Are blueberries good for dogs

Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially people foods. What might be okay for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.

Blueberries are a great snack choice for most dogs and puppies. They are bite-sized superfoods with numerous health benefits.

Check out the advice below to find out how many blueberries dogs can eat, tips on what to be careful of, whether dogs can have certain foods containing blueberries, and other important feeding tips.

Are Blueberries Good for Dogs?

Blueberries are safe fruits for dogs to eat, and they also provide many nutritional benefits. Blueberries are known for their disease-fighting properties, called phytochemicals, that battle things like cancer and heart disease. They also provide antioxidants and vitamin C.

Blueberries are also low in calories and high in fiber. They help prevent cell damage, can improve night vision, and can even help promote mental function in senior pets. Heres a list of the vitamins and minerals in blueberries:

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin K

• Calcium

• Phosphorus

• Potassium

• Magnesium

Can Blueberries Be Bad for Dogs?

Typically, no. Blueberries arent bad for most dogs. However, if your dog has diabetes, has food sensitivities, or is on a prescription diet to manage a medical condition, they should not be fed high-sugar fruits such as blueberries. There is also a potential choking hazard with blueberries if you have a small dog, or if you give your dog frozen blueberries.

And even though blueberries are healthy, too much of anything can give your dog an upset stomachespecially when theres sugar involved. Organic blueberries are always best, but be sure to thoroughly wash them before feeding them to your dog.

Wild blueberries are also safe for dogs, but dont let them eat an excessive amount. And make sure they are actually blueberries, as certain other wild berries can be poisonous for dogs.

Can Dogs Have Blueberry Muffins?

If youre thinking about sharing your blueberry muffin, dont. Its not healthy for your dog. Although dogs can eat blueberries, they shouldnt eat all the extra sugars and fats that are in foods like muffins. And depending on the ingredients, there could be something toxic to your dog in the muffin such as chocolate, xylitol, or nutmeg.

If your dog eats a small piece of a blueberry muffin that fell on the floor, they should be fine. But if the muffin did contain any ingredients that are toxic to dogs, or your dog happened to sneak a whole pan of muffins, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Can Dogs Have Blueberry Yogurt?

Blueberry yogurt purchased at the store isnt a good choice for your dog either. It will probably have a high sugar content, and too much sugar can upset your dogs stomach. Over time, too much sugar can also cause obesity and diabetes, and it may lead to cavities.

Blueberry yogurt could also contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Instead, try mixing a handful of blueberries with a plain, sugar-free, xylitol-free yogurt. Give a little bit to your dog as a special treat.

If your dog eats blueberry yogurt and you know it contains xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Blueberries?

Dried blueberries can be a great way for you and your dog to have a healthy snack. But the best way to do this is by drying them at home with a dehydrator.

Store-bought dried blueberries often contain preservatives, as well as a very high sugar content. That isnt healthy for your dog and could cause stomach problems. Check the nutrition facts and ingredients list first to see what has been added to the fruit.

How Many Blueberries Can Dogs Eat?

Even though blueberries are very healthy, they should only be given to dogs in small portions. Treats of any kind should only make up 10% of your dogs overall diet. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food.

Here are some general guidelines for feeding blueberries to your dog:

Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs

Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds

Examples: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs

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

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

If youre concerned that your dog may have eaten too many blueberries, watch for signs of an upset stomach. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Decreased appetite or loss of appetite

• Fatigue

• Acting depressed

• Looking uncomfortable

• Gulping or licking their lips, the air, or objects

Take your dog to the vet immediately if you see vomiting, excessive diarrhea, blood in their vomit or stool, weakness, or collapse.

How to Feed Your Dog Blueberries

If youre looking for fun ways to feed blueberries to your dog, here are several options:

• Pureed: If youre feeling fancy, puree the blueberries with some other fruit like bananas and strawberries. Then mix it with a little plain, sugar-free, xylitol-free yogurt or peanut butter. Put the mixture into an ice cube tray or your dogs KONG, and freeze it for an icy treat.

• In a Cake: Try this recipe for a DIY blueberry birthday cake for dogs.

