Likepapaya , cheese , andcarrots , blueberries are one of those intellectual nourishment that could well double as a wiener treat or get gobble up quickly if dropped in the kitchen with a hungry scavenger nearby . But can dogs run through blueberries and — more importantly — are they actually well for them ?
We asked a vet to answer some of the most frequently asked questions palisade canines and blueberries . funny about whether blueberries are safe for dogs , if they convey any wellness benefits , and which blueberry - instill human foods are dog - well-disposed ( or not ) ? Here ’s everything you require to have it off .
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Yes ! According to North Carolina - based veterinarianDr . Judy Morgan , who narrow in integrative veterinary music , blueberry bush are a smashing alternative to store - buy goodies .
course bit - sized , portable , and delicious , blueberry bush are safe to use as a wages while frankfurter training . You could also apply them as a fancy food topper for particular occasions like birthdays or adoption anniversary .
Are Blueberries Good for Dogs?
“ blueberry are a very healthy treat and intellectual nourishment addition for dog-iron , ” says Morgan .
A well - know “ superfood , ” blueberries are skillful for andiron , provide cuspid with some of the same health benefits they pass on to humans . For this rationality , you might line up this hefty Charles Edward Berry on the ingredients leaning for some andiron treats . ( More on this later ! )
So , what are the benefits of blueberries for heel ? For one , they ’re packed with anthocyanins , the fancy term for a case of antioxidant that campaign free chemical group or unstable atoms that put down cell and hasten up mature , says Morgan .
Antioxidants help protect your barker ’s body and brain from these microscopic , destructive forces . This is especially fundamental for older dog . In fact , studies show a more antioxidant - rich diet can lower the effects of cognitive decline in senior ( 1 . )
blueberry also put up up plenty of vitamin C and health - boosting plant - based nutrient , as well as fiber , which assist feed the good bacteria in your dog ’s intestine that promote a salubrious immune organization , notes Morgan .
For all the benefits attributed to blueberries , there are some that stay unproven . For example , blueberries are often credited with helping to cureurinary tract infection ( UTIs)orremove tear stainsfrom underneath your puppy ’s oculus . However , according to Morgan , the panel is still out .
“ There ’s short scientific evidence to support the exercise of blueberries to treat UTIs — but they wo n’t hurt , either , ” says Morgan .
As far as tear stain removal croak , these rust fungus - colorize mark can happen for a number of reasons — one of which may be bacteria on the Earth’s surface of a dog ’s eye or peel . So changing your dog ’s microbiome for the better with foods like blueberry could lead to improvement , says Morgan . But , again , there ’s no research to back this up as a go - to treatment .
Are Blueberries Bad for Dogs?
blueberry bush are n’t bad for dog . Generally , they ’re safe for puppies , adult dogs , and seniors , alike . If you have a particularly small dog , keep in judgement that they could be a choking hazard — so view chopping or mashing them up .
One potential downside : If you feed your puppy very large quantities of blueberries , they could end up with an upset stomach or diarrhea , say Morgan . That ’s why it ’s important to recall of blueberries as an periodic treat to be enjoyed in moderation … not served by the bucketful - full .
Blueberries and Dogs: Feeding Tips
It ’s okay to feed your dog sweet or frozen blueberries . Both option are healthier option than dried blueberries , which can be high in added sugar and preservative .
When preparing blueberries for your pup , wash them thoroughly with brisk water to remove any dirt or pesticides , just as you would for yourself , before serving them to your dog .
If you ’re wonder just how many blueberry bush your dog can eat ( and how often ) , follow the 10 percent rule : About 90 percent of your dog ’s diet should be devoted to a dog food that provides perfect and balanced nutrition . The rest can go to snacks like domestic dog - well-disposed yield , veggies , and treats , let in blueberries .
Of course , what this portion looks like will depend on the size of it of your dog . “ Anywhere from a few blueberries a day for very lowly heel to up to ¼ cupful twice day by day for prominent dogs should be fine , ” say Morgan .
As far as other treats go , turn over most blueberry bush - found human solid food off - limits for dogs . Do n’t feed your little one sunbaked good like blueberry muffins or flapcake , which are often high-pitched in saccharide and other ingredient that are n’t ripe for dogs , advises Morgan . The same buy the farm for yogurt product with large amounts of tot up saccharide or those bear contrived sweeteners , which can be toxic to firedog .
When attend to your pup blueberry for the first time , watch them tight to detect any signs of an adverse response . Be certain to refer with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about including blueberries in your dog ’s diet .
