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Blueberries are often referred to as a superfood because they contain many substances that are healthy for humans. That is why many dog owners ask themselves whether this also applies to dogs.
In a nutshell
- only dried or overripe, fresh blueberries for the dog
- mixed in small quantities as a snack or pureed with the feed
- possible undesirable side effects in case of overdose: diarrhea
Blueberry and Dog
Bilberry varieties, also known as blackberries or blueberries, are healthy for dogs. Because the black berries contain a variety of valuable ingredients. When it comes to the difference between cultivated and wild blueberries, the native, wild species Vaccinium myrtillus is said to have a better health value than the cultivated forms. This is because the proportion of anthocyanins, which are also responsible for the blue discoloration of the teeth, is higher in the wild form. Because these dyes are considered the active components of blueberries.
ingredients and effects
In addition to anthocyanins, blueberries contain:
- Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B9, C and E
- iron
- calcium
- potassium
- magnesium
- sodium
- phosphorus
- zinc
Blueberries contain hardly any fat and sugar, but the proportion of fiber and water is high. When feeding, blueberries as a superfood can have a positive effect on:
- nerves (vitamins B6 and B9)
- Energy supply (vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B9)
- Eyes and vision (vitamin B2)
- immune system (vitamin C)
- fur (sheen)
- Brain function (assistance in older dogs)
dosage forms and quantity
Although blueberries are healthy for the dog, you should pay attention to the amount and the form of administration. Because too much of a good thing can harm your faithful companion. In addition, not every animal has to tolerate the black berries, which is why you should start feeding with small doses to try them out.
dosage forms
Blackberries are fed to dogs fresh or dried. However, fresh blueberries as open goods may only be given to the four-legged friends when they are fully or overripe. Because at this degree of ripeness, the blackberries are so soft that the risk of choking when feeding whole berries is classified as low. Nevertheless, it is recommended to give man's best friend the fruit only pureed or mashed. This is especially true for frozen blueberries, as dogs can choke on them. In addition, the animals tolerate the crushed berries better.
You can mix the berry puree with the dog food. Add some high-quality oil over it so that the fat-soluble vitamins can be absorbed by the body. If the porridge is fed pure, you can also mix in some quark or yoghurt.
Tip: Fill the pureed berries into dog toys provided for this purpose, combine “healthy” with activity.
The same applies to feeding dried blueberries as to feeding fresh blueberries. The choking hazard is low, but it is recommended to crush these berries as well.
crowd
How many blackberries are healthy for the dog at what intervals is evaluated differently. Some vets recommend feeding a maximum of 10 fresh berries occasionally as a snack. Others allow significantly more fruit. So should in the season
- Dogs up to about 10 kilograms 3 to 5 fresh berries,
- Dogs up to 25 kg 6 to 8 and
- large dogs tolerate about 10 fresh blueberries daily.
Notice: When feeding dried blackberries, the amount of fruit is reduced, since 100 grams contain four times as many nutrients as fresh berries.
unwanted effects
Like humans, dogs can also have an allergic reaction to blackberries. Possible reactions to an allergy are:
- breathing problems
- to cough
- rashes
- itch
- swelling
An allergic reaction to blueberries could include a rash and hair loss.
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, you should contact a veterinarian immediately and stop feeding them blueberries. If you have given the animal too many of the black berries, gastrointestinal disorders can occur. Because fresh blackberries have a laxative effect that can lead to diarrhea in dogs. In this case it is usually sufficient if you do not feed the berries.
frequently asked Questions
Is there a risk of infection with the fox tapeworm in wild blueberries?Fox tapeworm poses no danger to dogs because they do not become ill. However, they can transmit the parasite to humans because the worm eggs stick to fur when sniffing near fox burrows or eating infected mice. It is therefore important for people to wash wild blueberries and their hands before eating.
Are blueberries considered part of the BARF ration?Yes. They are counted among the plant components (fruit and vegetables), which should make up 20 to 30 percent of the BARF ration. Within the vegetable part, the fruit share, to which the berries can be attributed, is 25 percent.
Can I also give my dog blueberry tea?Blueberry tea is said to help dogs with diarrhea. However, it must be made from dried berries, as fresh blackberries have a laxative effect.