Featured image: iStock.com/Ivar stby Simonsen

Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Cant Eat

Its not uncommon to want to spoil your dog by sharing your favorite people food snack instead of a dog treat. After all, if it is safe for you to eat, it must be OK for your dog to eat, right? Not necessarily. While many people foods are perfectly safe for dogs, some are very unhealthy and downright dangerous, so its critical to learn which fruits and vegetables dogs can eat.

Dogs digest foods differently than humans do, and eating the wrong foods can lead dogs to long-term health problems and, in extreme cases, even death. As omnivores, dogs have no real need for fruits or vegetables as part of their diet, but giving dog-safe fruit or vegetables to dogs as a treat or snack is OK. Fresh dog foods often include vegetables and fruits in diets formulated for dogs because they offer a source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Read on to find out which fruits and vegetables are OK for sharing in moderation and which should be avoided.

Fruits Dogs Can and Cant Eat

ApplesYes, dogs can eat apples. Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your dog. They are low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior dogs. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core first. Try them frozen for an icy warm weather snack. You can also find it as an ingredient in apple-flavored dog treats.

AvocadoNo, dogs should avoid avocado. While avocado may be a healthy snack for dog owners, it should not be given to dogs. The pit, skin, and leaves of avocados contain persin, a toxin that often causes vomiting and diarrheain dogs. The fleshy inside of the avocado fruit doesnt have as much persin as the rest of the plant, but it still can be too much for dogs to handle. Avocado flesh is also high in fat, which can cause gastroinsestinal upset for dogs, or contribute to health conditions like pancreatitis if too much is consumed. Your dog can still enjoy the benefits of avocado if you look for dog treats for skin and coat that include avocado in the ingredients.

BananasYes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. Theyre high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dogs main diet. (You can also find banana dog treats that never get overripe!)

BlueberriesYes, dogs can eat blueberries. Blueberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage in humans and canines alike. Theyre packed with fiber and phytochemicals as well. Teaching your dog to catch treats in the air? Try blueberries! The powerhouse fruit is a popular ingredient for blueberry dog treats, sometimes in combination with other superfoods like yogurt.

CantaloupeYes, cantaloupe is safe for dogs. Cantaloupe is packed with nutrients, low in calories, and a great source of water and fiber. It is, however, high in sugar, so should be shared in moderation, especially for dogs who are overweight or have diabetes. Try freezing balls or cubes of cantaloupe for your dog for a refreshing summertime enrichment snack.

CherriesNo, dogs should not eat cherries. With the exception of the fleshy fruit around the seed, cherry plants contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs. Cyanide disrupts cellular oxygen transport, which means that your dogs blood cells cant get enough oxygen. If you have a cherry tree in your yard, be sure your dog doesnt have free access to fallen fruit. If your dog eats cherries whole or cherry pits, watch for dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums, as these may be signs of cyanide poisoning, which is a veterinary emergency. If youre enjoying cherries yourself, be sure to secure the discarded pits in a dog-proof trash can or trash bin that your dog cant access, and let kids know not to share their cherries or cherry pits with your dog. To allow your dog to safely experience the antioxidant benefits that cherries have, choose cherry dog treats formulated for your friend.

CranberriesYes, cranberries are safe for dogs to eat. Both cranberries and dried cranberries are safe to feed to dogs in small quantities. Whether your dog will actually like this tart treat is another question. Either way, moderation is important when feeding cranberries to dogs, as with any treat, as too many cranberries can lead to an upset stomach. Its also worth noting that many dried cranberries sold for people to eat are sweetened, so giving them to your dog is adding unneeded sugar to their diet. Instead, if your dog craves the tangy taste of cranberries, opt for unsweetened fresh or frozen fruits, or pick up some crunchy cranberry dog treats.

CucumbersYes, dogs can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are especially good for overweight dogs, as they hold little to no carbohydrates or fat, and they are full of satiating hydration. Theyre loaded with vitamins K, C, and B1, as well as potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin. Cool cucumbers are an excellent hot weather treat if your dog enjoys them, and you can even freeze slices for a fun enrichment snack.

GrapesNo, dogs should never eat grapes. If you think your dog has eaten grapes, call your veterinarian. Grapes and raisins (dried grapes) have proved to be very toxic for dogs no matter the dogs breed, sex, or age. In fact, grapes are so toxic that they can lead to acute sudden kidney failure. Always be mindful of this dangerous fruit around dogs, especially if you have children who eat grapes or raisins in your home. If youre throwing away grapes or raisins, dont put them in a compost heap your dog has access to, and be sure your trash can is designed to be dog-proof or (for those crafty problem-solving dogs) placed where your dog cant access it.

