Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

Blueberries are a popular fruit known for their nutritional value in human diets but what about our furry friends? Can dogs safely enjoy blueberries too? Has it ever even crossed your mind to feed your dog blueberries?! If you’ve stumbled across our website and blogs before you are probably already very aware that we absolutely love opening doors to new foods for your dogs to enjoy such as novel protein, so now let’s explore the safety, benefits, risks and best practices of feeding your dog blueberries.

 

Are Blueberries Safe for Dogs?

Yes, blueberries are perfectly safe for dogs to eat in moderation. They are a super yummy snack or additional ingredient in dog food plus they offer various health benefits which include:

• Supporting brain health
• Helping with gut issues
• Aiding with a normal inflammatory response
• Being low in fat
• Helping to prevent UTIs
• Supporting healthy eye function

 

Nutritional Benefits of Blueberries for Dogs

 

And HOW do blueberries do all of the above? Well, it’s down to those health-boosting antioxidants and vital vitamins and minerals:

1. Vitamin C: While dogs can produce vitamin C in their bodies unlike humans, providing additional sources still plays a crucial role in their overall health. It acts as an antioxidant, supporting the immune system, promoting wound healing and aiding in collagen production for healthy skin and joints.
2. Vitamin A: Essential for vision, vitamin A also supports the health of your dog’s skin, coat and immune system. It’s particularly important for maintaining good vision in low-light conditions.
3. Vitamin K: Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting, which is crucial in preventing excessive bleeding. It also supports bone health and may have some role in cardiovascular health.
4. Calcium: This mineral is vital for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. It’s especially important for puppies as they grow and for pregnant or lactating dogs who have increased calcium needs.
5. Phosphorus: Alongside calcium, phosphorus is essential for bone and teeth formation. It’s also involved in energy metabolism, helping cells produce and use energy effectively.
6. Potassium: Potassium is an electrolyte that plays a key role in maintaining proper muscle function, nerve transmission and fluid balance in the body. It’s important for overall heart health and can help regulate blood pressure.
7. Magnesium: Magnesium is involved in many enzymatic reactions in the body and is necessary for muscle and nerve function, bone health and energy metabolism. It also plays a role in regulating blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Blueberries really are a superfood, aren’t they?!

 

Risks of Feeding Blueberries to Dogs

 

While generally safe, there are a few risks to consider when feeding blueberries to dogs, such as potential choking hazards or gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities.

 

How to Feed Blueberries to Dogs

 

Blueberries can be safely offered in several ways:

• Offer fresh blueberries as a treat or snack in moderation
• Consider incorporating them into your own homemade dog treats or adding them to your dog’s regular food
• Grub Club’s All-Day Buffet dog food includes blueberries as a nutritious ingredient, providing a convenient way to introduce them into your dog’s diet.

 

Grub Club’s Sit Roll Treat Repeat Treats for Dogs

Within our Grub Club range we also have our Sit Roll Treat Repeat dog treats which are made with high-quality ingredients including these health-boosting, tasty blueberries. With only 7 calories per treat these are perfect for daily use as a reward for good behaviour and as a training aid.

If you love the sound of adding blueberries into your dog’s diet why not hop on over to explore the whole Grub Club range of products today?

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