Blueberries are among the most popular fruits that are eaten in the US. There is no way a summer fruit salad will be complete without blueberries. They are not only tasty but are also a food that contains several health benefits for both humans and dogs.
Let us consider the several reasons that make blueberries perfect for boosting the health of your dog.
The health benefits of feeding blueberries to your dog
Blueberries are overflowing with minerals, vitamins, and they are the fruit with the highest amount of antioxidants. Apart from these, there are more benefits of this fruit.
They also contain anthocyanins and phytochemicals, high in fiber and low in calories. They all work hand-in-hand, making it healthy for dogs, both young and old.
Here is the reason this fruit is healthy for your cute four-legged companion:
- Vitamins:
The small blueberry has Vitamins A, C, and K. They work to reduce inflammation, increase bone density, support proper quality and function of nerves, skin, muscles, and coat, and boost the immune system of your dog.
- Minerals:
Phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and potassium also play a role in the health benefits of blueberry. These minerals help the body to use minerals and vitamins more efficiently and also support bone growth.
- Phytochemicals:
This is a chemical compound that is found in plants. They have a bunch of health benefits for humans as well as dogs. According to studies, phytochemicals can reduce inflammation in chronic diseases and can fight cancer.
- Antioxidants:
Blueberries are well known for having antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are an essential part of both animal and human diets. They delay the aging process and combat free radicals that are responsible for molecular and cellular damage.
An interesting study was carried out concerning antioxidants and cellular damage after strenuous exercise in sled dogs. According to the study, blueberries added to the diet of the dog helped their recovery time to reduce after heavy exercise. This can be a huge benefit for active dogs as it may make their mobility increase even while they age.
Research has also proven that antioxidants reduce cognitive dysfunction or the aging process in senior dogs.
- Anthocyanins:
Anthocyanins are what caused the purple/blue color of the blueberry. They work together with antioxidants to help reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and heart disease.
Blueberries provide dogs with several health benefits, and this has made a lot of dog food producers have included them in their dog food formulas.
Are blueberries safe for my dog?
Yes, they are safe for your dog, whether you feed them mashed, fresh, frozen, or dried. A cup of blueberry fruit has just 84 calories, making it safe as a training treat and for dogs suffering from diabetes. But, no matter what, remember to talk to your vet before feeding them to your canine.
How much blueberries can I feed my dog?
Portion control is vital, just as with any veggie or fruit. Your dog’s diet should contain only 10% treats and should be given as occasional treats. Ten blueberries is an appropriate amount for most small pups. Bigger breeds can tolerate more than that, but ensure that you do not go beyond the 10% while serving them to your dog.
Blueberries are small, so there is a possibility that a large dog will eat too many of them. They are likely to eat them without even chewing, so it would be easy for them to clear up the bowl within a flash. This can create a choking hazard or cause a tummy ache. It is easier for small dogs to choke on the berries if they are offered frozen or gulped down.
A lot of dog owners have blueberry bushes grown in their gardens. Dogs will always be tempted to gorge on the blueberries, so it would be a good idea to separate them from your dog. The bush is not toxic to dogs, except there are herbicides or pesticides on them.
About 10% of dogs can show allergies or intolerances to new foods. While feeding blueberries to your dog, watch out for itchiness, hives, ear inflammation, chronic gas, or gastrointestinal upset. If you notice any of these symptoms, quit giving them the blueberries and consult with your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Yes. Your dog will be grateful to have this superfood. Not only are these little berries delicious, but they also come with plenty of amazing health benefits for your furry companion. Always ensure that you feed them appropriately and moderately to your dog, and watch out for allergy symptoms.
