Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? Super Foods for Dogs · The Wildest

Skip to main content

Can My Dog Eat This?

Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

Yep — blueberries are a fiber and antioxidant-packed snack for your pup.

by Daniela Lopez
June 1, 2021
A close up view of a dog with a blueberry resting on its nose
Photo: Wirestock / Adobe Stock
The letter "W" from the Wildest logo

Your pet wants you to read our newsletter. (Then give them a treat.)

Sign up for product updates, offers, and learn more about The Wildest, and other Mars Petcare brands. Must be over 16 years to sign up. See our privacy statement to find out how we collect and use your data, to contact us with privacy questions or to exercise your personal data rights.

The next time you’re at the farmer’s market, you may want to pick up an extra pint of blueberries — for your dog. That's right: plump, juicy blueberries are a tasty and healthy treat for your pup; in fact, most dogs love them. Whether you buy them fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried, they’re a great addition to your dog’s diet. Here are all the health benefits of blueberries for dogs, plus how to serve ’em up.

The Health Benefits of Blueberries for Dogs

Loaded with vitamin C and fiber, blueberries are known to be one of the most nutritional berries for dogs. Their deep blue color comes from anthocyanidins, which are potent antioxidants. Studies suggest that antioxidants like those in blueberries can provide significant improvements in cognitive functions in aging dogs.

Blueberries also supply phytochemicals — chemical compounds that are thought to help protect against some cancers. And with one cup containing just 84 calories, they make an excellent low-calorie treat for your dog. Just remember that treats, in general, should comprise no more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet each day.

How to Add Blueberries to Your Dog’s Diet

When giving your dog blueberries, introduce them slowly and in small quantities since gorging on this tasty fruit can give your dog an upset stomach. To serve them to your pup, simply wash them and serve them whole or lightly mashed. You can add them as a topper to your dog’s kibble or use them as treats. You can even incorporate them into homemade treats or try the recipe below. Another option: freeze-dried blueberries — many dogs enjoy their crunchy texture.

Simple Homemade Blueberry Dog Treats

With just four simple ingredients, you can make this tasty frozen treat for your dog.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup peanut butter

  • 4 cups yogurt

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 1 cup mashed blueberries

DIRECTIONS

1. Melt peanut butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until creamy.

2. Place the peanut butter, yogurt, honey, and blueberries into a blender and mix until smooth.

3. Pour the mixture into empty ice cube trays (or silicone molds) and freeze until firm. 

4. Pop the treats out of the tray and let your dog enjoy!

Illustration of food bowlDog

daniela lopez

Daniela Lopez

Daniela Lopez is a digital media specialist and long-time contributor to The Bark.

Related articles