Blueberries are superfoods that can be used as bites, and it has many benefits for the health of people. But are blueberries dog friendly? And how many blueberries are allowed for a dog?
Most dogs and puppies love blueberries, which are good in moderation. The following page explains the advantages, the safest method of serving blueberries to dogs, and so on.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Yes, dogs can safely enjoy blueberries as a healthy snack!
These antioxidant-rich berries have potent antioxidants that strengthen the immune system of your dog, fiber to enhance digestive health, and vitamins C and K. They are low in calories, thus the pups to be fed with them are weight-conscious. Blueberries should always be thoroughly washed before serving because blueberries have pesticides on them.
To control the portion, feed 2-3 berries to small dogs and 5-10 to large breeds. They are also eaten fresh or frozen. Dogs do not react very negatively to them, although in large quantities, it can result in a mild stomach upset. The natural sugars should be taken sparingly by diabetic dogs. As an extra treat, smash blueberries into plain yogurt and put them in the freezer as pup-sicles! Never feed new foods to your dog in large amounts at once, and always observe your dog as he eats.
Are Blueberries Good for Dogs?
Blueberries are not only safe fruits to take as a dog but many nutritional values are covered in blueberries.
Blueberries are low-calorie fruits that boast antioxidants that make them disease-fighting fruits, which combat diseases such as dog cancer and heart disease, known as phytochemicals.
Blueberries are low in calories and rich in fiber as well. According to research, they might also prevent damage to cells, may enhance night vision, and even aid them in sharpening their mental skills as old pets.
The following is the list of vitamins and minerals present in blueberries:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Magnesium
Are Blueberries Bad for Dogs?
Conventionally, no, blueberries are not unhealthy for most dogs. Nevertheless, high-sugar fruits like blueberries should not be given to dogs having diabetes, dogs that are sensitive to food, or dogs that are on a prescription diet in order to address a medical condition.
They may pose a choking risk. Blueberries of having small size may cause choking to small dogs when swallowed with haste.
They may result in a sick stomach. Anything in excess may end up upsetting your dog, particularly when sugar becomes part of the equation. Dogs can also have wild blueberries, which they are able to eat without any problem, though make sure they are not eaten in excess. And ensure this is blueberries, because other wild berries, such as salmonberries, may attempt to kill your canine.
How Many Blueberries Can a Dog Eat?
Although blueberries can be regarded as a healthy snack, they must be served to the dog in small amounts. You should not use treats more than 10 percent of the total diet of your dog. The remaining 90% ought to be in the form of a balanced dog food.
General rules of feeding blueberries to your dog. Some basic ideas on how to feed your dog blueberries should be mentioned, but before feeding your dog blueberries, you should consult your veterinarian. They will assist you in knowing the safe amount of consumption depending on the age of your dog, the size, and their general health.
- Extra-small dog (2-20 pounds): Serving size(1-2 blueberries)
- Tiny dog (21-30 pounds): Serving size(2-3 blueberries)
- Medium-sized dog (31 pounds to 50 pounds): Serving size(3 blueberries to 5 blueberries)
- Medium dog (51-90 pounds): Serving size(5-6 blueberries)
- Large dog (46-90 pounds): Serving size(Small handful of blueberries)
Provided that you are afraid that your dog has eaten too many blueberries, you should watch out for an upset stomach. It is time to call your veterinarian in case you observe the following symptoms:
- Loss of appetite or decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Acting depressed
- Looking uncomfortable
- The air, or objects, which they lap or lick with their tongues, or gulp down
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Bring your dog to a vet as soon as possible in case you notice prolonged vomiting, severe diarrhea, bleeding of their vomit or faeces, weakness, or collapsing.
How Often Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Blueberries can be used as a snack food for dogs every day, but not more than the recommended serving. Once more, the proportion of treats in the diet of a dog should not exceed 10%.
Treat Your Dog With Confidence
As an owner of a dog, questions such as Can dogs eat blueberries are smart to ask, as the answer to such a question is readily available due to your research, as well as in consultation with your veterinarian, you will be able to provide your dog these special treats without looking back.
Before you feed your dog any type of people food, it is always advisable that you consult your veterinarian to confirm it is not a dangerous type of food. Observation should also be done after feeding any unfamiliar food to look out for any signs of attack. Learn about other fruits and other berries that dogs can have, and foods that are not safe for them.
How To Feed Your Dog Blueberries
The following are some of the techniques of presenting blueberries to your dog:
- Clean and de-stem. Its stem may cause choking, particularly to smaller dogs.
- When buying blueberries, skip the sugared or canned, or syrupy-packed blueberries. The blueberry sold in cans is often in a syrup which has a very strong sugar concentration, and this may cause your dog stomach upsets.
Then, a few suggestions on how to safely serve this delicious morsel to your pooch in a safe fashion and with fun:
- Fresh: Feed your dog on fresh blueberries, washed without stems.
- Frozen: Blueberries can be frozen to make a crunchy, refreshing dessert.
- Mashed: Mash the blueberries and add some to your dog food.
- Dried: At home, you can prepare your own dried blueberries with special treatment when you have a dehydrator. Feed your dog slightly less of the recommended level since the dehydrating causes a concentration of the sugars. Pre-made dried blueberry dog treats, such as Pupford Blueberry Freeze-Dried Dog Treats, are also available to purchase.