Blueberries are pretty popular, and ‘can dogs eat blueberries’ is an even more popular discussion. After all, what dessert or fruit salad is complete without a handful of blueberries (fresh or frozen) sprinkled all over them? On top of that, blueberries also happen to be a superfood with plenty of benefits.
As a dog parent, constant worry about your dog’s diet is normal. For example, berries are so popular with humans that when they adopt a dog, they can’t help asking, ‘how much blueberries can dogs eat’ or ‘can dogs eat blueberries?’ or ‘are blueberries good for dogs’ to pet nutritionists everywhere.
Did you know that blueberries are high in vitamins and minerals and carry the highest antioxidant properties amongst all fruits? If a tiny blueberry is so beneficial, you can understand how valuable the fruit is for you and your dog!
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries: Health Benefits
If you were wondering can dogs eat blueberries, you have come to the right place! Yes, dogs can eat blueberries. A few positive reasons are mentioned below including these berries as a part of your dog’s diet.
1. Source Of Antioxidants
As mentioned earlier, blueberries contain the highest amount of antioxidants amongst fruits. As a result, antioxidants are great for your dog’s diet. This is because antioxidants protect the body from aging fast by fighting free radicals responsible for causing damage to cells and organs.
Interestingly, it has been observed that adding blueberries to your dog’s diet can help your dog recover faster after any demanding physical activity. So instead of worrying if puppies have blueberries, it’s best to add a few berries to your puppy’s diet, especially if you have an active puppy.
2. Rich In Vitamins And Minerals
Blueberries are rich in both vitamins and minerals. It contains ample quantities of at least three vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K – all of which are responsible for improving your puppy’s immunity system, decreasing inflammation, supporting bodily functions, enhancing the density of bones, and even nurturing the quality of the skin.
Before jumping to conclusions with one google search of ‘can dogs eat blueberries,’ consult with your nutritionist. Blueberries contain minerals like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium – all of which are responsible for boosting your dog’s growth and ability to use the minerals more productively.
Also read: Top 10 Best Dog Coats Of 2021
3. Contains Phytochemicals and Anthocyanins
Phytochemicals are chemical elements present in plants and are considered highly healthy for humans and dogs. It is even said that phytochemicals can help the body oppose diseases like cancer and decrease inflammation during chronic illnesses. For example, blueberries are high in blueberries, and another reason to answer questions like, ‘can dogs eat blueberries?’
Anthocyanins are elements that give blueberries their blue and, in some cases, purple color. Accompanied by antioxidants, anthocyanins boost the immunity system to oppose diseases like cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and heart diseases. Blueberries are so beneficial that dog food brands are not adding this superfood in their dog food formulas.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries: Quantity And Quality
1. How Many Blueberries Can Dogs Eat?
We have answered your ‘can dogs eat blueberries’ question, and now it’s essential to know how much is too much for your dog. Portion control is considered mandatory for any diet, and blueberries are no different. The size of your dog determines their portion control if you think about it.
Feeding your puppy ten blueberries daily is perfect, but in the case of a larger dog, you might need to increase the portion accordingly. There is also a tendency in dogs to gulp the food directly from their bowls without chewing – make sure that your dog doesn’t end up choking on the berries in excitement.
Read more: Top 7 Best Indoor Dogs In 2021
2. What Type Of Blueberries Can Dogs Eat?
By type, we mean the quality and the form in which you can include these super berries in your dog’s diet. For example, one of the most frequently asked questions is ‘can dogs eat frozen blueberries?’ and we have an answer to that. Yes, dogs can eat blueberries in their frozen state.
Once you know the answer to ‘can dogs eat blueberries,’ you can easily include this super berry in your dog’s diet in different forms. You can either feed your dog fresh or frozen berries. Not just that, you can mash them in a bowl or serve them in a pureed form.
While mashing blueberries in a bowl, you can add some strawberries, too, which are equally beneficial for your dog. Another frequently asked query is ‘can dogs eat blueberries and strawberries,’ but you know the answer already! Mash them all together or make a purred form with yogurt and coconut water before serving your pet.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):
1. Can I Give My Dog Blueberries Every Day?
Yes, you can feed your dog blueberries every day. However, if you are wondering how much blueberries can dogs eat, try to provide a nominal quantity because it’s nothing more than a fun treat for your dog, and treats should only occupy 10% of your dog’s daily diet.
2. What Fruit Can Dogs Not Have?
As a dog owner, it is best to stay away from cherries, grapes, and raisins, all of which can damage your dog’s kidney. But, that is not all – taking care of a dog is not as easy as it seems. Even citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and persimmons can negatively affect your dog’s stomach.
3. Can One Blueberry Hurt A Dog?
No, one blueberry will not hurt your dog. Purina Senior Nutritionist Jan Dempsey has repeatedly advised people that their dog’s daily diet should contain no more than 10% calories. This is applicable even if the treat you are giving to your dog is low on calories and healthy.
4. What Berries Can Dogs Not Eat?
If you are typing ‘can dog eat blueberries’ on Google, you will find out it is all right to feed your dog blueberries. However, many berries are not suitable for your dog and can seriously impact its health. Mistletoe berries, Gooseberries, Salmonberries, and holly berries are a few such examples.
5. Are Eggs Good For Dogs?
Yes, eggs are safe and reasonable for dogs since they are an excellent nutrition source for your dog’s diet. Eggs are considered good because they are high in vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids – all of which are helpful for your dog’s healthy well-being.
Conclusion:
Now that you have an answer to ‘can dogs eat blueberries’ and related queries, you know the power of this superfood. Blueberries taste terrific and are healthy as well. But, unfortunately, many dog owners often ask nutritionists, ‘are blueberries bad for dogs?’ Little do they know how effective these berries can be for your dog!
However, it is imperative to monitor the portion of the superfood you are giving your dog. The quantity is the key here, and messing it up could also result in health issues in your dog. Thus, as long as you track the number of blueberries and consult with your vet or nutritionist about it, your dog will only benefit from this addition.
Additional Reading:
- All You Have To Know About Pitbull lifespan
- Blue German Shepherd: A Complete Breed Profile
- Catahoula Leopard Dog: A Complete Breed Profile
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