Can dogs eat blueberries?

Blueberries are often referred to as a superfood because they contain many substances that are healthy for humans. Therefore, many dog ​​owners ask themselves whether this also applies to dogs.

Blueberry and dog

Blueberry varieties, also called blackberries or blueberries, are healthy for dogs. Because the black berries contain a multitude of valuable ingredients. When it comes to the difference between cultivated blueberries and wild blueberries, the native, wild-growing species Vaccinium myrtillus is assigned a better health value than the cultivated forms. This is because the proportion of anthocyanins, which are also responsible for the blue coloration of the teeth, is higher in the wild form. Because these dyes are considered to be the active components of blueberries.

Ingredients and effects

In addition to the anthocyanins, blueberries contain:

• Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B9, C and E.
• iron
• calcium
• potassium
• magnesium
• sodium
• phosphorus
• zinc

Blueberries hardly contain any fat or sugar, but they have a high proportion of fiber and water. When used as a superfood, blueberries can have a positive effect on:

• Nerves (vitamins B6 and B9)
• Energy supply (vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B9)
• Eyes and vision process (vitamin B2)
• Immune system (vitamin C)
• Fur (shine)
• Brain function (support in older dogs)

Dosage forms and amount

Although blueberries are healthy for the dog, you should pay attention to the amount and dosage form. Because too much of a good thing can damage your faithful companion. In addition, not every animal has to tolerate the black berries, which is why you should start with small doses to try out when feeding.

Dosage forms

Blackberries are fed to dogs fresh or dried. Fresh blueberries as open goods may only be given to four-legged friends when they are fully or over-ripe. Because at this level of ripeness, the blackberries are so soft that the risk of suffocation when feeding whole berries is classified as low. Nevertheless, it is recommended to give man's best friend the fruit only pureed or mashed. This is especially true for frozen blueberries, as dogs can choke on them. In addition, the animals tolerate the crushed berries better.

You can mix the berry porridge with the dog food. Add a little more high-quality oil so that the fat-soluble vitamins can be absorbed by the body. If the porridge is fed pure, you can also mix in a little quark or yoghurt.

Tip: Put the pureed berries in the dog toys provided for this purpose, combine "healthy" with activity.

The same applies to feeding dried blueberries as to fresh blueberries. There is little risk of suffocation, but it is recommended that you crush these berries as well.

lot

How many blackberries are healthy for the dog and at what intervals is assessed differently. Some vets recommend feeding a maximum of ten fresh berries occasionally as a snack. Others allow significantly more fruit. So should in the season

• Dogs up to 10 kilograms 3 to 5 fresh berries,
• Dogs up to 25 kg 6 to 8 and
• large dogs tolerate about 10 fresh blueberries daily.

Note: When feeding dried blackberries, the amount of fruit is reduced because 100 grams contain four times as many nutrients as fresh berries.

unwanted effects

Like humans, dogs can be allergic to blackberries. Possible reactions to an allergy are:

• Breathing problems
• cough
• Rashes
• itch
• Swelling

If your dog shows these symptoms, you should contact a veterinarian immediately and stop feeding blueberries. If you have given the animal too many of the black berries, gastrointestinal disorders can occur. Because fresh blackberries have a laxative effect that can lead to diarrhea in dogs. In this case it is usually enough if you refrain from feeding the berries.

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