What do blueberries do 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

Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? Analysis of Proven Benefits

Quick Disclaimer: We may always want to share our human food with our pup or try to fit our food into our pup's diet. While it's generally fine if a healthy dog eats certain fruits and veggies, this doesn't apply to every dog. It is dependent on your dog and if they have any conditions. For example, high-sugar fruits can be a great snack in moderation for some dogs but not for dogs with diabetes. Always ask your vet if your dog can eat certain foods before feeding them to your dog.

Blueberries are a favorite summer fruitfull of multiplevitamins and minerals for people. But can dogs eat blueberries as well?

And are blueberries for dogs safe to consume?

What are the benefits of feeding blueberries to dogs, and are there any side effects?

Let's take a closer look.

If you've been wondering, Can I give my dog blueberries? OR Are blueberries good for dogs? The answer is YES dogs can eat blueberries, and blueberries are not toxic to dogs.

Blueberries are good for dogs because of the high amount of nutrients and antioxidants they provide.

That said, blueberries for dogs are only good in moderation and as an occasional treat.

They should not become a regular snack for a dog, and it's best to use them inhomemade dog food mealsor as healthy doggy treats for your canine now and again.

In this article, I'll take a science-based look at how blueberries may affect dogs. I'll also answer questions like How many blueberries can a dog eat?

READ:Strawberries for Dogs 101

What are blueberries?

Blueberries are a low-calorie, highly nutritious, and sweet-tasting fruit (botanically, a berry) from theVacciniumgenus.

The blueberry is a flowering shrub that produces blue or purple berries, which are green at first and darken as they ripen.

Highbush blueberries are domestic to the United States, and lowbush blueberries are considered wild-grown.

They are more closely related to huckleberries and cranberries than they are related to other popular berries likeraspberriesor strawberries.

This is what fresh raw blueberries look like:

Blueberries have been known as an incredibly healthyfood for centuries.

They are considered asuperfood for dogsand humans due to the many nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they provide.

Below, we'll analyze all of their benefits.

Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? Blueberries for Dogs 101

So, can dogs eat blueberries just as well as humans can?

Yes, absolutely blueberries are safe for dogs to eat.

Be sure to feed blueberries in moderation to avoid any digestive upset in your dog.

One study found that blueberry extract can be healthy and safe for dogs even when mixed with grape extract (1), which was surprising to see sincefeeding grapes to dogs, in general, can be considered a dangerous practice.

Blueberries are chock-full ofnutrition, and these below are some of the most essential vitamins and minerals found in blueberries that are good for dogs:

• Antioxidants
• Silicon
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B complex
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Selenium
• Zinc
• Iron

Similar to many other berries we've already covered, blueberries can improve both human and animal health when given in moderation.

For example, feeding your dog two or three blueberries as a bi-daily treat can provide some definite health benefits over time.

Some studies have shown that in working dogs, in particular (2), feeding blueberries can help with preventingoxidative damage that results from strenuous exercise.

The exact same result from blueberries was observed in human clinical trials, which I will talk about below.

It tells us that forathletic dogs, in particular, blueberries can bevery effective.

Let's take a look at some of the scientific research on blueberries and the proven benefits they have, as observed in both human and animal studies.

I'll start with some of the most powerful plant compounds found in blueberries:

• Quercetin, flavonol that lowers blood pressure and reduces risk of heart disease(3)
• Anthocyanins, antioxidants that may reduce the risk of heart disease(4)
• Myricetin, flavonol that may reduce risk of diabetes and cancer(5)

The above three plant compounds are responsible for some of the main benefits of blueberries.

These, alongside vitamins and minerals in blueberries, in particular Vitamin C (6), Vitamin K1 (7), and Manganese (8) make blueberries one of the best superfoods.

Here's an evidence-based breakdown of how blueberries work for dogs and humans and some very good reasons to add them to your canine's diet in moderate amounts:

• Blueberries have the highest amount of antioxidants of all foods(9,10)
• Blueberries protect cholesterol from damage and improve heart(11)
• Blueberries improve blood pressure(12,13)
• Blueberries protect against aging and cancer()
• Blueberries may prevent heart disease and heart strokes(15)
• Blueberries help fight diabetes(16)
• Blueberries help fight urinary tract infections(17)
• Blueberries reduce oxidative stress and muscle damage(2,18)
• Blueberries improve memory and brain function(19,20)

The above is just a brief breakdown of studies on blueberries and how they affect humans and animals.

There are about another 100 papers I was able to locate on the positive effects of blueberries, but I'm not going to bore you with those.

As you can see, there's a very good reason to consume blueberries yourself, and it's likely that since blueberries for dogs are safe and non-toxic, they could be a good addition to your dog's diet.

