Dogs And Berries

Table of Contents: 

• Are Berries Safe For Dogs To Eat?
• Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
  
• Are Blueberries Safe For Dogs? 
• Can I Give My Dog Blackberries?
• Can I Feed My Dog Raspberries?
• Which Berries Are Harmful For Dogs?

As most BARF diet raw feeders have come to understand that dogs are capable of digesting certain human foods, they are eager to read and see which types of fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs to eat. Whole foods are great to treat your dog in moderation but feeding them a bowl of blueberries is unnecessary. Especially when they are already on a complete and balanced raw diet, it could be a little overkill.

On the other hand, feeding fresh fruit to pets is known to strengthen the immune system, help with weight management, and whiten your dog’s teeth! Know when to share your fruits with your dog or add them as a sweet tasty topper on their meal as a treat!

Are Berries Safe For Dogs To Eat?

Generally, the rule of thumb is most berries that humans eat, dogs can eat safely too! But, like any transition to new food must be done slow and gradually. The reason for this would be to notice if any irregularities occur with their bodies specifically their poop or if you notice they develop an allergic reaction.

Don’t be surprised if your dog spits out these berries on the first try, their tongues are not accustomed to sweet, tart, juicy berries and may be shocked by its flavor profile! If they end up loving these sweet morsels, they provide dogs with the same antioxidants and health benefits they do with humans. Keep them frozen on hot summer days to cool them down and even use them as training treats once they grow accustomed to them.

Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?

Yes. Strawberries are a sweet low calorie treat high in fiber and vitamin C. It is also known to whiten dog’s teeth as well. There is such a thing as overfeeding strawberries because of their high fructose level that can lead to high blood sugar levels in your pup.

Feeding a whole strawberry to a larger dog may result in a choking hazard. Strawberries are best served in small cut up pieces to help your dog from swallowing it whole. Another way to safely serve strawberries is to puree a few and add it as a topper on their current food. 

Are Blueberries Safe For Dogs?

Yes. Blueberries are the most commonly consumed fruit for both humans and dogs! No doubt they are tasty in flavor and add a nice little pop of texture to your morning yogurt bowl.

Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants which has shown to improve the health of animals in a way that slows the effects of brain aging. They are perfect for senior dogs because they are small and easy to chew and digest! No need to cut these guys smaller than they already are, but you can do the same for them with strawberries and use them as a puree topper on your dog’s meal.

Can I Give My Dog Blackberries?

Yes. Although not as common to feed your dog as strawberries or blueberries they are also safe to consume. Because they might be tarter than other berries and full of seeds your pup might not like them but they are surely full of vitamins and minerals.

An antioxidant found in red, blue and purple foods help fight free radicals. This includes health benefits such as anti-inflammatory effects, reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer, and improves brain function!

The fiber in these berries can help with gastrointestinal issues but overfeeding them too much can result in diarrhea and vomiting. Although a dog’s body can tolerate massive amounts of blackberries before experiencing these effects, it’s much safer to limit them to a handful of these berries once a week.

Can I Feed My Dog Raspberries?

Yes. Raspberries are lower in sugar and contain lots of fiber and vitamin C. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties that make them great for older pets. Rich in other nutrients like magnesium and potassium, dogs can enjoy these sweet treats but should be limited to less than a cup at a time. And no more than once a week! Raspberries contain very small amounts of xylitol found in gum and in large amounts, this sweetener can be fatal to dogs. 

Which Berries Are Harmful For Dogs?

If you ever run into a berry that is uncommon and not listed above, it is best just to not feed these types of fruit. Although grapes are not classified as berries, some people may think these will be ok to feed...THEY’RE NOT! Some bouquets and houseplants may have berries attached but the best rule of thumb would be if humans can’t eat it, dogs should not either. There are also wild berries to be cautious of found commonly in walks or hikes on trails. 

Keep Your Dog Away From These Types of Berries:

• Mistletoe
• Holly berries
• Pokeberries
• Juniper Berries
• Bane Berries
• Goose Berries
• Salmon Berries
• Dogwood Berries

Since most of these berries are unheard of to humans, you may not encounter it as often but try to familiarize yourself with what these berries look like in the wild so you can be extra cautious when you find your dog nibbling on something. In the event, your dog has unfortunately ingested any of the berries listed above, visithttps://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control or call them and describe what your dog has swallowed and told them the symptoms your dog is having.

Now that you know that common berries are safe for dogs to eat, please just be mindful of how often you treat them with sweets. Treats should only make up less than 10% of your dog's diet so no need to be going overboard with the berries just because they're healthy! And don't forget Cali Raw Formulas are all complete and balanced so you don't need any added supplements to add to their meals.

Check out:Other Human Food For Dogs