MangoYes, dogs can eat mangoes. This sweet and juicy tropical treat is packed with four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E. Mangoes also have potassium and both beta-carotene and alpha-carotene. Just remember, as with most fruits, remove the hard pit first, as it contains small amounts of cyanide and can become a choking hazard. Mango is high in sugar, so use it as an occasional treat, especially for dogs who struggle with weight. A less messy option for getting the benefits of mangos superfood nutrients is a chewy mango dog treat.

OrangesYes, dogs can eat oranges. Oranges are fine for dogs to eat, according to veterinarians, but its common for dogs to be turned off by any kind of strong citrus smells or tastes. Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, and in small quantities, the juicy flesh of an orange can be a tasty treat for your dog. Vets do recommend tossing the orange peel and only offering your dog the flesh of the orange, minus any seeds. Orange peel is rough on their digestive systems, and the oils may make your dog literally turn up their sensitive nose. If your dog isnt a fan of fresh citrus, there are a few dog treats with oranges to choose from.

PeachesYes, peaches are safe for dogs to eat. Small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches are a great source of fiber and vitamin A, but just like cherries, the pit contains cyanide. As long as you completely cut the flesh away from the peach pit, then fresh peach flesh can be a great summer treat. Be sure the pits are safely discarded in dog-safe trash receptacles. Skip canned peaches, as they usually contain high amounts of sugary syrups. Even canned or jarred peaches in natural juice have more sugar than any dog needs. Frozen peach slices can be a fun, hot-weather enrichment snack for dogs.

PearsYes, dogs can eat pears. Pears are a great snack because theyre high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. If youre sharing pears with your dog, just be sure to cut the pear flesh into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide. Skip canned or jarred pears with sugary syrups, even the ones labeled in their own juice. You can also find pear dog treats with other functional ingredients like duck or salmon.

PineappleYes, pineapple is safe for dogs to eat. A few chunks of pineapple are a great sweet treat for dogs, as long as the prickly outside peel and crown are removed first. The tropical fruit is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme that makes it easier for dogs to absorb proteins. As with other fruits, dont choose canned or packaged pineapple in sweetened syrups, as dogs dont need added sugars in their diets, especially if theyre prone to obesity. You can also find pineapple dog treats for a taste of the islands on the go.

PumpkinYes, pure pumpkin is a healthy food for dogs. Pumpkin is full of antioxidants, but its superpower is that it works to relieve both diarrhea and constipation in dogs. If youre buying canned pumpkin, always choose 100% pumpkin puree, or you can also roast pumpkin in the oven yourself and feed the peeled pumpkin flesh to your dog. There are also many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin dog treats for dogs to enjoy.

RaspberriesYes, dogs can eat raspberries. Raspberries are safe for dogs in moderation. They contain antioxidants that are great for dogs. Theyre low in sugar and calories, but high in fiber, manganese, and vitamin C. Raspberries are especially good for senior dogs because they have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help aging joints. However, they do contain small, naturally occurring amounts of xylitol, so limit your dog to no more than eight ounces of fresh or frozen raspberries at any one time. Or, just choose a dog treat that includes raspberry as an ingredient.

StrawberriesYes, dogs can eat strawberries. Strawberries are full of fiber and vitamin C. Along with that, they also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dogs teeth as he or she eats them. Like all fruits, strawberries contain natural sugar, so offer them in moderation. Frozen strawberries can be a fun enrichment treat for dogs. (Or you could just eat the strawberries yourself and hide your dogs favorite training treat in this cute strawberry-shaped snuffle mat instead!)

TomatoesNo, dogs should avoid tomatoes. While the ripened flesh of the tomato fruit is generally safe for dogs, the green parts of the tomato plant contain a toxic substance called solanine. A dog would need to eat a large amount of the tomato plant to make him or her sick, but its better to skip tomatoes all together just to be safe. If your dog likes to explore your vegetable garden, be sure to prevent them from having access to your tomato plants. You can find dog-safe tomato treats if your dog loves the flavor or ripe, antioxidant-rich tomatoes.

