Are Dogs Allowed Blueberries? A Luscious Dog-Friendly Snack Recipe

Last Updated on April 9, 2024

Are you wondering if it is okay for your furry friend to enjoy a tasty treat that is just for humans, or in this specific case, are dogs allowed blueberries? In this article, we will explore the potential benefits and potential concerns of feeding blueberries to your dog. Well, keep reading!

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Can Dogs Eat Fruit?

You probably already know that fruit is important for keeping yourself healthy, but did you know that fruit may also be a healthy and nutritious treat for your dogs?

Although the truth is told, dogs don’t require fruit to be healthy, adding them to your furry friend’s regular diet (with the vet’s permission), can offer an extra dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as some much-needed water.

However, it is important to remember that fruit shouldn’t be a substitute for a dog’s regular diet. Instead, it should be offered in moderation because many owners appear to be ignorant that fruit has a high sugar content and might lead to weight gain if served in large quantities. The thing is that a dog’s diet is special and for them to be healthy and happy, they must consume an exact amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to meet their nutritional needs.

What Fruits Can Dogs Eat?

If you want to supplement your dog’s diet with a small piece of fruit, here are the ones you shouldn’t do any harm with:

Apples

– “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” as the saying goes, but, what about the dogs? Lucky for you both, your canine friend will appreciate these sweet crunchy treats just as much as you do. Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins (mostly A and C), and minerals that can help maintain normal digestion and, in some severe circumstances, even lower the risk of some types of cancer. Just be sure to remove the seeds and the core, as these can be poisonous to dogs.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to safely feed apples to dogs.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is a type of melon that contains high levels of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, and is a completely safe and healthy fruit for your dog to enjoy. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy skin and coat, while vitamin C boosts the immune system. Not only – but also it is a good source of potassium, an electrolyte essential for maintaining proper muscle function that can also aid regulate cardiac function in dogs.

Small note, be sure to remove the rind and seeds before giving them to your dog, as these might be difficult for them to digest.

Mango

Just like cantaloupe, and ultimately watermelon, so is mango a healthy and tasty treat for dogs, but in moderation. It has a high content of antioxidants, vitamins, and fibers that are necessary for your pet to be healthy, happy, and mobile. Just don’t forget to remove the pit, as it might pose a choking threat to dogs.

This news may make owners of senior dogs very delighted since this fruit can be especially useful in some older dogs who may struggle to metabolize food.

Feel free to take a look at what the American Kennel Club has to say on this topic.

What Fruits Can Puppies Eat?

Although you may believe differently at first, puppies can safely eat a variety of fruits as long as they are given in moderation and, perhaps more importantly, if they are prepared properly. You shouldn’t go wrong by giving them a tiny bit of the following:

• Apples (remove the seeds and stem)
• Mango (remove the pit)
• Pears (remove the seeds and stem)
• Bananas
• Cantaloupe
• Oranges
• Papaya
• Pineapple
• Raspberries
• Strawberries

Are you wondering why we stated “you shouldn’t” rather than “you won’t” in both of the above cases? Well, it’s quite simple! The thing is that just like with people, not every food will suit every dog equally. This is why it is critical to introduce new foods gradually to your puppy’s diet and to be aware of any potential allergies or sensitivities.

Furthermore, dogs can be allergic to a wide range of substances, including particular types of food, such as fruit, and even those that are normally considered acceptable for them to eat. If a dog consumes an allergenic substance or in this case fruit, it may have symptoms such as skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties, therefore, be extremely careful before offering it to your puppy.

Speaking of which, are dogs allowed blueberries? Find out below!

Are Blueberries Toxic For Dogs?

Blueberries are a popular fruit that can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of ways. They are high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and other nutrients and are considered to be healthy food for humans. However, are blueberries toxic to dogs, or in other words, are dogs allowed blueberries?

In a nutshell, blueberries aren’t toxic to your furry friends as they don’t contain any substances that are poisonous or harmful to dogs Moreover, they may be a healthy treat in moderation. They are a low-calorie, low-fat snack that can provide many nutritional benefits for dogs, including necessary antioxidants and fiber. Some owners even utilize blueberries to treat specific health problems in dogs, such as urinary tract infections or constipation.

