Quick Answer
Yes, you can safely feed your dog blueberries daily in moderation. Blueberries are low in calories and high in nutrients like antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. They provide many health benefits for dogs like supporting immune health, improving digestion, and reducing inflammation. Limit daily intake to a few blueberries per pound of your dog’s body weight.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries Every Day?
Blueberries are non-toxic for dogs and most canines love the sweet, tart flavor of this fruit. Not only are blueberries safe for dogs to eat daily, but they offer some great health benefits when fed in moderation. Here’s what you need to know about feeding blueberries to your dog daily:
- Blueberries are low in calories, so they make a healthy treat option.
- They are high in fiber, which supports digestive health.
- Blueberries contain antioxidants that reduce inflammation and cell damage.
- They provide vitamin C, manganese, and other key nutrients.
- The water content helps keep your dog hydrated.
As long as you limit quantity and watch for any individual intolerances, blueberries are perfectly fine to feed every day.
Benefits of Blueberries for Dogs
Here are some of the top health benefits blueberries can provide for your canine companion:
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Blueberries contain high levels of antioxidant compounds like anthocyanins and vitamin C. These help neutralize free radicals that can damage cells and cause inflammation. The antioxidants in blueberries support overall health in dogs. They can also help prevent and manage age-related issues like cognitive decline.
2. Supports Immune System
The antioxidants and phytochemicals in blueberries help stimulate and strengthen the immune system. Vitamin C, vitamin A, and manganese also boost immunity. This makes blueberries an excellent food to feed dogs prone to infections or when trying to avoid kennel cough and other illnesses.
3. Improves Digestion
The fiber content of blueberries supports digestive regularity and health. Fiber helps maintain bowel movements, prevents constipation, and keeps digestion running smoothly. The water in blueberries also helps hydrates the body and aids digestion.
4. Fights Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is linked to arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. The antioxidants in blueberries help neutralize inflammation at the cellular level. Blueberries can provide anti-inflammatory benefits for dogs suffering from joint problems, digestive issues, skin allergies, and other inflammatory conditions.
5. May Reduce Cancer Risk
Some early research shows blueberries could help reduce cancer risk in humans and animals. The antioxidants fight oxidative stress and damage linked to cancer development. More studies are needed, but adding blueberries to your dog’s diet as a preventative measure is a smart approach.
6. Supports Brain Health
The antioxidants in blueberries help prevent cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. They improve memory, learning, and overall neurological function. Feeding blueberries to older dogs can help maintain good brain health and activity levels. They are also beneficial for puppies since the brain rapidly develops during the first two years.
7. Boosts Immunity
Blueberries provide vitamin C, vitamin A, manganese and other nutrients that support proper immune function. The antioxidants neutralize free radical damage that can weaken the immune system. Adding blueberries to your dog’s diet helps keep the immune system strong and resilient against viruses, infections, and disease. This makes them especially beneficial for dogs prone to urinary tract infections, respiratory illnesses, and kennel cough.
8. Improves Urinary Health
The antioxidants in blueberries help fight bacteria in the urinary tract and bladder. They can help prevent recurrent UTIs in susceptible dogs. Blueberries may also help dissolve bladder stones and manage incontinence. Talk to your vet if your dog has specific urinary tract issues.
Are There Any Risks?
While most dogs can safely eat a few blueberries daily with no issues, there are a couple precautions to keep in mind:
- Too many may cause upset stomach or diarrhea. Limit quantity based on your dog’s size.
- Dogs with diabetes should avoid due to the natural sugar content. Consult your vet first if your dog has diabetes.
- Some dogs may be allergic. Monitor for any signs of food allergy when first introducing.
- Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, but blueberries are not related and are safe.
- Only feed your dog fresh, ripe blueberries. Avoid any moldy or spoiled berries.
Start with a few blueberries at a time and increase slowly over a few days. This allows your dog’s digestive system to adjust. Monitor stool consistency and for any vomiting. Reduce quantity if either occurs. Most dogs tolerate fresh blueberries well, but go slowly at first just to be safe.
