Key points
- Blueberries are a low-calorie product that has a lot of health benefits. These berries are rich in minerals and vitamins, and they have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Be careful with how many blueberries you feed your dog, as they contain sugar which can cause cavities. Their small size may also cause dogs to choke.
- You can feed your dog raw, dried, frozen, or mashed blueberries. You can combine them with other fruit and vegetables, add them to your pet’s meal, or simply feed them as a snack.
- Giving commercially prepared blueberry yogurts, pancakes, muffins, or anything with artificial blueberry flavoring to your pet, may cause indigestion and nausea.
It’s important to carefully examine the benefits and potential dangers of every product you give to your dog. Blueberries are known to be good antioxidants, plus they have a strong anti-inflammatory effect in humans. Interestingly, these berries have the same impact on dogs, making them one of the top products to add to your pet’s diet. The scale of health benefits that blueberries can have on your dog is precisely the reason why so many dog food manufacturers add them to their dog food formulas.
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What Are The Benefits Of Blueberries For Dogs?
Blueberries are low in calories, which makes them a perfect snack. But this is not the only advantage of these berries. A recent study showed that blueberries significantly reduced the dogs’ recovery time after heavy exercise. They also helped cognitive dysfunction and slowed down the aging process in senior dogs.
Nutrients Found In Blueberries
Lots Of Vitamins
Blueberries are rich in Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C, which are known to boost the immune system, increase bone density, reduce the risk of inflammation, and promote healthy skin, coat, nerves, and muscles.
Minerals
Blueberries are packed with essential minerals, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. They help your dog store and use other vitamins and minerals and help keep your pet’s bones healthy.
Antioxidants
Blueberries are widely known for their high antioxidant content, and many dietitians even recommend consuming them daily. Because of the antioxidants contained in them, blueberries can slow down aging and help the body deal with free radicals that cause cellular and molecular damage.
Phytochemicals
These chemical compounds are found in plants, and they benefit both pets and their owners. It has been proven that phytochemicals reduce inflammation in patients with chronic diseases and help our bodies fight cancer.
Anthocyanins
These molecules give blueberries their blue or purple color. They work together with antioxidants to lower risks for many diseases, such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
How Many Blueberries Can A Dog Eat?
Despite their numerous health benefits, blueberries can upset your dog’s digestive system if the pet eats too many berries in one sitting. It’s widely accepted that treats should make up no more than 10% of a pet’s caloric intake. This notion holds true even if you’re giving your pet healthy plant-based treats such as blueberries. Keep in mind that blueberries contain sugar, so your canine shouldn’t have too many of them in any case. Generally, if you have a small dog, 10 blueberries per day are more than enough, and if your pet is larger, you can increase the quantity accordingly. You can also talk with your veterinarian to determine how many blueberries you can feed your dog based on its age, size, and health condition.
Ways To Give Blueberries To Your Dog
Blueberries are very easy to feed to your pet, as you can give them dried, frozen, mashed, or fresh. You can also make a smoothie from smashed blueberries and easily combine them with bananas, cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, and many other fruits and vegetables for a potent boost of plant-powered nutrition. Most pet owners opt to give their dogs fresh blueberries. You can either give the pet one blueberry at a time as a treat or add them to your dog’s food. Don’t forget to rinse the blueberries with water and take out moldy berries before treating your pet. Frozen blueberries may cause choking, particularly in small dogs, but they are still generally safe for dogs to eat. Just make sure you watch your dog while feeding it berries to prevent choking.
Are Blueberry Muffins Good For Dogs?
Many pet owners love blueberry muffins, but you should think twice before sharing them with your dog. Other ingredients present in these baked goods may upset your canine’s stomach and cause indigestion. This being said, you definitely shouldn’t feed your dog blueberry pie, pancakes, blueberry yogurt, or anything with artificial blueberry flavoring.
FAQ
Can blueberries make a dog sick?
In most cases, blueberries will not make your dog sick. But their small size can be a reason for choking. Eating too many blueberries at once can also upset your pet’s stomach.
Can I feed my dog blueberries daily?
Yes, dogs can eat blueberries, but consult with your vet first.
What berries are poisonous to dogs?
Mistletoe berries, gooseberries, baneberries, salmonberries, holly berries, and pokeberries are toxic to dogs. Canines should also never eat grapes and raisins, as they are incredibly poisonous for them.
Why do dogs hate blueberries?
Dogs can be disinterested in raw fruit because of its smell and texture.
What are the benefits of blueberries for dogs?
Blueberries contain a lot of antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and vitamins C and K. They’ve been shown to promote faster recovery after exercise and help combat cognitive dysfunction in elderly dogs.
