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Yes, blueberries are safe for dogs. They can be a fresh, delicious summer treat that some dogs love. Plus, with the buzz around blueberries being a “superfood” for humans, it’s good to know that they’re safe and healthy for dogs too.
Benefits of blueberries
Blueberries are a healthy, low-calorie treat that provide your dog with lots of nutrients. Here’s what we’ve found:
- Full of vitamin C and fiber
- Antioxidants to help boost immunity
- Thanks to their small size, you don’t have to worry about cutting them, even for smaller dog breeds!
Hazards of blueberries for dogs
Only feed fresh, washed blueberries to your dog, and as with all fruits, don’t overdo it. Consuming too much fiber can cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea, so only feed blueberries in moderation. As a general rule, fruits and veggies shouldn’t make up more than 10-20% of a dog’s diet.
Some people enjoy frozen blueberries as a summer treat, but it’s important to know that because they are solid, frozen blueberries can pose a choking hazard to small dogs.
Do not feed dogs special human desserts made with blueberry, like ice cream, pie, or muffins.
Recipes with blueberries for dogs
Give your dog a few raw blueberries as a treat or add them to his food to give it some extra flavor. You can also treat your dog to a homemade dog treat recipe made with blueberries like the one below.
Blueberry pupsicles recipe from Modern Dog Magazine
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain organic yogurt
- 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
- 6-bar silicon rectangle muffin mold or ice cube tray
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup yogurt and half of the blueberries in a blender to form a smoothie.
Pour smoothie mix into the silicon muffin mold or ice cube tray, dividing evenly. - Top up each bar with spoonfuls of the remaining plain yogurt and whole blueberries to create a pretty, layered look.
- Place in the freezer on a flat surface for 6 hours or until frozen solid.
Slide out each bar to serve. For easy removal, let the molds sit out on the counter for a few minutes or run them under warm water for a few seconds.
What about other berries? Find out more about safe versus toxic berries here, including raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and cranberries.
Curious about what is okay and not okay for your dog to eat? Check out our comprehensive guide on what human foods are safe and not safe for dogs.
