boosts the immune system and helps to reduce inflammation and mental aging by removing potentially toxic free radicals from the body reducing the risk of cancers.
- Vitamin A promotes healthy vision, bone development, reproduction, morphogenesis, and immune function. It also plays a part in promoting the quality of the skin, coat, and fur.
- Vitamin K helps to increase bone density and provides essential support during the blood clotting process.
Minerals
Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, and magnesium all have a rich content within blueberry making it a whole diet for dogs.
Calcium and Phosphorus work in collaboration to maintain the bone and teeth health of dogs. Calcium also improves coat and skin making them more shiny and smooth.
Potassium maintains the fluid balance, ensuring lean muscle physiology. It also improves metabolism, bone mass, and brain abilities. Potassium is essential in the diet of any healthy dog.
Manganese is a micromineral that is required for biochemical operation and energy production. It is also necessary for healthy bones because it keeps the bones and cartilage in the joints in good condition. It is critical for senior dogs to consume adequate amounts of manganese.
Magnesium is needed for energy production and transfer for every single function your doggy fellow performs and it also helps to calm your dog. It is a key planner for a balanced mood.
Phytochemicals
Phytochemical is a plant-derived chemical compound. They have been related to various health benefits for dogs. Phytochemicals prevent DNA from damage that can cause cancer, regulate hormones, and boost immune functions.
Antioxidants
Blueberries are known for plenty of antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential components of a dog’s daily diet. They combat free radicals that cause biomolecular harm and slow the process of aging.
They also ensure a smooth blood flow reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in your dog.
An intriguing study on antioxidants and cellular damage in sled dogs after arduous exercise was published. The study discovered that feeding blueberries to dogs reduced their healing time after hard exercise. This can be a huge benefit for active dogs and may increase their maneuverability as they get older. Antioxidants also slow the aging process and reduce memory impairment in senior dogs.
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are pigmented compounds responsible for the blue color of blueberries. They join up with antioxidants to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, joint problems, Mellitus, and cancer.
Fiber
High-quality, organic dietary fiber should be at the top of your dog’s nutritional requirements list at all times. It effectively helps the digestion process in decomposing foods while also inhibiting the growth of harmful gut microbes. Furthermore, fiber is used to treat both bloating and dysentery.
Fiber is also important for dog weight management. Because obesity is the primary factor of all dog diseases, this is essential in providing long and healthy life for your dog. Adding more fiber to your dog’s diet will cause him to feel fuller faster, even if he consumes fewer calories.
Blueberries provide a lot of health benefits to your dog. Thus they are a complete and balanced food for your dog. Due to their high nutritional profile, they are also used as a raw ingredient in a lot of other foods.
Can dogs consume Blueberries safely?
Yes! Dogs can eat blueberries safely. Being low in sugar they are also safe for diabetic dogs. Blueberries are safe for your dog to eat as long as you fraction them correctly and keep an eye out for any potential bad effects.
Why are Blueberries bad for dogs?
Blueberries are safe for consumption by your dogs but they come up with some risks:
Choking Risks
A choking hazard exists. Because blueberries are soft and small, they do not pose a choking hazard. They are hard when frozen, even so, and maybe risky to small breed dogs.
Essentially ensure the blueberries are defrosted prior to serving to minimize the risk. If you are concerned that blueberries may pose a health threat to your dog, or if your dog is hypersensitive to them, you can substitute other fruits that are equally tasty.
Allergies
Your dog can show an allergic response to blueberries if you are offering him the first time. If he is hypersensitive then stop feeding him blueberries and consult a vet at once.
How many blueberries to feed my dog?
Fraction balance is necessary when eating any fruit or vegetable. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet and should only be given on rare occasions. 10 blueberries would be an adequate amount for most small dogs.
Blueberries should be introduced to your dog’s diet slowly over time, like any new food. Give him two to three and watch out for any ill effects. If he appears to be in good health, start offering him two to three berries a couple of times per day. Work your way up to a bunch per day, or 10-12 berries.