Note that only some of the studies are done with dogs, while the majority of observed health benefits of blueberries were from human clinical trials.

How To Feed Your Dog Blueberries

Blueberries can be fed to your dog in several different ways.

If you want to make it fun for both you and your dog, here are some different ways you can feed them:

Fresh blueberries: I love them this way, quick and easy, lol.

Frozen blueberries: Put a handful in a cup and toss them in the freezer for a few hours. Pull them out on hot summer days for a nice treat. For small dog owners, these could be a choking hazard, so I'd skip this one.

Blueberry puree: I've never done this, but you just blend a bunch of blueberries for food topping throughout the week. Every day, put a tiny spoon of blueberry mash on top of their meal.

Dried blueberries: I don't have a dehydrator, but I've thought about it. If you do, just use it to make your own blueberry raisins for both you and your dog to enjoy.

This is not to be confused with raisins themselves; do not feed these to your dog, as you can put them at risk of kidney failure.

DIY recipes: You can make a blueberry yogurt cake for your pup. I've seen someone else make blueberry granola bars. Becareful not to give your dog too much sugar with these treats. Or, if you want, you can spice it up with peanut butter blueberry kisses!

Can dogs drink blueberry juice?

Since blueberry juice is basically blueberries in liquid form a blueberry extract it's safe to assume that dogs can drink blueberry juice with no issues, provided that only a small amount is given at a time. It's not part of your dog's regular diet.

While blueberry juice will have many of the health benefits of whole blueberries for dogs, it will also lack in others, in particular fiber.

Fiber is important for many aspects of a dog's body, especially when consuming sweet fruit like a blueberry, which is high in natural sugars.

Needless to say, it's best not to give your dog any type of artificial or processed blueberry juice.

If you were to give a little bit, make sure it's natural and freshly squeezed.

Berries for dogs

We have previously covered several other types of berries for dogs, all of which are safe and healthy for canines to consume in moderate amounts.

The same applies to blueberries, as studies clearly show some immensely huge benefits they can provide.

The four main types of berries for dogs to eat are:

• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Blueberries

Adding any or all of the above berries into your dog's diet or giving them as an occasional treat can boost your canine's health and overall well-being.

Now, let's take a closer look at the specific health benefits of blueberries for dogs and where they come from.

10 Potential Benefits of Blueberries for Dogs

We've already established a clear-cut answer to the question, Can I feed blueberries to my dog, and since blueberries are non-toxic and safe for dogs, it may be a good idea to start giving them to your canine now and again in small to moderate amounts.

Here are the ten potential health benefits of feeding blueberries to dogs:

1. Antioxidants fight cancer and aging

Blueberries are believed to have the highest antioxidant capacity of all vegetables and fruits on the planet, as the studies mentioned above have shown.

These antioxidants prevent cellular and molecular damage in both humans and animals caused by free radicals in the body.

DNA damage leads to aging and the development of cancer.

Antioxidants in blueberries help directly fight the aging process in many different ways.

They help prevent brain aging and improve memory.

2. Silicon for bone and skin structures.

Silicon is a mineral found in moderate amounts in blueberries that may encourage healthy bone growth and the strengthening of connective tissues in the canine body.

This mineral may help your dog's joints remain supple and fight off osteoporosis and arthritis as the dog ages. Silicon also promotes healthy growth of hair, nails, and skin.

3. Vitamin A for eye health

The beta-carotene of Vitamin A, which is found in small amounts in blueberries, promotes overall eye health.

While blueberries aren't the main source of it, the vitamin is still there.

This vitamin may also improve a dog's coat and skin.

On top of that, Vitamin A works to improve healthy bone growth and other bone-related processes in the body.

4. Vitamin B Complex

Blueberries contain small amounts of Vitamin B complex, meaning a variety of different B vitamins.

These vitamins are responsible for critical cell functions and development, such as the production of energy to cells and the division and regeneration of cells.

Vitamin B complex may also assist in neural regeneration and growth in the canine body, as well as the prevention of bladder stone formation.

5. Vitamin C = Strong Immune System

Blueberries contain significant amounts of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which may improve a dog's immune system.

In particular, Vitamin C reduces oxidative cell damage, improves the immune system, and may prevent cancer and autoimmune diseases in dogs.

6. Vitamin E promotes cell metabolism

Vitamin E in blueberries is an antioxidant that also produces the membranes surrounding cells, fat metabolism, and cell respiration.

7. Vitamin K for blood and liver health

Blueberries have Vitamin Kin them which has a significant impact on your dog's body.

Vitamin K may improve blood and liver health in dogs, as well as have positive effects on heart and bone diseases incanines.

