Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Yes, dogs can eat blueberries. Blueberries are an excellent natural addition to your dog's food intake and are a perfect aid against disease and aging.
In both dogs and humans, antioxidants such as those found in blueberries aid in the battle against free radicals, which are responsible for causing cellular and molecular damage. Studies have shown that including antioxidants in a dog's diet may help to slow the effects of brain aging, which is particularly beneficial if you have a senior dog.
In addition, canine nutritionists and veteran veterinarians recommend blueberries for your dog as it is high in fiber, promoting good digestive health. Including blueberries in the diet of your dog will also help to boost their immune system.
If you're teaching your furry friend how to catch things in the air, blueberries can be a great treat for the moment.
How Many Blueberries Can I Give my Dog?
Blueberries are a great treat for your dog, which should form a minor part of its diet. To be precise, the blueberries should consist of 10% of your dog's diet.
Some dog owners have blueberry farms where the dogs can get a high supply of fruit. As such, it is vital to limit access to such areas to avoid overfeeding. Your blueberry storage should also be inaccessible to your dog.
Dogs that overfeed on blueberries are highly likely to experience digestive problems such as diarrhea. Immediately stop feeding your dog with blueberries when you notice diarrhea, and contact a trusted veterinarian if the condition persists. Special care and monitoring may be needed in the case of an elderly or sick dog when it suffers from digestive complications.
Can Small Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Yes, small dogs can eat blueberries. Blueberries are suitable for dogs of all sizes and ages. The low levels of sugar and calories in the blueberries make the dogs fit for training sessions.
However, extra care and caution need to be exercised when feeding a small dog blueberries as a snack. Blueberries can pose the risk of a choking hazard if a small dog eats them too quickly. Choking can also arise when the dogs are fed with frozen blueberries. Separate the large dogs from the small ones when feeding them to prevent them from fighting for the little blueberry treat and increasing the risk of choking.
How to Serve Blueberries for Dogs?
Don't be afraid to consult your veterinarian on the best method and way of serving your dog with blueberries. The dog's age, size, and even health status determine the amount of the blueberries treat that it should be served with. It would be best if you chose blueberries that were not treated with pesticides. Fresh blueberries straight from the bushes are a very healthy and delicious for your dog. You will still want to wash the blueberries thoroughly before feeding them to your canine companion.
Below are several ways in which blueberries can be prepared and served to your dog:
Serve them whole and fresh
Many times, blueberries are served raw to the dogs. It is unhealthy for you to throw the blueberries to the ground for your dog as they can be contaminated. Serve them to your dog in a clean bowl to promote the highest levels of hygiene.
Serve them frozen
Frozen blueberries are an excellent treat that will ensure that your dog gets a cooling effect in the summer. Moreover, the frozen treat has a perfect taste during hot days. However, frozen blueberries become stiff, leading to a choking hazard in puppies and small-sized dogs, and should be served with caution.
Serve them mashed or blended
You can mash blueberries and add them to the pet's food for better taste. When the blueberries are blended, they make a smoothie that is easy to partake in and very enjoyable for your furry friend.
Bottom Line
Canine nutritional experts suggest that foods such as blueberries which both humans and dogs can eat are ideal for perfect health. However, always speak to your veterinarian before feeding blueberries to your dog. Whether you prefer serving them fresh, frozen, or smashed, be rest assured that adding blueberries as part of your dog's natural and organic food regimen is the best decision you can ever make. However, do not forget the power of other foods.
Note: Do not feed your dog only blueberries as they do not contain all of the nutrients necessary for your dog.