Credit: @dogs_infood from Instagram

Can dogs eat blueberries?

This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian, Dr. Carla Paszkowski, BVSC (Hons)

Juicy, sweet, low in calories and full of antioxidants - blueberries are a healthy and satisfying snack. Despite being one of the most expensive fruits around, blueberries remain one of the most popular fruits in the world among people of all ages. And even most dogs love the taste! But are blueberries actually safe for dogs to eat?

The answer is yes! Not only are blueberries safe for your dog, but they are highly nutritious too!

Always wash blueberries before feeding them to your dog, to ensure all pesticides, dirt and bugs have been removed.

Health benefits of blueberries for dogs?

Blueberries boast a number of health benefits for dogs, and are considered a superfood for humans and dogs alike.¹ There is a reason berries are routinely recommended as a safe treat by veterinarians, and why many dog food manufacturers add blueberries to their recipes!

Blueberries are:
• High in nutrients including Vitamin C and K which can help promote a strong immune system
• Full of antioxidants including flavinoids
• A rich source of phytochemicals, which help fight disease and even cancer!
• High in fibre, which is great for gut health
• Only contain 57 calories per 100g - making it a great option for pups on a diet.
• Also contain no fat or cholesterol, so it's a safe treat for dogs who experience pancreatitis or IBD.

Dogs on Instagram who love blueberries. Photo credits from left: @eveveh, @oskartherescue , @panda_paws_rescue

Are blueberries high in sugar?

Yes, blueberries are a medium sugar-content fruit as they contain around 10g of sugar per 100g. This sets them apart from other berries such as strawberries or raspberries, which are very low in sugar at 4.5g per 100g.² To compare, peaches contain 8g, apples contain 10g, and bananas contain 12g per 100g.

Can dogs eat storebought frozen blueberries?

It's generally recommended to feed your dog fresh blueberries instead of packaged frozen berries. You may wish to freeze fresh blueberries as a tasty frozen treat, but generally we advise against commercially packed frozen berries.

Storebought frozen berries are often higher in sugar than fresh fruit. Not only does freezing naturally concentrate the fruit into a more nutrient-dense state, but some manufacturers add juice or syrup to the pack to enhance the flavour.

In addition, recent outbreaks of infectious diseases from frozen berries (such as the 2015 hepatitis outbreak) have led to many experts recommending boiling or cooking frozen berries³ before eating them, to remove the risk of disease. So, generally we recommend choosing fresh berries for your dog!

Credit: @seattledogwalks