WatermelonYes, dogs can eat watermelon. Its important to remove the rind and seeds first, as they can cause intestinal blockage, but watermelon flesh is otherwise safe for dogs. Its full of vitamin A, B-6, and C, as well as potassium. Watermelon is 92 percent water, so its a great way to help keep your dog hydrated on hot summer days. Freeze chunks of seeded watermelon for a fun hot-weather enrichment treat for your dog. (You can even find watermelon-flavored dog treats!)

Vegetables Dogs Can and Cant Eat

AsparagusNo, dogs should not eat asparagus. While asparagus isnt necessarily unsafe for dogs, theres really no benefit to feeding it to them. Its too tough to be eaten raw, and by the time you cook it down so its soft enough for dogs to eat, asparagus loses much of its nutritional value. If you really want to share a veggie with your dog, there are plenty of other options that would be a better choice. But, if your dog really loves asparagus for some reason, it wont harm them to eat it.

BroccoliYes, broccoli is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, and is best served as an occasional treat. It is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. However, broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild-to-potentially-severe gastric irritation in some dogs. Tough broccoli stalks have been known to cause obstruction in the esophagus in dogs. So, if your dog likes broccoli, its better to offer them cooked broccoli to help avoid these issues. (Or, let them gnaw on a broccoli-shaped dog chew toy while you dig in to your beef & broccoli takeout.)

Brussels SproutsYes, dogs can eat Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that are great for humans and dogs, alike. Dont overfeed them to your dog, however, because they can cause lots and lots of gas. Cabbage is also safe for dogssince Brussels sprouts are basically tiny cabbagesbut sharing cabbage with your dog comes with the same flatulence flag. Dont say we didnt warn you! If your dog is a big fan of Brussels sprouts or cabbage, and youre cool with the results, you might want to consider some dehydrated dog foods that include these leafy greens as a component.

CarrotsYes, dogs can eat carrots. Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus, crunching on this orange root vegetable is great for your dogs teeth. Carrots are included as an ingredient in many dog foods as well as plenty of carrot dog treats.

CeleryYes, celery is safe for dogs to eat. In addition to vitamins A, B, and C, this crunchy green snack contains the nutrients needed to promote a healthy heart and possibly fight cancer. As if that wasnt enough, celery is also known to freshen doggy breath. Find celery dog chews for an option any dog would enjoy.

Green beansYes, dogs can eat green beans. Chopped, steamed, raw, or canned all types of green beans are safe for dogs to eat, as long as they are plain. Green beans are full of important vitamins and minerals and theyre also full of fiber and low in calories. Opt for no-salt canned green beans for dogs for adding to food, or frozen green beans can be fun enrichment snacks.

MushroomsNo, dogs should avoid mushrooms. Wild mushrooms can be toxic for dogs. While only 50-100 of the 50,000 mushroom species worldwide are known to be toxic, the ones that are poisonous can really hurt your dog or even lead to death. While wild mushrooms are always a solid no, washed mushrooms purchased from the supermarket for human consumption are generally fine for dogs.

OnionsNo, dogs should never eat onions. If you think your dog has eaten onions, call your veterinarian. Onions, leeks, and chives are part of a family of plants called Allium that is poisonous to most pets, and especially cats. Eating onions can cause your dogs red blood cells to rupture, and can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. Poisoning from onions is more serious in Japanese breeds of dogs like Akitas and Shiba Inus, but all dogs are very susceptible to it. If you have children in your household, be sure they arent sharing foods with onions with your dog, and secure your onion food scraps or leftovers where your dog cannot access them.

PeasYes, dogs can eat peas. Green peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and garden or English peas are all OK for dogs to find in their bowl on occasion. Peas have several vitamins, minerals, and are rich in protein and high in fiber. You can feed your dog fresh or frozen peas, but avoid canned peas with added sodium.

SpinachYes, dogscaneat spinach, but its not one of the top vegetables youll want to be sharing with you pup. Spinach is high in oxalic acid, which blocks the bodys ability to absorb calcium and can lead to kidney damage. While your dog would probably have to eat a very large amount of spinach to have this problem, it might be best to go with another vegetable. If you want to give your dog the benefits of the leafy green, you can find spinach dog treats for an occasional snack.