Daily Serving Recommendations
The following daily serving recommendations are based on your dog’s size:
| Dog Size | Daily Blueberry Serving |
|---|---|
| Small dog under 25 lbs | 1-2 blueberries per pound of body weight |
| Medium dog 25-50 lbs | 1-1.5 blueberries per pound |
| Large dog over 50 lbs | 0.5-1 blueberry per pound |
For a 50 pound dog, this would equal 25-50 blueberries per day. Adjust this as needed based on your individual dog’s tolerance. For puppies under 1 year, give 1-2 blueberries per day to start regardless of size.
Feed blueberries as treats, mix into food, or blend into homemade dog treats to provide the benefits. Just be sure to account for the extra calories if eliminating other foods to stay within your dog’s daily caloric needs.
7 Tips for Feeding Blueberries
Follow these tips to safely feed your dog blueberries:
- Wash thoroughly to remove any pesticide residue.
- Only feed ripe, fresh berries. Discard moldy or spoiled fruit.
- Cut larger berries in half to prevent choking hazard.
- Mix into food or serve frozen for a crunchy treat.
- Avoid adding sugar, cream, or other toppings.
- Supervise your dog when feeding blueberries to prevent over-consumption.
- Reduce other treats if feeding blueberries daily to prevent weight gain.
Are Blueberries Safe for Puppies?
Blueberries are safe and nutritious for puppies in small quantities. The antioxidants support brain development and the fiber aids digestion. Feed just a berry or two per day to start. Increase slowly up to 1 berry per pound of body weight daily.
Wait until puppies are fully weaned, around 3-4 months old, before feeding blueberries. Introduce one new food at a time watching for any signs of an upset stomach. Mash berries and mix into food for easier chewing and digestibility.
Avoid overfeeding as puppy stomachs are sensitive. Too many blueberries could cause diarrhea. Also be sure to account for the extra calories to prevent obesity. Talk to your veterinarian about the best foods and supplements to feed puppies.
Can Dogs Eat Dried, Frozen & Wild Blueberries?
In addition to fresh blueberries, dogs can safely eat:
Dried Blueberries
Dried blueberries contain more sugar and calories due to the dehydrating process. This makes them a higher risk food for weight gain and diabetes. Feed dried berries sparingly in very small amounts.
Frozen Blueberries
Frozen blueberries make a delicious cooler treat in hot weather. They are nutritionally the same as fresh. Let thaw slightly or cut in half to prevent a choking risk.
Wild Blueberries
Wild blueberries growing natively in forests are safe if properly identified. Avoid areas potentially sprayed with chemicals. Wash very thoroughly to remove any bacteria from wildlife.
No matter what form you choose, stick to the recommended serving sizes to avoid overfeeding.
What About Blueberry Powder and Extracts?
Blueberry powder made from dried, ground blueberries can provide concentrated nutrition. Check the label to verify no extra sugar has been added. Only feed a small amount to avoid potency concerns.
Extracts and oils should be avoided. The concentration may be toxic in doses a canine can consume. Whole blueberries or frozen are safer options. Talk to your veterinarian before giving any supplements or extracts.
Can Dogs Eat the Leaves and Stems?
Only the blueberry fruit itself is safe for dogs to eat. The leaves, stems, and vines of the blueberry bush contain toxins that could cause vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, and abnormal heart rhythms if consumed. Stick just to the berries and avoid these other inedible parts of the plant.
Signs of Too Many Blueberries
Eating too many blueberries could upset your dog’s digestive tract. Here are signs your dog may have had too many:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Excessive gas or belching
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
If your dog shows these signs after eating a lot of blueberries, withhold food for a few hours then reintroduce a bland diet slowly. Call your vet if symptoms persist more than 24 hours or cause lethargy. Provide plenty of fresh water to avoid dehydration.
Blueberry Allergy in Dogs
Some dogs may be allergic to blueberries. Allergy symptoms include:
- Itchy skin or ears
- Hives
- Rashes
- Swelling around face and muzzle
- Excessive licking of paws
- Gastrointestinal upset
If you notice any of these reaction after feeding blueberries, stop serving them immediately. The allergic response can worsen with repeat exposure. Seek veterinarian treatment if your dog shows signs of anaphylaxis including swollen face, hives, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
Dogs with known food allergies should avoid new foods like blueberries unless approved by a vet. Introduce them slowly watching closely for any allergic response.
