- Dr. Andrew Lacqua
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
Dog lovers like us, we want to share all our favorite things with our pets. Car rides, walks in the park and of course, yummy treats. And blueberries are no exception! But like with any food, you should check if blueberries are poisonous for dogs.
Blueberries are totally safe for dogs and they are not at all poisonous or toxic.
Small, nutritious and an oh-so-refreshing treat for humans — blueberries are an easy-to-share snack with dogs, too. Here are some of the benefits of these tiny but mighty berries along with a few tips and tricks on how to feed them safely to your pooch.
Nutritional benefits of blueberries for dogs
Blueberries are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — making them a deliciously healthy bite for humans and dogs alike!
Here’s what makes them a berry good choice for your pup:
Low in calories for a guilt-free treat
High in vitamin C and phytochemicals to boost their immune system
High in fiber to aid in digestion and maintain bowel regularity
High in antioxidants to support their immune system and overall health
How to safely give your dog blueberries
While blueberries are a safe snack for dogs, it’s important to know how to introduce them into your doggy’s diet. Here are some safe ways to serve them up:
Always wash them to remove pesticides and chemicals
Start with just a few blueberries and observe your pup’s reaction. Introducing any new food gradually is essential to prevent digestive issues
They’re naturally sweet! So, serve blueberries without any added sugar or artificial sweeteners
While frozen blueberries can be a refreshing summer treat, fresh ones make the perfect topping for your doggo’s regular meals
Potential risks for feeding blueberries to your dog
Although blueberries are generally safe for dogs, there are a few things to keep in mind to help prevent any health issues.
Choking hazard Due to their small size, these berries may pose a choking risk — especially for small breeds or young puppies. Definitely keep an eye on your dog while feeding blueberries.
Allergic reactions As with any new food, there’s always the possibility that your dog may be allergic to blueberries.
Symptoms include:
If you notice any of these signs after feeding your dog blueberries, contact your nearest VEG emergency animal hospital ASAP.
Frequently asked questions about dogs and blueberries
Can my dog eat blueberry muffins?
No, dogs should not eat blueberry muffins. While blueberries are completely healthy for dogs to eat, muffin ingredients can be unhealthy and toxic. Muffins can be high in sugar, which can lead to obesity and diabetes in dogs. They also have a high fat content; avoid feeding fatty foods to dogs. Additionally, some low-calorie muffins may contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that’s highly toxic to pets.
Can my dog eat blueberry yogurt?
Depends. While plain yogurt with no additional ingredients is completely healthy for dogs, store-bought blueberry yogurt usually has a high content of sweeteners like sugar or xylitol. Yogurt with a high sugar content is unhealthy for your dog and can lead to obesity and diabetes among other health issues. The artificial sweetener, xylitol, is highly toxic to dogs.
How many blueberries can a dog eat?
Blueberries are a superfood that dogs can and should eat; they’re high in antioxidants and fiber. However, too much of a good thing is not always a good thing! Too many blueberries can bring on digestive issues. Check with your primary care veterinarian, who can advise you on the proper quantity based on the breed and size of your dog.
Can my dog eat dried blueberries?
Always feed your dog fresh blueberries. While dehydrated blueberries are generally safe for dogs, the natural sugar content is higher because the sugars are concentrated. Ingesting foods high in sugar, whether natural or added, can be a catalyst for diabetes and obesity.
Additionally, do not feed your dog canned blueberries or blueberry pie filling, which usually has added sugars, syrups, or ingredients like xylitol that are toxic to dogs.
Can dogs eat blueberries every day?
As a small-quantity treat (2-10 blueberries), a dog eating blueberries every day shouldn’t be a problem. You should contact your primary care veterinarian, who can guide you on safe blueberry snacking for your dog based on your pup’s breed and weight.
Do blueberries act as laxatives for dogs?
Yes, due to their high dietary fiber content, blueberries can have laxative effects. In fact, if your dog is constipated, a few blueberries could help! (Call VEG ER for Pets for advice if your dog is constipated for longer than a day). Understand that fiber helps digestion but too much fiber can irritate your dog’s bowels, causing gastrointestinal issues and diarrhea.
Will blueberries make my dog’s poop black?
Yes, blueberries can stain your dog’s stool and turn it black or dark purple. Do not be alarmed; this is normal after blueberry ingestion. However, if your dog’s poop remains black or has a tarry or sticky consistency, see your primary care veterinarian right away or visit VEG ER for Pets and one of our emergency doctors will assess the situation.
24-hour vet help for your dog's emergency needs
While blueberries are a healthy treat that most dogs can enjoy, it’s important to introduce them to your pooch’s diet in moderation. It’s also smart for dog owners to know what foods their dog should stay away from. Read about the 5 human foods dogs should never eat.
On the rare occasion your pup has an allergic reaction or shows any sign of distress as discussed above, call the closest VEG animal ER and let us know you’re coming in. We’re open for pet emergencies and urgent care 24/7, even on holidays.
We certainly hope your puppy doesn’t need emergency vet care, but know that you can stay by your dog’s side if he or she needs immediate vet care. Until the next blog, happy snacking!