Finally, one more important thing we need to talk about. It is critical to keep an eye on your dog for any negative reactions to blueberries since as we have already stated, some dogs can be sensitive to particular varieties of fruit. If your dog exhibits any strange symptoms after eating blueberries, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or trouble breathing, stop feeding them and seek professional help as soon as possible.

Now that you know the answer to the question: “are dogs allowed blueberries”, we can get into more details.

Health Benefits of Blueberries to Your Dogs

Blueberries are rich in anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Antioxidants fight inflammations that lessen arthritis pain and minimize brain aging. Also, it offers phytochemicals that support cardiovascular health. Vitamins C and K are present in blueberries that strengthen the immune system. Other nutrients include calcium and phosphorus, which help build bones. Manganese and fiber help in digestion and regulate bowel movements.

Safety Guidelines- Feeding Your Dog With Blueberry Dog Treats

Even though blueberries are nutritious and delicious, it is best to be careful in feeding blueberries to your dog. It is best to set up a balanced diet, especially with treats. Make sure to consider your dog’s age, size, breed, and lifestyle when feeding them. Also, consult a veterinarian to guarantee suitable foods and avoid poisonous foods like chocolate and grapes that could be fatal for dogs. Even though blueberries are small, never be so sure to disregard the risk of choking.

When purchasing blueberries, it is ideal to choose fresh blueberries, so reject old, moldy, and dried-out blueberries. As quickly as possible, wash the blueberries thoroughly to get rid of dirt, manure, pesticide, and herbicide residue. If your dog is unfamiliar with blueberries, introduce them slowly into their diet. Monitor any negative reactions like itching, upset stomach, vomiting, and loose stools. If your dog likes it, start two or three blueberries a day, then work up to ten to twelve.

How Many Blueberries Can A Dog Intake?

Large dog breeds like the Great Dane, Mastiff, and Irish Wolfhound can tolerate many blueberries at once, unlike smaller dogs. Beagles, Corgis, and Pugs cannot take as much of it, causing upset stomachs and diarrhea to them if they do so. Dogs can eat it as special treats for good behavior; however, it is best to avoid overconsumption of blueberries and monitor their diet.

KUPPET 3-in-1 Stand Mixer, 6 Speeds

What You Will Need for these Homemade Blueberry Dog Treats

Ingredients

• 2 cups of wheat flour
• 7 1/2 cups instant or rolled oats
• ½ tsp of sea salt
• 1 1/2 cups of blueberries frozen or fresh, you replace with raspberries.
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup applesauce
• 7 1/2 tbs peanut butter

Equipment 

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Hand or stand mixer
• Cookie-cutter
• Rolling Pin
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment paper

Step by Step Instructions on How to Make Blueberry Dog Treats

Step 1 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2

In the stand mixer, add the blueberries and mix for at least 15 seconds, then add the instant oats until incorporates.

Step 3

Next, add the wheat flour, eggs, peanut butter, apple sauce, and salt, then beat thoroughly.

Step 4

Afterward, flour a clean surface to roll out your dough with a rolling pin. Roll flat to the desired size. Then, grab your cookie cutters and cut out your treats.

Step 5

Arrange your treats on your prepared baking sheet; make sure to give them enough space.

Step 6

Finally, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 minutes.

Step 7

Let it cool down for a few hours and serve!

Tips and Tricks

Don’t over-mix or roll the batter; it will lose its elasticity. Make sure your peanut butter doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners that are toxic to dogs like xylitol. Avoid using large berries since it retains moisture and increases the risk of spoilage. The treats should be baked entirely until it’s dry and crunchy. When you are using dried blueberries, ensure not to use sweetened blueberries, especially artificial sweeteners.

If a rolling pin is unavailable at home, you can use any round glass bottle like a bottle of wine as long as you clean the outside of the bottle properly. Also, don’t over-mix and roll the dough since it will be hard to make it with an overworked dough, and it loses some of its stretches. Using an air-tight container, store these blueberry dog treats in a dry place because they are supposed to be crunchy. So long as they are not exposed to moisture, they will last longer than usual.

Servings and Preparation Time