Home Dog Nutrition Guides Can Dogs Eat Blueberry? Are Blueberries Bad For Dogs

Can Dogs Eat Blueberry? Are Blueberries Bad For Dogs

Can Dogs Eat Blueberry?

Can Dogs Eat Blueberry I Are Blueberries Bad For Dogs I Are blueberries bad for dogs?

Do you want to share your fruit snack with your dog? Are you wondering if blueberry has the same benefits for dogs as it does for us? In this article we will answer this important question, and more!

So what are you wait

The blueberry is a typical summer fruit, excellent to eat in the months of July and August under the sun. 

It is a small, sweet berry fruit, and served fresh it is an excellent snack to soothe the stomach and protect yourself from the summer heat. 

But can dogs eat blueberries? What are the benefits and risks associated with this food? Here is the opinion of the experts

In this article, we will talk about a food that confuses many dog ​​owners: blueberries. Are they safe or bad for dogs?

Can Dogs Eat Blueberry?

The answer is yes! The dog can eat blueberries. But there are various things to know before sharing a snack with Fido. 

The metabolism and nutritional needs of dogs are obviously different from ours, and we must act accordingly. 

Can Dogs Eat Blueberry

As always in these cases, especially when it comes to dog nutrition, the keyword is moderation. 

Excessive consumption of fruit can cause health problems. For this, it is necessary to moderate the portions of a fruit which in any case ensures the dog various benefits.

Are blueberries safe for dogs?

To this question, I answer yes, thanks to the excellent amount of antioxidants they contain.

 In the next paragraph, we will deepen this aspect, while in this we will talk about the fact that they can be digested and assimilated by the dog. 

But then, you ask, why can they be seen whole in dog feces? Because the blueberries we find on the market are 90% cultivated and large, even 5 times more than wild blueberries, and because they are given whole and raw. Even grown and large ones can be digested, by crushing them or preparing a simple stew, to be added to a meal or snack.

If you also want some scientific data, I tell you that in some research carried out in the United States, at the Voyageurs National Park, blueberries have often been found as part of the diet of the wolves that live in the park. 

Richard Patton in his book Ruined by Excess, Perfected by Lack also talks about the digestibility tests of blueberries in polar bears, which he carried out. 

These animals are carnivores like wolves, and research results show that polar bears can digest carbohydrates up to 85%, like omnivorous animals.

The antioxidant properties of blueberries

Bilberries have a strong antioxidant activity, thanks to polyphenols, substances that act as very powerful antioxidants.

 They are also rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K and many micro minerals. In particular, anthocyanins are the most powerful polyphenol in bilberries, they act as protectors of the brain and nervous system. 

Can Dogs Eat Blueberry

The brain is a fat-rich organ that uses a lot of oxygen for function, so it is at greater risk of oxidation and free radical production.

 Not just the brain, but many other organs and parts of the dog’s body can suffer from oxidative stress.

Two studies show how blueberries are good for dogs: USA research in 2017 showed a strong reduction of oxidative stress in dogs used in assisted service programs. 

Blueberries had been incorporated into commercial dry food (kibble). The second research, carried out in Alaska in 2006, observed a good decrease in oxidative stress in sled dogs, which had received blueberries in their diet.

When Are Blueberries Bad for Dogs?.

Knowing which foods are good for the dog and which are not is a big concern for anyone with a dog.

After all, several foods that include chocolate and xylitol top the list of the most poisonous substances for dogs. 

The flavor of blueberries

Dogs have a very similar sense of taste to ours. Their taste buds are able to identify sweet, bitter, and salty flavors.

However, strange as it may seem, dogs don’t have as many taste buds as we do. Humans, in fact, have 9,000, while dogs have about 1700.

Can Dogs Eat Blueberry

It may seem to you that your dog will be less bothered by the taste of blueberries because his sense of taste is reduced, but this is not the case at all. Dogs, in fact, can be very bothered by the strong flavor of blueberries!

Your dog’s taste buds aren’t as many as yours, but his sense of smell is considerably superior to ours. Dogs smell about 100,000 times better than us, thanks to their 300 olfactory receptors.

Not only is the nose more sensitive, but also the brain – when analyzing smells – works 40 times more.

We can therefore say that both the sense of smell and the brain do a great job.

Some research has also helped us to understand that the dog’s sense of smell allows it not to be too attracted to blueberries.

According to a study published in an important scientific journal, blueberries contain as many as 14 aromatic components, the combination of which gives these fruits a fruity and sour aroma.

This is probably why dogs turn up their noses when offered blueberries.

Are blueberries good for dogs? 

Now that you understand that your dog can safely eat blueberries in small quantities, even if he doesn’t want to, you’ll be happy to know if they’re good for him.

Well, some studies show that yes, they are good for them.

1. Blueberries for treating urinary tract infections-

If your dog often suffers from urinary tract infections and you want to try treating them with blueberries, talk to your vet first. Make an appointment with him to do some urinalysis to take stock of the situation.

Harmful bacteria that cause infections are Escherichia Coli, Proteus, and Staphylococcus.

The antioxidant Proanthocyanidin found in blueberries also helps prevent bacteria from clinging to the bladder walls, which is very important if you want to prevent an infection. If the bacteria can’t attach themselves to the walls, they can’t reproduce or start an infection.

