Blueberries are placed in the superfood category because blueberries are very rich in nutrients. And not only it highly nutritious but also very delicious. And for blueberry lovers, the fruit salad is considered incomplete. But the dog owners concerned with dogs’ health frequently ask the question: Can a dog eat blueberries? So the satisfying answer to this question is. Yes, dogs can eat blueberries. The blueberries are safe for dogs and provide several health benefits to the dogs.
Before discussing the benefits of blueberries to dogs, we must know about their nutritional value.
What are blueberries?
The blueberries are tiny fruit, which is the treasure of nutrients and taste. The color of the blueberry varies from indigo to deep purple. The characteristic blue color of the blueberries is due to a compound known as anthocyanin. Blueberries are essential to have good health for both humans and dogs.
The blueberries can be eaten fresh or also in frozen form. These are used in fruit salads or on top of waffles, cakes, pancakes. It is also used to add flavor and nutrients to yogurt or oatmeal.
Nutritional value of blueberries
Blueberries are very rich in nutrients; a sit contains all the nutrients essential for good health. These blueberries are high in vitamins and minerals and low in calories. In 100 grams of blueberries, there are 57 calories. Other vital nutrients present in 100 grams of blueberries are as follows:
| Nutrients | value in grams | %age daily value |
| Total fat | 0.3 grams | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 1 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 77 mg | 2% |
| Sugar | 10 grams | |
| Dietary fibers | 2.4 grams | 9% |
| Proteins | 0.7 grams | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 16% | |
| Calcium | 0% | |
| Iron | 1% | |
| Vitamin D | 0% | |
| Cobalamin | 0% | |
| Vitamin B-6 | 5% | |
| Magnesium | 1% | |
| Vitamin K | 1% |
A single cup of blueberry gives you 24 percent of the vitamin C required per day. So the vitamins and minerals are present in the blueberries, which are essential for a healthy physiology.
Blueberry as a superfood
The blueberry was not famous initially, and it was only found in the muffin till 1996. But in 1996, scientist James Joseph studied this fruit and claimed that the blueberry is fantastic to provide several health benefits.
James Joseph applied the oxygen-radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) for different vegetables and fruits to determine their antioxidant properties. After this test, Joseph found excellent antioxidant properties in the blueberries as the blueberry was the fruit with the highest antioxidant property in that test. Further studies showed that blueberry does have not only antioxidant properties but also anti-inflammatory properties. And after these studies and researches, the blueberry was placed in the superfood category.
Are blueberries safe for dogs?
Yes, the blueberries are safe for dogs. Blueberries are a delicious and low-calorie treat for your dog. It has an efficient amount of vitamin K and C and minerals. So due to these nutrients, the blueberries carry several health benefits too.
Health benefits of blueberries
The health benefits provided to the dog by eating the blueberries are:
Fight against cancer
the blueberries can fight cancer. Blueberry contains the phytochemicals that effectively fight against cancer and other chronic diseases.
Maintenance of weight
The blueberries are the low -at fruits. So, if you are providing the blueberry treat to your dog instead of giving the cakes and other high-calorie food, your dog will not gain weight. And your dog will be active and energetic if your dog will have a balanced weight.
Slows down the aging process
Antioxidants are very rich in blueberries, and antioxidants play a vital role in fighting against the free radicals produced in the body. These free radicals can cause aging symptoms in the body. So the antioxidants in the blueberries fight against the free radicals and slow down the dog’s aging process.
Blueberries are good to slow down the aging process in both humans and dogs.
Decreases the chances of heart disease
There is a shallow content of fats in the blueberries. So, if you are adding blueberries to your dog’s diet, you are also protecting your dog against heart disease. There is a compound in the blueberries known as anthocyanin. In combination with the antioxidants, this anthocyanin gives your dog protection against arthritis, cancer, and many other diseases.
Healthy skin coat
The vitamins present in the blueberry are essential to have a healthy and shiny skin coat. So if you are providing blueberries to your dog, you are also making the skin coat of your dog healthy and shiny.
Boost the immune system
Vitamin C present in the blueberry is responsible for the robust immune system. And if the immune system of the dog will be strong, your dog will be protected against many diseases and can fight the infections and microorganisms in the environment.
Strengthen the bones
The calcium present in the blueberry ensures the strengthening of the bones of the dog. By giving a small amount of blueberry to your dog, you will provide enough calcium and other vitamins and minerals essential for bone strengthening according to the %age daily value. And if the bone of your dog will be strong, your dog will feel active. And the dog will not feel lethargy after light activity.
Improves the brain functioning
The brain and the nervous system receive harmful effects in response to the oxidative stress in the body. Antioxidants present in the blueberries decrease this oxidative stress and allow the brain to function correctly.
Potassium and sodium are also present in the blueberries. These minerals are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. So, these minerals also improve the functioning of the nervous system.
How to serve blueberries to the dog?
You can give the blueberries in many different ways as follows:
Fresh blueberries
Giving fresh blueberries to your dog is the best option. You can provide your fresh blueberries to your dog. Your dog will surely enjoy this treat.
Frozen blueberries
The frozen blueberries are not a very good way to give blueberries to your dog Because the frozen blueberries can cause blockage in the food pipe of the dog.
Adding blueberries to a fruit salad
You can add blueberries to the fruit salad. It is a very yummy and nutritious way to give it to your dog. But when you prepare a fruit salad for your dog, you should be very picky because you should only add the fruit, which is good for your dog’s health.
Blueberry puree
Blueberry puree is the best option to give to your dog. You can mash the blueberries to make a smooth paste or puree and serve it to your dog.
FAQs
How many blueberries can I give my dog?
For a small dog, giving about 8-10 blueberries will be enough. But the large dog can manage to eat more than this number of blueberries.
Can single blueberry kill a dog?
No, a single blueberry can not kill the dog. But you should always keep the number of blueberries given to your dog in moderation. Because under all the nutrients present in the blueberries, the sugar content present in them can not be masked. It can cause health issues to your dog if given blueberries in excess amount.
Do blueberries cause diarrhea in dogs?
The blueberries contain dietary fibers, so if you give the blueberry to your dog in a high amount, it can cause diarrhea in your dog.
Conclusion
The blueberries are highly nutritious fruit as it is placed in the superfood category. So, if you provide the blueberry to your dog, you are serving your dog a yummy treat with many health benefits inside it. But you should keep the amount of blueberry in moderation.
Before giving this yummy treat to your dog, it will be best to consult the vet because the amount of blueberry good for health can vary from dog to dog according to its size, age, and breed. And it can also be possible that the dog has an allergy to blueberry. So, to know about these factors, you should talk to the vet.
