We know that some fruits can be dangerous for dogs, but at the same time, there are also some that your pets should try as a dietary supplement. Dogs can acquire nutrients through both animal sources as well as plant sources. Due to the nature of their carnivorous diet, dogs are highly flexible eaters; hence, they are also provided a wide array of different products compared to cats. Today, let’s investigate if blueberries are good for dogs.

Are Blueberries Safe for Dogs?

Regular vet visits are important, but caring for your dog’s health also means feeding them properly. As is the case with humans, what dogs eat plays an important role in their health. The owners must look after their pets and ensure that they are not eating anything harmful. Just because a lot of dogs will eat whatever you put in front of them doesn’t mean they should. So, let me reiterate the question: can dogs eat blueberries?

Canines can eat blueberries, according to research. So, you can give it to your pets in small quantities. How many blueberries a dog can have in a day will depend on its size, breed, and other factors. Other researchers do recommend an extract of blueberries for dogs and believe it to be very effective. Blueberries are a real gold mine of different ingredients that can provide your dog with multiple health benefits.

Health Benefits of Blueberries for Dogs

Can dogs eat blueberries? Now you know, they can. Plant-based foods increase a dog’s vitamin and mineral content, most of which are low in meat products. Blueberries contain a lot of valuable substances that help a dog’s body. The phenols present in these blue fruits react preferentially with free radicals, making them good antioxidants. Research suggests that older dogs may be able to delay the progression of aging with polyphenols and vitamins.

With a constant supply of antioxidants in their diet, dogs can keep their mental skills at a high level long-term. Humans have shown similar positive effects. Blueberry supplements may also offer protective benefits in dogs. Physically active dogs may be exposed to various oxidative damage during exercise. Consumption of blueberries is followed by elevated post-exercise antioxidant status and greater protection.

Potential Risks

As you know, blueberries should blandly not harm your doggy. Still, it would be best for everyone to stay alert. Different food types can cause allergic reactions in dogs. Food can trigger atopic dermatitis in dogs, and a dog can also have a food allergy that manifests as GI signs. Blueberries can be bad for some dogs who are allergic and have worrying symptoms after eating blueberries.

If you see signs of an allergy, avoid giving your dog blueberries and go to the vet. Blueberry allergies are rare, but they exist, so never underestimate a situation. They are uncomfortable for the dog and may be dangerous. Blueberries should be gradually introduced to your dog’s diet to prevent any issues.

Summary

So, can dogs eat blueberries? Yes, they can. Blueberries are a good source of food for your pet, and you can offer them in their diet to add a little variety. These delicious little gems are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that can help your dog stay healthy. Of course, don’t forget allergies. So, serve your pets the fruit in small quantities and see how they react.

Sources

• Jirayu Tanprasertsuk, Devon E. Tate, Justin Shmalberg (2021). Roles of plant‐based ingredients and phytonutrients in canine nutrition and health.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9291198/
• Kriya L. Dunlap, Arleigh J. Reynolds, Lawrence K. Duffy (2006).
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16520073/