Fruits are beneficial to humans and dogs aren’t an exception. However, the actual task is identifying what fruits are suitable for your dog. Also, questions about the right quantities should be answered before you proceed to feed your dog any fruit. For example, blackberries are sweet and delicious fruits for human consumption. But can your dog eat blackberries safely? The simple answer is yes. You can feed your dog blackberries. Everything you should know about feeding your dogs blackberries; types, benefits, and dosage, will be discussed in this article. Read on!
Can Your Dog Eat Blackberries?
Yes, your dog can safely eat blackberries. Blackberries have a lot of health benefits for your dog. It aids proper digestion and is recommended for obese dogs that need to shed some weight. Its antioxidant properties are also beneficial for dogs, especially large dogs with joint pains. However, it is not recommended that you feed your dog an entire bucket of blackberries at once because feeding them excess blackberries at once can cause xylitol poisoning. It’s best to feed your dog fresh blackberries without adding any sugar because blackberries are naturally sweet. Blackberries contain low amounts of sugar, which is healthy and just right for your dog to enjoy.
Different Types of Blackberries
It is established that blackberries are safe for your dogs. But does this mean anything blackberry-related is automatically suitable for your dog’s consumption? Let’s find out
Fresh Blackberries
These are the common blackberries just plucked or harvested from the farm. They are the best for your dog’s consumption but always make sure you wash them properly to remove any mold or fertilizer that could have been sprayed on them during plantation.
Canned Blackberries
These are preserved and packaged, but they are not safe or recommended for your dog, especially diabetic dogs. Canned blackberries are preserved with high amounts of sugar, making them unsafe for your dogs.
Dried Blackberries
Dried blackberries are generally safe, and you can feed your dog some. However, be careful with the quantity you give your dog. These dried Blackberries, because of their dried nature, could get stuck to your dog’s teeth while feeding and later cause cavities if left.
Frozen Blackberries
On a hot day, frozen Blackberries are ideal if you want to spice things up for your dogs. Frozen Blackberries are safe for your dogs. They are primarily fresh blackberries that have been subjected to lower temperatures.
Wild Blackberries
Wild Blackberries are not dangerous to your dog’s health. But, do not allow your dog to feed on wild blackberries without your supervision. These berries might have been sprayed with pesticides and fertilizers. And they can be dangerous to your dog’s health if ingested. Wild blackberries may have thorns on their vines, which can be dangerous to your dog if chewed on. But the wild blackberries themselves and their leaves are safe if your dog consumes them after proper cleansing.
Health Benefits of Blackberries to Your Dog
Blackberries are highly nutritious. It contains the following nutrients— all in varying proportions:
PotassiumVitamin CIronMagnesiumCalciumSodium
Blackberries are very high in vitamin C, about 35%, and potassium. They have low sugar and high fiber compositions. They also contain no saturated fats. Here are the benefits of feeding your dog blackberries:
Low In Sugar
Blackberries are one of the few groups of fruits with low sugar content. They do not put your dog at risk of obesity. Blackberries also help your dog metabolize excess sugar by its action on insulin ( a sugar-regulating hormone). So, you can conveniently feed your diabetic dog with blackberries.
Fibers in Blackberries help to ease digestion
Fibers help for a proper bowel movement in dogs, and this help to hasten the digestion process. And this also helps your dog to lose weight and become less obese.
Vitamin C in Blackberries
Vitamin C is the nutrient with the highest proportions in Blackberries. It is known for its antioxidant property, and this helps prevent damage to your dog’s cells by free radicals present in its body. Vitamin C is responsible for scavenging potentially dangerous free radicals and, in turn, helps soothe inflammation and slow down the rate of cognitive aging in your dog.
Manganese in Blackberries
Manganese in blackberries helps your dog metabolize carbohydrates and proteins. It also helps to produce the energy needed for your dog to function. Manganese strengthens your dog’s bones and teeth. Manganese is suitable for your dog’s joints as it strengthens muscles and ligaments around the joints. It also increases fat burn by increasing the metabolic rate in your dog.
Blackberries are low in calories and contain no saturated fats
While considering high-quality foods for your dog, it is good to note the calorific content because of your dog’s weight. Blackberries are low in calories and contain no saturated fats, making them ideal for your dog’s diet. Your dog isn’t at risk of being overweight or obese.
What are the risks attached?
Yes, blackberries are very beneficial to your dog’s health. So should you feed your dog a chunk full of it always? The simple answer is No. Here are some of the risks attached:
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Blackberries have high fiber content, and excessive consumption can make your dog prone to gastrointestinal discomfort. Fibers aid digestion, but itself isn’t digested rapidly. Feeding your dog excess blackberries will lead to the accumulation of these fibers, which later causes discomfort in your dog. Also, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, you should skip this treat for your dog.
Xylitol Poisoning
Xylitol in blackberries is another risk attached to feeding your dog with blackberries. It is in blackberries is present only in minuscule amounts. But if you feed your dog too many blackberries, xylitol poisoning may occur. Xylitol poisoning can cause hypoglycemia in your dog and severe liver damage if fed in extreme quantities. Symptoms of Xylitol poisoning include:
VomitingDiarrheaLethargyLoss of appetite
How many Blackberries should you give your dog?
The amount of blackberries you can give your dogs without exceeding the limit is dependent on your dog’s size. For a small dog, two blackberries a day is moderate. You can add two or three more for a medium dog ( four to five blackberries). And you can feed a large dog up to six or eight blackberries. For your medium and large dogs, please do not feed them four to six blackberries in one sitting. Two Blackberries per sitting is the recommended value. However, it would be best if you altogether avoided blackberries for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
What to do if your dog eats excess Blackberries?
If blackberries are consumed in excess, it can lead to xylitol poisoning. If you notice symptoms like lethargy and vomiting in your dog, take it to the veterinary clinic for proper treatment. Do not try to induce vomiting or administer any drugs unless instructed by your vet.
Alternatives to Blackberries for Your Dogs
Blackberries aren’t the only fruits that offer unique benefits to your dog. You can try out other berries like
BlueberriesStrawberriesRaspberries
Conclusion
In conclusion, we say Yes, dogs can eat blackberries safely. Blackberries are very beneficial to your dog’s health. However, it must be given in moderate quantities and completely avoided for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