Don’t be fooled by the complex name, proanthocyanidin simply makes the bladder walls slippery and forces microorganisms out of the body along with the urine.

2. Blueberry against diarrhea

Few people know it but blueberry is also useful in the treatment of diarrhea, both in humans and in pets. 

Thanks to the astringent and antidiarrheal properties exerted by the tannins contained in the leaves and fruits of blueberry, this plant can be used as a remedy to combat diarrhea, even in the case of mild enteritis.

How many blueberries can my dog eat?

Cranberry extract can be given to dogs in both capsules and pills. There are many blueberry products on sale in pet stores, and your vet will surely be able to advise you which ones are best.

Can Dogs Eat Blueberry

But you may be wondering, how many blueberries can I give the dog? This is a very important question.

Unfortunately, despite the fact that they are good, you have to take it easy with blueberries.

The right dosage

You may have already guessed that blueberries are somewhat acidic. If your dog takes too much acid, the pH of his urine changes. A healthy dog ​​usually has a urinary pH of 6.5 or 7.

When urine becomes acidic, there is a risk of urinary stones, which are very similar to human kidney stones.

In dogs, calcium oxalate causes stones to form. Small sand-like grains accumulate to form stones. If your dog tries to urinate and stones start to come out of the bladder, there is a risk of urethral obstruction.

A blocked urethra is an emergency and needs immediate veterinary attention. Your poor puppy may even need surgery!

You can avoid these problems by giving your dog the right dosage of blueberries. In small doses, that’s fine, so try to follow the instructions listed on the package.

If you have a small dog, a 100mg supplement per day will do just fine. For larger dogs, the right dose is 400 mg per day.

Your vet will still be better able to advise you than anyone when it’s time to decide on the right dose, so don’t hesitate to ask.

How do you offer blueberries to your dog?

Can Dogs Eat Blueberry

Using blueberry for medicinal purposes is certainly another thing than adding this fruit to your pug’s diet.

My pugs (except Giotto) love all fruit and blueberries are among their favorites. Small fruits are usually well tolerated by the dog and bring, as mentioned above, many benefits if given as a superfood

Usually, the flavor of blueberries is well tolerated by dogs and you will not have to think about particular tricks to get them to eat them. Here are some ways to offer this fruit to your four-legged friend.

FRESH

The best way to offer these berries to your dog is to give them well cleaned and fresh. Even if they are small fruits it is better to cut them in half because their peel is very thick and you could find whole and undigested blueberries in the stool, at which point they would not have helped anything.

FROZEN BLUEBERRIES

Many owners use to give their dog frozen blueberries as a crunchy snack. In a small dog like the pug, I do not recommend this type of administration to avoid it being swallowed whole, for the same reasons mentioned above.

SNACK

Dried blueberries are available all year round, you can give them as a snack to your pug or make some great biscuits.

JUICE

Buy cranberry juice at an organic store to be sure of the quality of the product. Make sure there is nothing but 100% cranberry juice with no added sugar and preservatives. Give in moderation and only in the absence of an alternative.

Blueberries, although excellent for the dog, should be given sparingly like all fruit in general, should be considered as an occasional cuddle.
I advise you to always monitor your pug dog every time you give him a new food to evaluate a possible adverse and subjective reaction, always starting with very small samples.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Blueberries?

Dried blueberries do not have the same qualities as fresh ones. The important thing is that there are no added sugars.

A little sugar is not bad, is it? Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Research shows that dogs have a more regular blood sugar level if they are on a low glycemic index diet. The glycemic index helps explain how certain foods affect the blood.

Foods with a high glycemic index raise the level of sugar in the blood, while those with a low glycemic index help keep it regular and healthy.

Dogs are just like us; they are likely to suffer from diabetes if they eat too much sugar.

Hence, dried cranberries and cranberry juice are also okay (however, as written above, only if they do not contain added sugar!).

FAQ

Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Muffins?

First, we have to understand that everything that we cook humanely is not safe for dogs, Some of them will suit your dog and some of them will create the issue.
Same Blueberry Muffins are not safe for dogs because the ingredient that we use to make Blueberry Muffins are not safe for dog health & which may cause food intolerances and make your dog’s stomach upset

Can dogs eat golden berries?

Yes, golden berries are safe for dogs to eat, but they should be given in moderation. The fruit contains antioxidants, which are great for dogs, especially older dogs due to the anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve joint pain.

Are gooseberries bad for dogs?

Although berries are generally acceptable for dogs to consume, some have negative side effects. One of these berries is gooseberries. These berries are toxic to your dog and you should avoid placing one in low places where your dog can accidentally reach and eat them.

Can Dogs Eat Cranberry Sauce?

A handful of fresh blueberries isn’t bad for your pup, but cranberry sauce could be harmful. Cranberry sauce may contain grape juice or raisins. And we know very well that raisins, grapes, and grape juice are toxic to dogs.
The reason behind the toxicity has long been studied, and researchers say there is a toxic component in the grape itself. What this component is is still a mystery, but we know that dogs absolutely must not ingest grapes or derivatives.

How many blueberries can I give my dog?

Normally, 8-10 blueberries per day are good for dogs.

Can I give my dog Can I give my dog blueberries every day?

Yes, we can feed blueberries every day to dogs but in a moderation means blueberries are very small in size so no need to be cut . All treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily diet

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