Are Blueberry Plants Toxic to Dogs?
The blueberry bush itself can be toxic to dogs. While the berries are safe, the leaves, stems, and roots contain toxins that can cause:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Slowed heart rate
- Breathing issues
- Collapse
- Seizures
While a few licks or bites may only cause mild stomach upset, ingesting a large amount can be very dangerous. Seek veterinary treatment immediately if your dog consumes any part of a blueberry bush. Bring along a sample of the plant if possible to identify and treat toxicity.
Are Wild Blueberries Safe?
Wild blueberries growing naturally in forests are safe for dogs if identified properly. Blueberries have some lookalike plants, so be 100% sure of the berry species before feeding wild varieties. Some toxins found in similar plants like belladonna berries can be deadly.
Avoid areas potentially sprayed with chemicals. Rinse wild blueberries very thoroughly to remove any pesticide residues. Also wash off any bacteria from wildlife.
Then feed wild blueberries in the same small quantities you would cultivated varieties. Introduce slowly and watch for any stomach upset or allergic response.
Can Puppies Eat Blueberries?
Blueberries are safe for puppies starting around 3-4 months old. Wait until puppies are fully weaned before feeding people food like blueberries. Then introduce new foods one at a time in very small amounts.
Only feed a puppy 1-2 blueberries per day to start. Slowly increase up to 1 berry per pound of expected adult weight. So for a puppy expected to weigh 50 pounds full grown, feed up to 50 blueberries daily.
Mash berries and mix into food for easier digestion. Monitor stool consistency for diarrhea. Reduce quantity if loose stool occurs. Avoid overfeeding as puppies have sensitive stomachs.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Blueberries?
Lightly cooked or baked blueberries are safe for dogs to eat. Avoid adding any seasonings, sugars, or other ingredients. Plain cooked blueberries provide the same nutrients as raw.
However, cooking does destroy some of the vitamin C and antioxidant content. For the most nutrition, feed raw or frozen blueberries. Light steaming or baking retains more vitamins than higher heat methods.
Blueberry Recipes for Dogs
Try out these healthy blueberry recipes for your dog:
Blueberry Oatmeal Dog Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 2 1⁄2 cups oat flour
- 1⁄4 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 egg
- 1 1⁄2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Whisk together oat flour, blueberries, coconut oil, egg, and chicken broth in a bowl.
- Knead dough until combined then roll out to 1⁄4 inch thickness on floured surface.
- Cut into shapes and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until lightly browned.
- Let cool before serving to your dog.
Blueberry Pup Pops
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1⁄4 cup blueberries
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- Puree Greek yogurt, blueberries, and honey in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Pour into plastic popsicle molds.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours until solid.
- Twist to remove from molds.
- Store extras in freezer up to 2 weeks.
These recipes allow you to provide the benefits of blueberries in a tasty homemade treat!
When To Avoid Blueberries
Dogs with the following conditions should avoid eating blueberries:
- Diabetes – Blueberries have natural sugar that can affect blood sugar levels.
- Obesity – Blueberries should be accounted for when calculating your dog’s daily calories.
- Allergies – Dogs with food allergies may react to blueberries.
- Digestive issues – Too much fiber from blueberries can exacerbate conditions like IBD.
- Pregnancy – Only feed foods your vet recommends to pregnant or nursing dogs.
Also avoid letting your dog eat wild berries before positively identifying the species and safety. When in doubt, skip blueberries and check with your veterinarian first if your dog has a medical condition.
Quick Tips for Feeding Blueberries
Follow these quick tips for safely feeding blueberries:
- Wash thoroughly before feeding
- Only feed ripe, fresh blueberries
- Introduce slowly and watch for reactions
- Limit to a few berries daily based on size
- Mix into food or serve frozen for a treat
- Avoid adding sugar, cream, or other toppings
Conclusion
Blueberries provide many great health benefits for dogs when fed fresh and in moderation. Their nutrients support immunity, digestion, brain function, and more. Just be sure to introduce blueberries slowly, watch for any allergies, and stick to the recommended serving sizes. Check with your vet before feeding blueberries if your dog has any underlying health conditions. With some precautions, blueberries are a nutritious and safe fruit you can feel good about feeding your dog daily.
