As dog owners, we are constantly mindful of what our furry companions eat, ensuring that they have a healthy diet.
Among the many fruits and vegetables available, blueberries often stand out as a superfood for humans, packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients.
But what about our canine friends?
Can dogs enjoy blueberries too?
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Can Dogs Have Blueberries?
The answer is yes, blueberries are safe for dogs to eat.
But, like everything else, blueberries must be fed to your dog in moderation.
Blueberries are considered a superfood because they have many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are good for your health, and your dog’s health too.
Always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog new foods.
What are the Health Benefits of Blueberries for Dogs?
Blueberries are a low-calorie snack making it a healthy treat for dogs.
They are also full of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins which help support a dog’s immune system and aid in their general health.
Blueberries also have a high vitamin C content, which, according to the American Kennel Club, can help reduce inflammation and slow cognitive aging in dogs.
Can Blueberries Be Bad for Dogs?
Anything, even a good thing, can be bad for dogs in some way.
Blueberries can cause issues for dogs in a few different ways:
- Eating large amounts of blueberries can lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea
- Blueberries can be a choking hazard for some dogs, especially for small dogs
- Your dog could have an allergy to blueberries
All of these issues can be mitigated by limiting how many blueberries your dog gets each day.
To reduce the risk of choking, feed your dog their blueberries one at a time.
And be extra careful if your little dog eats their treats so fast it seems like they are inhaling them.
(Morgan is one of those, I swear she doesn’t even taste her treats they are gone so fast.)
As for allergies, if your dog has never had blueberries before, be on the lookout for signs of an allergic reaction, such as itchiness, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Adding Blueberries to Your Dog’s Diet
Dogs can have small amounts of fresh or frozen blueberries.
Blueberries also make a great addition to homemade dog treats.
One you could try is adding blueberries to homemade dog ice cream.
If your dog has any known health issues, please consult your veterinarian before giving them any new food.
Also, if you have any questions about feeding blueberries to your dog, talk with your vet first.
How Many Blueberries Can My Dog Eat Daily?
You should always consult with your veterinarian before feeding your dog any new food, but in general, a few blueberries a day should be ok.
Obviously how much you can give your dog depends on how big they are.
Luna, weighing in at about 100 pounds, can eat more blueberries in a day without issues than Morgan, at 23 pounds, can.
That’s why it’s best to consult with your vet for the correct amount to give them daily.
Another thing to consider when deciding how many blueberries to give your dog is that all treats should be limited to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.
Are Dried Blueberries Good for Dogs?
Dried blueberries may not be as good for dogs as fresh or frozen blueberries because they may have lost some of their nutritional value.
You also have to be careful of which dried blueberries you get as some have added sugar and end up being too high in sugar for dogs.
Another concern is that dried blueberries may be more of a choking hazard for smaller dogs as they are harder to chew than fresh blueberries.
If your main concern is that your blueberries will go bad before your dog can eat them all, just freeze the fresh blueberries when you get them.
Then feed them to your dog as a frozen treat.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Muffins?
No, blueberry muffins are not a good idea for dogs.
Most commercially made muffins contain many ingredients that are not good for dogs.
Some may even contain artificial sweeteners which are extremely bad for dogs.
If you’re looking for a way to give your dog blueberries as a treat, it’s best to make some homemade dog treats yourself.
Is Blueberry Yogurt Good for Dogs?
Again, no.
Most flavored yogurts contain too much sugar and other ingredients that dogs shouldn’t have.
Plus, many dogs can’t tolerate the amount of lactose in regular yogurt which could lead to stomach upset and diarrhea.
Can Dogs Have Blueberry Greek Yogurt?
Even though Greek yogurt is better for dogs than regular yogurt, your dog still shouldn’t have blueberry Greek yogurt for the same reason they shouldn’t have regular blueberry yogurt.
Any flavored yogurt is going to have too much sugar for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Pie?
No, just like the muffins and yogurt, blueberry pies are not good for dogs.
The high sugar content of pies, plus all the other ingredients in pies, make them not a good option for dogs.
The best way to give dogs blueberries is to give them plain, fresh or frozen, blueberries or to make some treats yourself.
Recipes for Blueberry Dog Treats You Can Make at Home
Now that you know all the benefits of blueberries for dogs, it’s time to get cooking!
Check out these blog posts on how to make homemade dog treats with blueberry as an ingredient.
Frozen Blueberry Dog Treats are a simple treat made with plain Greek yogurt and blueberries.
Frozen Watermelon Blueberry Dog Treats are a great treat for those hot summer days.
Crunchy Dog Treats with Blueberry, Oats, and Peanut Butter are a baked biscuit type dog treat.
Store-Bought Blueberry Treats
If you don’t want to make homemade dog treats, or you want something that can be stored longer, there are a few store-bought options.
Nutro Mini Bites Dog Treats have a blueberry and yogurt flavored dog treat that is made with all-natural ingredients and would work great as a training treat or any time treat.
Charlee Bear Natural Bear Crunch Grain-Free Bacon & Blueberry Dog Treats are another all-natural dog treat that would be good to give to your dog.
WholeHearted Grain Free Blueberry/Yogurt Dog Treats are made with whole blueberries and have no artificial flavors or colors.
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