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Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?

Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?

The answer is yes, with some important caveats. Blackberries for dogs can be okay in moderation, but there are some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of before giving a dog blackberries. You should also consult your veterinarian before attempting to give your pup any new foods, regardless of health benefits.

Are blackberries good for dogs?

Yes, in moderation. In fact, blackberries can be a nutritious treat for most dogs. These dark little berries are full of fiber, which can help your dog feel full and promote healthy stool. They’re also low in calories, which can make blackberries a good snack option for dogs on a weight loss plan. Blackberries also contain vitamin C, vitamin K and lots of antioxidants. However, canines aren’t likely to absorb as many of these vitamins and minerals from berries as they would from commercially available dog food. 

Blackberries should always be considered a snack or treat for your dog, never the main course. Though blackberries are safe for most dogs, every pup is different. Some may negatively react to blackberries, especially if they have a sensitive stomach or gobble too many berries at a time.

Are blackberries ever bad for dogs? In rare cases, the sugar content and fiber of blackberries or a dog’s food sensitivities may cause an adverse reaction, including:

  • Gas
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Indigestion
  • Upset stomach

If you notice any of these symptoms, stop giving blackberries to your dog and contact your vet. 

How to feed dogs blackberries

The number of blackberries you should feed your dog at once will depend on several factors, including their size, age, health and food tolerance. A good guideline is that only 10% of your pup’s daily calories should come from treats like blackberries. 

As previously mentioned, checking with your vet before preparing blackberries for dogs is always a good idea. They can also advise you on your dog’s daily calorie needs and how many blackberries they can eat daily.

Only feed your dog blackberries you’ve purchased from a store, and make sure to wash them. If you grow wild blackberries and don’t use chemical pesticides, letting your dog eat from your yard may be okay. Be careful about letting your dog eat wild blackberries, which may contain chemicals or pesticides that could hurt your pet. 

When giving your pup blackberries for the first time, start small with just one or two and wait a few days to see how your dog reacts. If they have stomach issues, like gas or diarrhea, it’s a good indication that blackberries are not the right treat for your pup. 

If you have a smaller pet in your household, cut up blackberries for dogs. A full blackberry could be a choking hazard for small dogs like Chihuahuas. 

If your dog enjoys eating blackberries, how should you serve them this tasty new snack? Here are a few ideas.

As a treat

The simplest way to let your dogs eat blackberries is to give them whole or chopped as treats. Blackberries can be used during training sessions with your dog or to reward them for performing tricks or commands. Of course, there’s never a wrong reason to give your dog a special treat—just keep moderation in mind. Over a long training session, you may want to cut blackberries into pieces so you don’t give your dog too many.

As a treat mix

Many chew toys include openings that allow you to add treats or tasty pastes. It’s not a good idea to add blackberries to toys, as they can get messy quickly. However, you can mix mashed blackberries into treat pastes and freeze them in certain toys. This can give your dog more flavor options or lower the amount of high-calorie peanut butter you add to a treat. Take a look at the shapes and ingredients of different dog treats and chews that can become bases for blackberry treats. Encouraging play and mental stimulation can be a great way to make blackberries good for dogs.

Topper

Do you need to encourage your dog to eat their meals? Add mashed blackberries to your dog’s food as a topper, and you might be surprised at how enthusiastically they chow down when it’s dinner time. Blackberries can help add flavor to certain wholesome but bland kibble, including low-fat or special dietary foods. 

Dog food and treats containing blackberries

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