Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? Health Benefits, Safety Tips and More

Once called “star fruits” by North American Indigenous Peoples because of their perfectly star-shaped blossom, blueberries are packed with vitamins and nutrients. This small round fruit is delicious and readily available, making it tough to beat as a perfect treat for both humans and our four-legged family members.

Are Blueberries Good for Dogs?

Blueberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that would be a welcome addition to just about any dog’s diet. The tiny blueberry contains a surplus of vitamins and antioxidants and is a great treat for an adult dog or a young puppy.

Health benefits

Blueberries contain many nutrients, including vitamin C (immune booster), vitamin K (helps with blood clotting) and vitamin A (excellent for eye health). The berries also contain antioxidants that can help with cell repair and phytochemicals that boast a variety of benefits, from anti-inflammatory properties and protection against cardiovascular disease to improved eye health and more.

Blueberries also have a moderate amount of sugar, so check with your veterinarian before adding them to your dog’s diet. If your dog has certain medical conditions — diabetes, for example — blueberries may not be the best treat for them.

Dental benefits

Blueberries contain polyphenols — which are antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory — that may help protect your dog’s mouth from oral diseases. However, the fruit also contains chromogens, chemical compounds that can stick to tooth enamel and cause stains.

It's important to keep in mind that blueberries are acidic and contain sugar, both of which can contribute to tooth decay. To protect your dog's dental hygiene, it's best to offer them plenty of fresh water, especially after eating blueberries, to rinse their teeth.

How Many Blueberries Can Dogs Eat?

Blueberries are a low-calorie treat that are high in fiber. It’s recommended that no more than 10% of your dog’s diet is comprised of treats, but you can definitely add blueberries to your treat list.

One cup of blueberries contains about 80 calories, and a cup is around 65 to 75 berries, so one blueberry is just over one calorie. Depending on your dog's size, they may be able to enjoy a few berries on a regular basis.

What Happens If a Dog Eats Too Many Blueberries?

Due to the fiber and sugar content of blueberries, your dog might experience diarrhea or an upset stomach if they eat too many. These conditions will likely resolve on their own, but if you have any concerns, contact your veterinarian.

Are Dogs Allergic to Blueberries?

Blueberry allergies are rare in dogs, but it is always best practice to offer a small amount of any new food and monitor your dog for a reaction. An allergic reaction could be skin irritation or digestive issues, so if you notice anything unusual, discontinue feeding your dog blueberries and contact your veterinarian for advice.

How to Prepare Blueberries for Dogs

Before giving blueberries to your dog, be sure to wash them thoroughly (though you do not need to remove the outer peel).

These yummy berries can be served fresh or frozen — just keep an eye on smaller dogs because blueberries can be a choking hazard if your pup tries to eat them too quickly.

Other ways to prepare blueberries for your pup include:

• Mashing them into a puree and serving as a food topper

• Mixing blueberries with plain yogurt

• Freezing the berry, puree or yogurt mix for a fun treat on an especially hot day

Blueberries are often mixed into many premium dog foods and can be found in commercial treats as well.

Note: Avoid sharing any of your blueberry muffins or presweetened yogurt with your dog, as these contain additives that are not good for their health.

Don't Feed Your Dog Wild Blueberries

All parts of blueberry plants are safe to eat, but if your dog or puppy eats other parts of the plant, they may experience gastrointestinal upset.

Although blueberries are readily found across the country, be very careful about feeding your dog wild berries. With its small, shiny berries, the nightshade plant looks very similar but is toxic and dangerous for dogs (and humans).

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dogs

Taking good care of your pet's well-being from nose to tail is essential. Make sure to stay up to date on their regular checkups at the vet to help keep your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime of love. You can use your CareCredit credit card for pet care throughout the year for routine veterinary services as well as emergencies and surgeries.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian near you that accepts CareCredit.

CareCredit is there for you and your pet every step of the way; continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to pet care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth) has been practicing veterinary medicine at pet care facilities in California since 2001. Most recently, she served as medical director of the VCA PetPoint Medical Center and Resort in Irvine. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and became board-certified as a diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2010.