8. Selenium encourages a healthy immune system

Alongside Vitamin C in blueberries, seleniummay also be vital to the formation of a healthy immune system in your dog. This benefit also extends to the thyroid gland.

Additionally, selenium has been found to help with joint health, improve skin and coat conditions, and prevent cancers in human clinical trials.

9. Zinc for proper metabolic body processes

Zinc found in small amounts in blueberries is crucial to the immune system as a whole and also the production of many vital hormones.

It plays a key role in the synthesis of DNA and the replication of DNA and RNA.

Zinc also promotes healthy eyesight and strong hair, skin, and nails, as well as improves brain function and memory.

It is vital to skeletal structure and collagen synthesis.

10. Iron for hemoglobin development and enzyme functions.

Blueberries provide iron, a crucial chemical element that is necessary for the body to survive.

Iron creates hemoglobin and institutes proper enzyme function.

So, can I give my dog blueberries?

With all the above, it's clear thatyes you can give your dog blueberriesas an occasional treat, and it would be a good idea to keep blueberries in your dog's diet.

Blueberries make a very healthy snack for your dog when given in small amounts.

It's best to give them a few times a week and observe your dog and how he reacts to it.

Fresh, natural, whole blueberries that have been thoroughly washed are the best choice for the dog over blueberry juice, dried blueberries, and especially anything processed.

The Bottom Line: Blueberries are not only safe for dogs, but they are a nutritional powerhouse of a snack that provides your dog with whole body health.

2 Potential Disadvantages of Blueberries for Dogs

Blueberries are one of the few berries that have been studied and tested with dogs and have been shown to be safe and even improve their health.

Feeding these to dogs has no side effects, provided that you do so in moderation and monitor your canine.

However, when giving too many blueberries to dogs, there's one potential adverse effect:

1. Gastrointestinal Upset in dogs.

Feeding an excess of blueberries to your dog may upset his stomach, causing either constipation or diarrhea due to the high amount of natural sugars in blueberries.

Dogs with sensitive stomachs are more prone to develop gastrointestinal discomfort and irritability, which is why it's not recommended to feed blueberries to these dogs.

2. Blueberries can be a Potential choking hazard for small dogs

Giving a couple of blueberries makes it easy for your big dog to gobble up. But for a small dog, not so much.

For feeding small dogs, just feed them one by one, and just avoid giving them frozen blueberries altogether.

Just so you don't have to worry about it.

FAQ

How many blueberries can a dog eat?

As I've said in this article, snacks should only make up 10% of a dog's diet.

Follow these guidelines, and you'll be fine:

• Small Dogs (2-20lbs): 1-2 berries
• Medium Sized Dogs (20-50): 2-3 berries
• Large Dogs (50-100 lbs): 3-5 berries
• Giant Breeds (+100lbs): It's fine to feed your dog a handful of these berries

Can A Dog Have Blueberry Muffins?

No, just no. Muffins are mixed with a lot of sugar and fat and are just one of those foods you cannot feed your dog.

Depending on the muffin, there could be compounds toxic to dogs, like chocolate, xylitol, yeast dough, cinnamon, and nutmeg!

Just avoid it at all costs!

Can My Dog Eat Blueberries: Before You Go

In conclusion,dogs can eat blueberries.

They are evenrecommended to add to your dog's diet, particularly if you prepare homemade dog food meals.

Blueberriesare scientifically proven to be an extremely highly nutritious treatwith the highest amount of antioxidants of all foods on the planet.

They provide tons of benefits for the overall body and brain health, from stronger bones to a tougher immune system to preventative care against disease and cancer.

READ NEXT:How To Make Homemade Dog Treats

References

Click here to see study citations and references

Footnotes, study citations and further reading:

