Can dogs eat blueberries?

Updated 19/04/2024

It's no surprise that blueberries are one of the most popular fruits at the moment - a so-called 'superfood' packed with vitamin C and a range of other antioxidants, they're the perfect topper to any breakfast or juicy nutrient burst alongside a chocolate pudding. So with blueberries brimming your fridge (or thereabouts), you might be wondering - can dogs eat blueberries? And do they offer any health benefits to our canine companions? Well luckily for your furry friend, it's a yes and yes on this one - dogs can eat blueberries, and they're actually a rather healthy snack when served in moderation. For more on safely feeding your dog blueberries, take a look below.

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Are blueberries poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat blueberries without any risks whatsoever? And are blueberries safe for dogs of all shapes, ages and sizes? Well firstly, we're happy to confirm that blueberries don't contain any compounds poisonous to dogs, so there's no such thing as blueberry toxicity in dogs. There are, however, precautions you'll need to take when sharing the fruit with your pup - take a look below to make sure you're feeding your dog blueberries in the safest way possible.

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Are blueberries good for dogs?

So should blueberries simply be the occasional treat for dogs, or are blueberries bad for dogs if they're given too many? Well like with anything, it's best in moderation, especially when feeding dogs the foods we humans love. But do blueberries actually offer any health benefits for dogs? Certainly. Dogs are omnivores, which means they need a fine balance of animal protein and nutrients from plants to stay healthy. So, all of those lovely antioxidants found in blueberries can definitely give your pup a little health boost, too.

Feeding large amounts of blueberries can make your dog unwell. The high sugar content from eating large amounts of tasty blueberries can cause tummy upset, leading to signs such as vomiting and diarrhea. Eating large amounts of tasty snacks can also affect your dog's willingness to eat their normal diet. This can have impacts on their long-term health if they are not regularly getting all the nutrients and supplements they need from their kibble.           

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Can puppies eat blueberries?

If you've got a puppy who's eating purely solid foods, you might be curious to find out whether they enjoy blueberries as much as you. Your young pup is still developing, so their stomach may be slightly more sensitive than an adult dog's. So, after feeding them anything new, monitor their tummies afterward just to make sure the fruit hasn't upset their stomach. So, can dogs eat blueberries before reaching adulthood? Certainly. Just feed with caution and always stay close by after feeding your pooch something new, just in case it upsets their stomach. 

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Health benefits of eating blueberries for dogs

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs eat blueberries - let's take a look at some of the micronutrients in the fruit that your pup could benefit from if they're allowed to snack on a few blueberries every now and then. And just remember, there's really no pressure to be feeding your pup superfoods or 'people' foods of any kind - your pooch will be perfectly happy and healthy if fed a dog food that's aimed at pups of their age, size and breed.

• Vitamin C and K.
• Fiber.
• Calcium.
• Manganese.
• Magnesium.
• Zinc.
• Phosphorus.

Feeding your dog blueberries

Preparing blueberries for dogs

When preparing blueberries for dogs, the key is to keep it simple, just like with any canine nutrition. 

How many blueberries can a dog eat?

So can dogs eat blueberries willy-nilly, or is there a recommended amount you should be limiting your pup to? Well it really depends on your dog's size - bigger pups can take more of any food, in most circumstances. Your rule of thumb is that blueberries should be a treat for dogs, so a couple every few days will be fine - there's no need to make blueberries part of their regular diet. 

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Other blueberry products

Unless it's a plain blueberry you're thinking about feeding your pup, we'd advise keeping it to yourself. Why? Well, many of the foods blueberries are cooked into (think jam, cakes, and muffins) are packed with additional sugar and fat which can lead to long-term health complications. Some baking ingredients such as Xylitol are highly toxic to dogs, so it's best to stick to whole fresh blueberries if choosing to feed this food type. 

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs have blueberries, what other foods are a match made in pup heaven, just like dogs and blueberries? Check out our blog on foods dogs can eat and take a look below to get started.

• Sweet potato
• Pork
• Cherries

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.