Table of Contents
Summary ✍️
In this edition of our 'Can Dogs Eat' series, we tackle the question: Can dogs eat berries? Berries are a fantastic way to beat the heat and give your dog a refreshing snack during hot summer days. In this blog, we’ll explore which berries are safe for your dog, the health benefits they offer, and how they can help keep your pup cool and happy all summer long.
Key Takeaways 🔑
Berries are hydrating and low-calorie treats, making them perfect for summer.
Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are safe for dogs in moderation.
Avoid grapes, raisins, and cherries, which can be harmful to dogs.
Berries are rich in antioxidants, which reduce risks of chronic disease. They're also rich in fibre, which supports digestion.
Serve berries fresh or frozen for a cool, tasty summer treat.
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Summer Snacking: Can Dogs Eat Berries? 🍓
Summer is the perfect time to cool off, and what better way to help your dog stay refreshed than with a sweet, hydrating berry treat? Berries, with their natural sweetness and high water content, are not only a delicious way to keep your dog cool during those hot summer months. They're also a healthy snack that offers plenty of benefits. If you're wondering whether dogs can eat berries, the answer is yes! Most berries are not only safe for dogs and also packed with antioxidants and vitamins that support a healthy immune system.
In this edition of our 'Can Dogs Eat' series, we’ll dive into which berries are safe for your dog, the health benefits they provide, and how you can incorporate these refreshing fruits into your dog’s summer routine.
So, can dogs eat berries? Put simple: yes! Let’s explore why berries are the perfect treat for those scorching summer days!
The Benefits of Berries for Dogs 💪
As the temperatures rise, your dog’s hydration needs increase. While fresh water is essential, offering your dog hydrating snacks like berries can be a fun and delicious way to help keep them cool. Here’s why berries are an ideal summer snack for your pup:
- Hydration: Berries, especially those with high water content like strawberries and blackberries, are naturally hydrating. During hot summer days, your dog may not feel as thirsty as they should, and offering a tasty berry treat can encourage them to consume more fluids. Hydrated dogs are less prone to heat exhaustion or dehydration, so berries are a great option when the heat is on.
- Low in Calories: If you’re watching your dog’s waistline or they’re on a special diet, berries are an excellent low-calorie treat. They offer a natural sweetness without the risk of overloading your dog with excess sugars or fats. Because they’re light and refreshing, berries can satisfy your dog’s sweet tooth without tipping the scale, , as long as fed in moderation.
- Packed with Nutrients: Berries are nutritional powerhouses, offering a range of vitamins and minerals that can support your dog’s health. They’re rich in antioxidants, which are great for dogs post-exercise, and vitamin C, which helps support the immune system as well as fibre, which helps with digestion. In addition, certain berries like strawberries and raspberries contain anti-inflammatory compounds called anthocyanins that can help reduce joint pain and inflammation.
- Natural Sweetness without Added Sugars: Dogs, like people, enjoy sweet treats, but many store-bought treats are packed with sugars, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, or dental issues. Berries provide a natural sweetness, so you can indulge your dog without worrying about the negative health effects of added sugars.
- Great for Training or Enrichment: Berries are small, portable, and easy to serve, making them perfect for training or enrichment activities. You can use them moderately as high-value rewards during training sessions or hide them in puzzle toys to keep your dog engaged and mentally stimulated. These healthy little treats can turn ordinary training sessions into a fun, summer experience for both you and your dog.
Best Berries for Your Dog 🫐
Now that we know why berries are perfect for your dog, let’s take a closer look at the best types of berries to offer your pup during the summer.
Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the safest and healthiest berries you can give your dog. These tiny, antioxidant-rich berries are packed with vitamin C, fibre, and phytonutrients that help boost your dog’s immune system and digestive health. Blueberries are also known for their ability to fight free radicals in the body, which can help reduce chances of chronic disease and promote overall health.
Blueberries are easy to serve fresh, but they also freeze well, making them an ideal refreshing treat for hot summer days. If your dog loves frozen treats, freezing blueberries in ice cube trays or adding them to frozen dog-friendly treats is a great way to give them a cool snack.
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Strawberries
Strawberries aren’t just tasty, they’re also packed with a natural compound called fisetin, which helps protect the brain, reduce inflammation, and may even lower the risk of certain cancers. Fisetin has been linked to benefits for people with diabetes, and may help slow down signs of aging too.
Strawberries can be served fresh or frozen, and your dog will love the juicy burst of flavour. However, if your dog has any digestive issues, it's best to offer strawberries in moderation, as too many may cause upset stomachs.
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Raspberries
Raspberries are full of powerful natural compounds that can be great for your pet’s health. They contain ellagitannins, which may help protect against illnesses like heart disease and cancer, and anthocyanins, which give red and blue fruits their colour and may support brain health and memory. These compounds also have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help protect against arthritis and keep your pet feeling more comfortable and mobile as they get older.
Like strawberries, raspberries are hydrating and full of natural sweetness, making them an ideal snack for hot summer days. You can serve them fresh, or freeze them to create a cool treat your dog will love. Just be cautious, as raspberries also contain small seeds that may cause digestive issues if consumed in large quantities.