Before feeding Blueberries to your dog
Although blueberries are extremely healthy for your dog to eat, keep the following safety, quantity, and preparatory tips in mind.
Always seek advice: from your vet before feeding anything new to your dog, especially human food, to ensure that the choices are appropriate for your dog’s distinct constitution. Some foods that are safe for humans to eat, such as cocoa and grapes, can be toxic or potentially lethal to dogs.
Selecting Berries for Your Dog: To avoid weed killers, buy sustainably grown blueberries. Old, dehydrated out, or moldy berries should be discarded for fresh berries. They must be thoroughly washed to remove dirt, bacteria, animal waste, and pesticide and herbicide residue.
Feeding Blueberries to dogs
Fresh blueberries
are typically fed to dogs in their natural form. The fruit is soft and does not pose a choking hazard. Before giving your dog fresh blueberries, soak them in water and check for moldy berries.
Finely chopped blueberries
are an excellent way to incorporate them into your dog’s diet. You can also combine them with other berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries, to boost their nutritional value.
Frozen blueberries
are safe, but they can cause choking in small breed dogs. However, you can defrost and stir them before serving. To prevent choking, larger dogs should be supervised when consuming the berries. If the berries are frozen, serving one or two at a time is preferable.
A smart way of introducing Blueberries in your dog’s food
If you want your dog to have a secret blueberry treat there is a life full hack for it. Whether you want to offer frozen or dry berries, mash them or grind them and sprinkle them over the entire dish of food. Your dog will be eager to finish the full bowl of food!
You can also add them to smoothies with other fruits and vegetables.
My dog ate Blueberry bushes accidentally
Some dog owners have grown blueberry trees in their garden and their dogs, fascinated by their sweet nectar, may rush towards and eat them along with bushes.
There is no concern about eating blueberry bushes but if they are sprayed with some herbicide or pesticide it may cause ill effects in your dog. In this situation consult your vet at once.
Are artificially prepared blueberry products good for dogs?
Artificially prepared blueberry products are not recommended and safe for dogs as they contain artificial flavors, additives, added chemicals, and colors. They may cause severe gastrointestinal problems in your furry fellow.
Blueberry muffins and pancakes
Blueberry muffins and pancakes prepared for human consumption are not thought safe for dogs as they may cause stomach intolerances in dogs.
As a result, avoid giving anything with artificial blueberry toppings or ingredients to your dog.
Best and Delicious Blueberries
Recipes for Your Dog
Although your dog might love eating raw blueberries you can spend some minutes making the treat more delightful for your dog.
Here are some of our blueberry recipes.
Blueberry Banana Summer Pops
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Qty |
|---|---|
| Coconut Milk | Half Cup |
| Bananas | 1 (Mashed) |
| Blueberries | 1 Cup |
Steps
- Peel and mash banana
- Take a bowl and put the mashed banana in it. Add coconut milk and stir well.
- Put a blueberry in an ice cube tray and cover it to the top of the mold with the mixture.
- Freeze for 15 minutes.
- Release the treat from the mold and serve your dog a hot summer day treat!
Blueberry Icy Yogurt Treat
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Qty |
|---|---|
| Yogurt | 1 Cup without additives |
| Honey | 2 Table Spoons |
| Sliced Blueberries | ½ Cup |
| Blueberries | 1 Cup |
Steps
- Put yogurt, blueberries, and honey in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Take out the blend in a mold or ice cube tray
- Sprinkle the halved blueberries over the tray.
- Freeze it until becomes solid.
- Take out and serve your furry fellow a delicious summer treat!
Blueberry Donuts
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Qty |
|---|---|
| Rice Flour | 1 Cup |
| Almond Butter | ½ Cup |
| Applesauce | ½ Cup |
| Blueberries | ½ Cup |
Steps
- Mix rice flour, almond butter, and applesauce in a bowl until smooth.
- Gently add blueberries to avoid disruption
- Preheat the oven and put the mixture in a donut pan.
- Bake it well and serve it later to your dog as a doggy donut treat!
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