Adding more natural foods to your dog’s diet has been growing in popularity in recent years. As people have started taking better care of their own bodies, the same goes for their dog’s bodies. And since there are tons of people adding fruits and vegetables to their dog’s regular meals a lot of people wonder if you can feed your dog berries.
The answer is yes and no. Some berries are completely fine and beneficial to dogs. On the other hand, there are some that are okay for dogs but only in small amounts, while other berries are bad for your dogs.
To make sure you’re feeding your dog the right berries, we’ve compiled a quick list of berries that are safe for dogs, their health benefits, and why you should start incorporating fruits and berries into your dog’s diet. Read on to learn more.
Are Berries Good for Dogs?
The answer to this question depends on the berry. However, when you feed your dog the right berries, there’s a high chance you can reap a bunch of health benefits. Most berries have a lot of fiber and nutrients that are great for a dog’s health, which is why they are great additions to a dog’s diet.
On top of that, berries have natural sugars and a sweetness that a lot of dogs love. So, not only are some berries safe for dogs, there’s a high chance that they’ll enjoy the flavor. Berries are also rich in different vitamins, which are great natural supplements for dogs.
With that said, you always have to feed your dog the right berries in proper amounts. Don’t feed your dog any berry or add anything into their diet without doing the right research and asking your vet first to ensure that everything is safe.
Berries That Are Safe for Dogs to Eat
Here’s a list of a couple of berries that are safe for dogs to eat that you can start mixing into their diet;
Blueberries
For most humans, blueberries are considered a superfood. However, what a lot of people don’t know is that blueberries are also a superfood for dogs! Blueberries are packed with fiber, nutrients, vitamins, and a bunch of antioxidants that are great for dogs.
On top of that, they are readily available in a lot of grocery stores in different locations. So, you won’t have a hard time finding a bunch of fresh blueberries for your dog to eat!
Strawberries
Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and fiber. These are great for dogs as it helps maintain a healthy immune system and digestive system. Strawberries also have a specific enzyme that can whiten your dog’s teeth and promote good oral health.
You can freeze strawberries for your Summer smoothie and save a couple of crunchy treats for your dog that they will absolutely love!
Blackberries
Blackberries contain a lot of the same benefits as strawberries and blueberries. They are staples in most grocery stores, and you won’t have a hard time getting your hands on blackberries if you visit your local market. On top of that, they are loaded with a bunch of antioxidants and different nutrients that are highly beneficial for dogs.
Adding a couple of blackberries to your dog’s diet is a great way of promoting good health. Dogs also really enjoy the natural sweetness and texture of blackberries, which is what makes it a great treat for dogs!
Cranberries
This entry should be considered an honorable mention. Dogs can eat cranberries in moderation, but to stay on the safe side, it’s best not to overfeed them. The main reason for this is the high sugar content of cranberries, which can result in obesity and oral health issues in high amounts. While cranberries are a natural sugar source, don’t overfeed them to your dog.
Cranberries, just like the other entries on this list, are packed with vitamins and nutrients to promote good health in your dog. On top of that, you can feed your dog frozen, dried, fresh, or even cooked cranberries. But keep in mind that natural cranberries are best for your dog, so stay away from sauces and other cranberry-based products.
Conclusion
There are a bunch of different berries that are safe and beneficial to your dog. However, there are also a couple of berries that aren’t so good for your dog such as cherries, mistle-toe berries, juniper, and pokeberries. So, keep your dog away from these berries as much as possible.
When feeding your dog the berries mentioned on this list, stick to the natural fruit with no additives. Strawberry jams, cranberry sauce, and other berry-based products tend to have a bunch of different additives such as sugar and xylitol, which are toxic for dogs, especially in large amounts.
Feel free to add any of these berries to your dog’s diet. However, it’s best to start small and observe your dog first. And to stay extra safe, you can consult your vet before adding anything new to your dog’s diet.
