Can dogs eat blueberries?
Yes (they’re OK fresh and frozen).
You’re tearing open a bag of frozen blueberries to top off your bowl of steaming oatmeal when the bag explodes all over the kitchen floor. You rush to snag all the blueberries on the ground before your pup starts licking them up, but you’re not quick enough. The good news? Fresh and frozen blueberries are generally safe for dogs to eat.
(Even though blueberries are generally safe for dogs, you should always consult your vet before introducing new foods to your pet’s diet.)
Are blueberries good for dogs?
Blueberries make great treats for dogs (you can use them for training!) because they’re bite-sized and low in calories. The following benefits of blueberries are great to incorporate into your pup's diet, but occasional bites here and there aren't enough to drastically improve their overall well-being:
- Vitamin C: supports the immune system, helps with healthy aging, offers an energy boost
- Fiber: promotes a healthy gut, helps dogs feel full
- Phytochemicals: offers anti-inflammatory properties
Are blueberries bad for dogs?
There’s always a chance that your dog experiences an upset stomach when trying new foods.
Monitor how they feel after eating a couple of blueberries before continuing to serve them.
RELATED: Can dogs eat grapes?
How many blueberries can I give my dog?
Even though blueberries are a healthy snack, they should still be served in moderation. Treats, including blueberries, should only make up 10% of your dog's total daily calories. Your veterinarian can help you determine proper portions based on your pet's specific needs.
Fresh and frozen vs. dried blueberries
Frozen and fresh blueberries are generally OK for pups to snack on. If you’re serving fresh blueberries, be sure to rinse them first, as they may have dirt or pesticide residue on them. Avoid serving dried blueberries as most dried fruits have a higher sugar content and may contain added sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
You don’t have to chop blueberries up for your dog because they’re already bite-sized. However, their small size makes them a possible choking hazard, so it’s best to monitor your pup while they’re snacking.
If you think your dog is choking on a blueberry, look out for pawing at the mouth, gagging or retching, coughing, turning blue, silence or collapsing. When a dog is choking, it’s important to act fast. In an effort to remove the object, swipe their throat using your finger and perform the Heimlich maneuver — you may need to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), too. Read our article to learn how to act fast in emergency pet choking situations.
Happy snacking
Next time your pup is practicing their training commands, feel good knowing that blueberries are a safe treat option for the goodest boys and girls. But here’s a pro-tip: pups can sometimes be messy eaters — be careful and serve them in puppy-proof areas to avoid any stains on the carpet or bedding.
We're confident that blueberries aren't the only human food your dog would love to sink their teeth into (cue the drool). Check out our series "Can dogs eat … ?" to learn more about which human foods are off-limits and what's fair game.
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