Yes, dogs can eat blueberries. Blueberries are a great source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more. This fruit is a healthy snack for both large and small dogs, and most pups love them.
Are Blueberries Good for Dogs?
Blueberries are low in calories and contain high amounts of vitamin C, fiber, and phytochemicals (naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants). Vitamin C and fiber are vital components of proper canine nutrition. Phytochemicals are linked to several aspects of health, including the ability to fight cancer in humans.
Blueberries are also filled with antioxidants and have been shown to improve the health of animals, as well as humans.
Antioxidants, like those in blueberries, help fight free radicals, which are responsible for cellular and molecular damage in dogs and humans. As an added bonus, studies show that adding antioxidants to a dog’s diet reduces the effects of brain aging, which is great if you have a senior dog.
Feeding Your Dog Blueberries
You can feed your dog both fresh and frozen blueberries. As with all treats, make sure to only feed your dog this fruit in moderation. Blueberries are small, which means you don’t need to cut them up. But there are potential risks, such as choking, especially to smaller dogs.
All treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily diet. Just as you would do for any other fruit or vegetable, make certain that the blueberries are thoroughly washed to remove any pesticides or dirt prior to giving them to your dog. . Consult your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about feeding blueberries to your dog and monitor your dog closely after giving blueberries as a treat for the first time.
Blueberries are chock-full of nutrition, and these below are some of the most essential vitamins and minerals found in blueberries that are good for dogs:
· Antioxidants
· Silicon
· Vitamin A
· Vitamin B complex
· Vitamin C
· Vitamin E
· Vitamin K
· Selenium
· Zinc
· Iron
most powerful plant compounds found in blueberries:
Quercetin, flavonol that lowers blood pressure and reduces risk of heart disease (3) Anthocyanins, antioxidants that may reduce the risk of heart disease (4) Myricetin, flavonol that may reduce risk of diabetes and cancer
The above three plant compounds are responsible for some of the main benefits of blueberries. These, alongside vitamins and minerals in blueberries, in particular Vitamin C , Vitamin K1 and Manganese make blueberries one of the best superfoods.
Here's an evidence-based breakdown of how blueberries for dogs and humans are healthy and some very good reasons to add them to your canine's diet in moderate amounts:
· Blueberries have the highest amount of antioxidants of all foods
· Blueberries protect cholesterol from damage and improve heart
· Blueberries improve blood pressure
· Blueberries protect against aging and cancer
· Blueberries may prevent heart disease and heart strokes
· Blueberries help fight diabetes
· Blueberries help fight urinary tract inflections
· Blueberries reduce oxidative stress and muscle damage
Blueberries improve memory and brain function
1. The high antioxidant content in blueberries helps fight aging and cancer.
Blueberries are believed to have the highest antioxidant capacity of all vegetables and fruits on the planet, as the above mentioned studies have shown.
These antioxidants prevent DNA damage in both humans and animals which is caused by free radicals in the body. DNA damage leads to aging and the development of cancer.
Antioxidants in blueberries help to directly fight the aging process in many different ways, no least of which is by maintaining brain function and improving memory.
2. Silicon in blueberries helps strengthen bone and skin structures.
Silicon is a mineral found in moderate amounts in blueberries that may encourage healthy bone growth and the strengthening of connective tissues in the canine body.
This mineral may help your dog’s joints remain supple and fight off osteoporosis, arthritis as the dog ages. Silicon also promotes healthy growth of hair, nails, and skin.
3. Vitamin A promotes eye health.
The beta-carotene of Vitamin A , which is found in small amounts in blueberries, promotes overall eye health. While blueberries aren't the main source of it, the vitamin is still there.
This vitamin may also improve a dog’s coat and skin. On top of that, Vitamin A works to improve healthy bone growth and other bone related processes in the body.
4. Vitamin B complex helps maintain multiple body functions.
Blueberries contain small amounts of Vitamin B complex, meaning a variety of different B vitamins. These vitamins are responsible for critical cell functions and development, such as the production of energy to cells and the division and regeneration of cells.
Vitamin B complex may also assist in neural regeneration and growth in the canine body, as well as the prevention of bladder stone formation.
5. Blueberries have Vitamin C, an important antioxidant for the body.
Blueberries contain significant amounts of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) which may improve many different and important parameters within a dog’s body.
In particular, Vitamin C reduces oxidative cell damage, improves the immune system and may prevent cancer and autoimmune diseases in dogs.
6. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and promotes cell metabolism.
The Vitamin E in blueberries is an antioxidant that also produces the membranes surrounding cells, fat metabolism, and cell respiration.
7. Vitamin K improves a dog’s blood and liver health.
Blueberries have Vitamin K in them which has a significant impact on your dog’s body.
Vitamin K may improve blood and liver health in dogs, as well as have positive effects on heart and bone diseases in canines.
8. Selenium encourages the development of a healthy immune system.
Alongside Vitamin C in blueberries, selenium may also be vital to the formation of a healthy immune system in your dog. This benefit also extends to the thyroid gland.
Additionally, selenium has been found to help with joint health, improved skin and coat conditions, and in the prevention of cancers in human clinical trials.
9. Zinc is necessary for proper metabolic body processes.
Zinc found in small amounts in blueberries is crucial to the immune system as a whole, and also the production of many vital hormones. It plays a key role in the synthesis of DNA and the replication of DNA and RNA.
Zinc also promotes healthy eyesight, strong hair, skin, and nails as well as improves brain function and memory. It is vital to skeletal structure and collagen synthesis.
10. Iron is key to development of hemoglobin and enzyme functions.
Blueberries provide iron, a crucial chemical element that is necessary for the body to survive. Iron creates hemoglobin and institutes proper enzyme function.
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