1. Martineau, A.-S., Leray, V., Lepoudere, A., Blanchard, G., Bensalem, J., Gaudout, D., On behalf of Neurophenols Consortium. (2016). A mixed grape and blueberry extract is safe for dogs to consume. BMC Veterinary Research, 12, 162. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-016-0786-5
2. Dunlap KL, Reynolds AJ, Duffy LK. Total antioxidant power in sled dogs supplemented with blueberries and the comparison of blood parameters associated with exercise. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol. 2006 Apr;143(4):429-34. Epub 2006 Mar 6.
3. Larson, A. J., Symons, J. D., & Jalili, T. (2012). Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin to Decrease Blood Pressure: Review of Efficacy and Mechanisms. Advances in Nutrition, 3(1), 3946. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.111.001271
4. Wallace, T. C. (2011). Anthocyanins in Cardiovascular Disease. Advances in Nutrition, 2(1), 17. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.110.000042
5. Phillips, P. A., Sangwan, V., Borja-Cacho, D., Dudeja, V., Vickers, S. M., & Saluja, A. K. (2011). Myricetin Induces Pancreatic Cancer Cell Death via the Induction of Apoptosis and Inhibition of the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (PI3K) Signaling Pathway. Cancer Letters, 308(2), 181188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canlet.2011.05.002
6. Shaik-Dasthagirisaheb YB, Varvara G, Murmura G, Saggini A, Caraffa A, Antinolfi P, Tete' S, Tripodi D, Conti F, Cianchetti E, Toniato E, Rosati M, Speranza L, Pantalone A, Saggini R, Tei M, Speziali A, Conti P, Theoharides TC, Pandolfi F. Role of vitamins D, E and C in immunity and inflammation. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2013 Apr-Jun;27(2):291-5.
7. Bgel S. Vitamin K and bone health. Proc Nutr Soc. 2003 Nov;62(4):839-43.
8. Aschner JL1, Aschner M. Nutritional aspects of manganese homeostasis. Mol Aspects Med. 2005 Aug-Oct;26(4-5):353-62.
9. Kelly L. Wolfe, Xinmei Kang, Xiangjiu He, Mei Dong, Qingyuan Zhang and Rui Hai Liu. Cellular Antioxidant Activity of Common Fruits. Department of Food Science and Institute of Comparative and Environmental Toxicology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-7201
10. Prior RL1, Cao G, Prior RL, Cao G. Analysis of botanicals and dietary supplements for antioxidant capacity: a review. J AOAC Int. 2000 Jul-Aug;83(4):950-6.
11. Khurana, S., Venkataraman, K., Hollingsworth, A., Piche, M., & Tai, T. C. (2013). Polyphenols: Benefits to the Cardiovascular System in Health and in Aging. Nutrients, 5(10), 37793827. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5103779
12. Sarah A. Johnson, PhD, RD, CSO, Arturo Figueroa, MD, PhD, FACSM, Negin Navaei, Alexei Wong, PhD, Roy Kalfon, MS, Lauren T. Ormsbee, MS, Rafaela G. Feresin, MS, Marcus L. Elam, MS, Shirin Hooshmand, PhD, Mark E. Payton, PhD, Bahram H. Arjmandi, PhD, RD. Daily Blueberry Consumption Improves Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness in Postmenopausal Women with Pre- and Stage 1-Hypertension: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2014.11.001
13. Basu, A., Du, M., Leyva, M. J., Sanchez, K., Betts, N. M., Wu, M., Lyons, T. J. (2010). Blueberries Decrease Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Obese Men and Women with Metabolic Syndrome. The Journal of Nutrition, 140(9), 15821587. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.110.124701
14. Wilms LC1, Boots AW, de Boer VC, Maas LM, Pachen DM, Gottschalk RW, Ketelslegers HB, Godschalk RW, Haenen GR, van Schooten FJ, Kleinjans JC. Impact of multiple genetic polymorphisms on effects of a 4-week blueberry juice intervention on ex vivo induced lymphocytic DNA damage in human volunteers. Carcinogenesis. 2007 Aug;28(8):1800-6. Epub 2007 Jun 29.
15. Cassidy, A., Mukamal, K. J., Liu, L., Franz, M., Eliassen, A. H., & Rimm, E. B. (2013). A high anthocyanin intake is associated with a reduced risk of myocardial infarction in young and middle-aged women. Circulation, 127(2), 188196. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.112.122408
16. Stull, A. J., Cash, K. C., Johnson, W. D., Champagne, C. M., & Cefalu, W. T. (2010). Bioactives in Blueberries Improve Insulin Sensitivity in Obese, Insulin-Resistant Men and Women. The Journal of Nutrition, 140(10), 17641768. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.110.125336
17. Jepson RG1, Craig JC. A systematic review of the evidence for cranberries and blueberries in UTI prevention. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2007 Jun;51(6):738-45.
18. McLeay, Y., Barnes, M. J., Mundel, T., Hurst, S. M., Hurst, R. D., & Stannard, S. R. (2012). Effect of New Zealand blueberry consumption on recovery from eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 9, 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-9-19
19. Devore, E. E., Kang, J. H., Breteler, M. M. B. and Grodstein, F. (2012), Dietary intakes of berries and flavonoids in relation to cognitive decline. Ann Neurol., 72: 135143. doi:10.1002/ana.23594
20. KRIKORIAN, R., SHIDLER, M. D., NASH, T. A., KALT, W., VINQVIST-TYMCHUK, M. R., SHUKITT-HALE, B., & JOSEPH, J. A. (2010). Blueberry Supplementation Improves Memory in Older Adults. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 58(7), 39964000. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf9029332