Blackberries
Blackberries are packed with powerful plant nutrients that support your pet’s health. One of the key compounds, called anthocyanins, gives blackberries their deep colour—and offers a long list of benefits. These include fighting inflammation, supporting heart health, helping manage blood sugar and weight, and even protecting the brain as pets get older. For aging dogs, anthocyanins may help with memory, alertness, and overall brain function.
When serving blackberries, be sure to wash them thoroughly, as they can often carry dirt or pesticides. You can serve them fresh or frozen, and they can even be chopped into smaller pieces or blended for easier consumption.
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Fruits to Avoid 🚫
While many berries are safe for dogs, some fruits should be avoided due to their toxicity or potential to cause harm. Here’s a list of fruits that dogs should steer clear of:
🍇 Grapes and Raisins
Though they may seem similar to berries, grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and should never be given to them. Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure, which can be fatal. Always ensure that grapes and raisins are kept out of your dog’s reach.
🍒 Cherries
Cherries are another fruit to avoid, as their pits contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. If you do decide to give your dog cherries, it’s crucial to remove the pits first.
How to Serve Berries to Your Dog 🍽️
Serving berries to your dog is simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure their safety and enjoyment:
1. Wash Thoroughly
Always wash berries before serving them to your dog to remove pesticides and harmful chemicals. Organic berries are a good choice if you want to minimize the risk of exposure to harmful substances.
2. Remove Stems and Seeds
Certain berries, like strawberries, may have stems (or seeds) that can pose a choking hazard to dogs. Always remove these before offering them to your pup.
3. Serve Fresh or Frozen
Berries are delicious when served fresh, but for a refreshing summer treat, you can also freeze them. Frozen berries provide a cool burst of hydration, and they can be used as a fun snack during outdoor playtime. You can also freeze berries in ice cube molds or mix them with other dog-friendly ingredients for homemade frozen treats.
4. Moderation is Key
As with any treat, berries should be given in moderation. Too many berries can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhea. Start with a small portion to see how your dog reacts and adjust as necessary.
Expert Vet Advice 🤓
Veterinarian and PetMD writer Dr. Ellen Malmanger, DVM, recommends always washing fruit before sharing it with your pup, along with removing any stems, leaves, seeds, pits, and skin. She also advises checking with your vet before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet.
While Dr. Malmanger says berries can make healthy, occasional treats for dogs, not all berries are equally beneficial.
According to Dr. Malmanger, the best berries for dogs are blueberries and strawberries.
Blueberries are low in calories and high in vitamin C, fibre, antioxidants, and cancer-fighting phytochemicals. Strawberries also pack a nutritional punch, as they’re rich in immune-boosting vitamins like C, B1, and K, and they’re a good source of potassium, fibre, and antioxidants, she says.
On the other hand, Dr. Malmanger says blackberries and raspberries should only be given in moderation and on occasion. Raspberries are higher in sugar, which can lead to stomach upset if your pup has too many. Blackberries are low in sugar and calories and full of antioxidants and cancer-fighting phytochemicals, but they also contain trace amounts of naturally occurring xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
“That said, your dog would have to eat a huge number of blackberries to experience any adverse effects, like vomiting or weakness. A small amount of blackberries (depending on the size and health of your pup) once a week should be OK,” Dr. Malmanger says.
FAQs 🤔
📢 Can I give my dog frozen berries for a cool treat?
🎯 Absolutely! Frozen berries are a refreshing summer snack for dogs. Just be sure to serve them in small portions to prevent choking, especially for smaller pups.
📢 How many berries can my dog have?
🎯 A few berries at a time is plenty for most dogs. Start with a small amount and see how your pup reacts, as too many berries at once can cause tummy troubles.
📢 Are berries good for my dog’s health?
🎯 You bet! Berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre, all of which help to naturally support your dog’s immune system and digestion.
📢 Do any Healthybud treats contain berries?
🎯 Yep! You’ll find blueberries and strawberries in our Beef and Turkey Freeze-Dried Raw Meals, plus berries in some of our treats. For example, our Duck Calming Aid Chews feature blueberries and goji berries, while Beef Joint Booster includes antioxidant-rich blueberries.
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Conclusion 💡
So, can dogs eat berries? Berries are not only a refreshing way to cool down your dog in the heat, but they also provide a range of health benefits. From boosting the immune system to supporting digestion and hydration, berries are a fun (and functional!) way to help your dog stay cool in the heat. Serve them fresh or frozen for a refreshing treat!
Just be sure to offer berries in moderation, and steer clear of harmful fruits like grapes and cherries. With a little creativity, berries can become a healthy, delicious part of your bud’s summer routine.
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Author Bio:
Coeli Fortun is a certified Canine Nutrition Coach with the American Veterinary Community (NAVC). Her passion lies in holistic pet health, and she has been part of the pet industry since 2017. Coeli specializes in premium pet care through tailor-made meal plans and offers expert advice on nutrition and hygiene. With five senior fur babies under her care, Coeli continues to explore and share the world of holistic pet health with pet parents everywhere.
