If you’re asking yourself, “Can dogs eat blackberries?” the answer is yes. You can safely offer a few blackberries to your dog, and they’ll even provide nutritional benefits.
But like everything else in life, blackberries have pros and cons, and we’ll explore them right here. Join us as we examine their nutritional value and health advantages for your pet, as well as any potential dangers you should be aware of.
This article covers all you need to know about this fruity dog treat and more:
- Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?
- Blackberries Are Nutritional and Healthy
- When Can Blackberries Be Bad for Dogs?
- How Many Blackberries Are Safe for Dogs?
- How to Feed Blackberries to Dogs
- Can Dogs Eat Frozen Blackberries?
- Are Other Parts of Blackberry Plants Safe for Dogs?
- What Harmful Berries Should Your Dog Avoid?
- What Are the Alternatives to Blackberries for Dogs?
- Other Serving Ideas
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?
You can certainly offer this fruit to your dog as a nutritious treat, but just because blackberries are safe doesn’t mean you should serve them regularly.
You should only give small amounts of blackberries since too much can cause gastrointestinal discomfort to your dog.
Blackberries also contain a tiny amount of xylitol, a poisonous sugar substitute for dogs. That’s another reason why you should be careful with the amount you give your dog — too many can be harmful.
Blackberries Are Nutritional and Healthy
We all know they’re delicious, but are blackberries good for dogs?
Blackberries have numerous health advantages. The nutrient-dense fruit can help:
- combat free radicals in the body that cause damage and disease
- boost brain health and increase brain function
- the digestive system, specifically the digestive tract and constipation
These are only a few nutritional benefits of this tasty fruit that can improve any immune system. Also, blackberries are full of:
- Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K
- Fiber
- Antioxidants
- Minerals
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Copper
- Zinc
- Calcium
- Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
It’s not difficult to see how they can help build a strong immune system. Your dog will get a snack rich in nutritional value that will keep it energized.
When Can Blackberries Be Bad for Dogs?
With all these healthy and nutritional values, you might be asking, “Are blackberries ever bad for dogs?”
Blackberries contain a small amount of xylitol, which can harm the liver and lower your dog’s blood sugar level if consumed in significant amounts. As a result of this, Hypoglycemia can be fatal. If you’re concerned, consult your veterinarian. Alternatively, you can try strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to avoid xylitol.
Another issue with feeding your dog too many blackberries is health problems like diarrhea, stomach distress, and vomiting. Potential side effects include:
- Excessive salivation
- Rashes
- Mouth swelling
- Respiratory problems (if your dog is allergic)
How Many Blackberries Are Safe for Dogs?
We know that too many blackberries aren’t safe for your pet, so how often can dogs have blackberries?
Blackberries are very healthy treats, but they should make up 10% of your dog’s diet at most. In terms of the amount, it all depends on your dog’s size. For a large dog, 6–8 blackberries is enough, while a little one can only have two.
How to Feed Blackberries to Dogs
Allow your dog to devour this delicious treat straight from your hands (after washing) or toss it in the air. Also, you may stuff the fruit into a feeding toy with non-fat cream cheese or non-fat plain yogurt.
Can Dogs Eat Frozen Blackberries?
Frozen blackberries are as safe as fresh ones, and you can use them during the hot summer days as a treat to cool your dog off. But can dogs eat frozen blackberries more often than fresh ones? They shouldn’t. You should avoid overfeeding them and offer them only in small amounts as treats.
Are Other Parts of Blackberry Plants Safe for Dogs?
Don’t worry too much if your dog accidentally eats some leaves along with the berry. They’re not toxic, and they likely won’t cause any problems. Still, consuming too much can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or constipation as dogs’ digestive tracts aren’t generally accustomed to plants.
What Harmful Berries Should Your Dog Avoid?
You can already answer the question, “Are blackberries good for dogs?” But what about other types of berries, and how harmful are they?
Some of the more common fruits that can harm your dog include grapes and cherries. Cherries contain cyanide and can be lethal, while grapes can cause acute kidney failure even by digesting a single one. Gooseberries, holly berries, and juniper berries are also poisonous.
What Are the Alternatives to Blackberries for Dogs?
So, can dogs eat other berries? They can.
Raspberries for dogs are an excellent choice for a healthy snack. They have anti-inflammatory properties that help with aging joints, so they’re perfect for senior dogs. But you should also be careful with the amount as they contain xylitol.
Blueberries and strawberries are popular options when it comes to healthy dog snacks. Plus, they’re full of fiber and low in calories. Strawberries also contain an enzyme that whitens your dogs’ teeth for that perfect smile.
Other fruit snacks for your dog include:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Mango
- Oranges
- Pears
These fruits and many vegetables are digestible and recommended as dog food. For instance, apple slices and carrots are two of the most common ingredients in dog food options for senior dogs.
Other Serving Ideas
If your dogs love to eat blackberries, you can surprise them with a popsicle during the hot summer days. But when buying store-bought fruit popsicles, ensure they’re sugar-free as many brands contain artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, that are toxic for dogs. We also suggest reviewing Ollie’s recipes for snack ideas. You might get inspired and create a healthy treat from real meat and fresh fruits.
If your dog suffers from diabetes, fruits might not be a good idea. To stay on the safe side, you should stick to non-prescription dog food for diabetics.
Conclusion
So can dogs eat blackberries? Yes, they can. Blackberries are fine for dogs, and you can give them occasionally as delicious treats. Just don’t overfeed them since they might lead to an upset tummy.
If this is your dog’s first time eating blackberries, start by giving it only a tiny slice. That will help identify any negative responses in time. If it’s all good, feel free to let your dog enjoy the occasional blackberry treat with you.
