Can dogs eat blackberries?

Updated 29/04/2024

Perfect alongside apples in a crumble and the ideal oatmeal topper, blackberries sure are nutrient-rich morsels for us humans to munch on. And with blackberries popping up left, right and center as summer comes to a close, it might have you wondering - can dogs eat blackberries? Well we're pleased to let you know that your curious canine can safely nibble on a blackberry or two as a treat when blackberry season next rolls around. And to find out more on how to safely feed dogs blackberries, have a read below.

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Are blackberries poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat blackberries just like we humans can? And are blackberries safe for dogs served up in any way, shape or form? Well firstly, let's clear up the topic of toxicity. Unlike many 'people foods', blackberries don't contain any toxic compounds that could harm your pup. But, something to be aware of is portion sizes. We'll get onto feeding your dog blackberries later on, but first, it's worth knowing that blackberries contain trace amounts of xylitol. Usually known as an artificial sweetener that's toxic to dogs, xylitol is naturally found in blackberries in very tiny amounts. So, rest assured that if you're following our advice on feeding dogs blackberries safely, you don't have to worry about xylitol poisoning - they'd have to over-consume a serious amount of blackberries to reach the toxic threshold. 

Just so that you're aware, the symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include excessive vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stool, collapse and seizures. Xylitol poisoning is more common in dogs who have eaten home-baking products or human products with this ingredient such as toothpaste or peanut butter. 

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Are blackberries good for dogs?

So can dogs eat blackberries willy-nilly and get all the health benefits from the fruit that we humans can? Or are blackberries bad for dogs if over-consumed? Well as you might have guessed, blackberries should only be served up to your pup as a treat, with only less than 5% of their calories being made up by treat food. Why? Well firstly, too many blackberries (like with any dog-safe fruit) can cause a stomach upset, so only stick to small amounts every now and then. Plus, your dog's diet should be predominantly made up of a food that's been formulated specifically for dogs. This will ensure that your pooch is getting all the nutrients they need for their age, breed, and any health issues they've got going on. Ask your vet for advice on feeding if unsure of the best option for your dog. 

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Health benefits of eating blackberries for dogs

So can dogs eat blackberries and reap all the health benefits we humans can? Certainly - when served in moderation, blackberries can offer your furry friend an array of nutrients that are great for a whole host of bodily functions. Take a look below to find out exactly what these are.

• Vitamin C. Preserves your pup's cognitive function and helps to fight off free radicals.
• Vitamin E. Supports eye and skin health and helps other nutrients absorb.
• Vitamin K. Helps with blood clotting.
• Calcium. Contributes to healthy bones and teeth.
• Manganese. Helps puppies to grow healthy bones and joints.
• Vitamin C. Preserves your pup's cognitive function and helps to fight off free radicals.
• Vitamin E. Supports eye and skin health and helps other nutrients absorb.
• Vitamin K. Helps with blood clotting.
• Calcium. Contributes to healthy bones and teeth.
• Manganese. Helps puppies to grow healthy bones and joints.
• Anthocyanins. These give blackberries their rich color, help to reduce inflammation, and may reduce the chances of certain types of cancers.

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Feeding your dog blackberries

When it comes to feeding your pup blackberries, you should stick to the 5% rule - 5% of your dog's diet should only be made up with treats (and of course, it can be 0%). And if you're thinking about cooking blackberries for your dogs, don't be tempted to add any additional sweeteners or flavorings - these can be toxic to dogs. Instead, serve them up chopped, pureed, or mashed, and never serve whole or frozen as they pose a choking hazard, especially in smaller breed dogs.

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Other blackberry products

So, now we know that dogs and blackberries go paw-in-hand (at least in the world of safe dog treats), you might be wondering - can dogs have blackberries cooked into your favorite desserts and preserves? Sadly not - additional sugar and fat are not only unnecessary in the canine diet, but they’re also pretty detrimental to your pup's health, so always serve them plain. Your dog will love the natural sugar kick from the blackberries alone. 

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So now we’ve settled the question - can dogs have blackberries - you might be curious to find out about the other foods dogs can eat. Take a look below for advice, tips and of course all the caveats you need to be aware of.

• Bananas
• Apples
• Oranges

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.