Blackberries are a fun, natural way to add a sweet burst of flavor to your usual dishes. They're delicious and bursting with beneficial nutrients. You can add fresh berries to health drinks, meals, or you can enjoy them as a low-calorie dessert. We may safely enjoy blackberries every day, but would it be the same case for our beloved pets?
If you're a dog parent, you may be curious about the effects that could come from feeding your dog blackberries. What benefits might this fruit have for our furry friends?
Quick Answer
Your dog can definitely eat blackberries. It's not only safe but also healthy!
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?
Dogs can enjoy blackberries in the same way that humans can. It's a delicious and low-calorie treat for us as well as for canines. Since they're tasty and healthy, blackberries make excellent treats for dogs that need to lose a bit of weight.
Are Blackberries Safe for Dogs?
Blackberries are one of the safest berries that dogs can eat. They are quite healthy for dogs since they contain antioxidants, fiber, and natural vitamins — much better than factory-made treats that may contain unhealthy additives!
What Types of Berries Are Not Safe for Dogs?
Not all berries are safe for consumption, even for humans. Dogs should not be given cherries, for instance, because large pits may be a choking hazard. Other berries may even contain toxic chemicals that might do more than upset your dog's stomach. We'll take a look at which berries you should keep away from your pooch further on in this article.
What Are the Health Benefits of Blackberries for Dogs?
Some berries may be considered superfoods for dogs due to their high antioxidant content. In particular, blackberries contain anthocyanins, an antioxidant compound found in purple, red, or blue fruits. Antioxidants work to prevent or reverse damage caused by free radicals, which are naturally occurring and very harmful substances.
Anthocyanins protect against a wide variety of illnesses, including heart disease, joint problems, and viral or bacterial infections. Eating blackberries can also improve your dog's bowel movement. Blackberries contain fiber, which acts to bulk up the stool and help your dog's digestive system move things along.
Fiber can also increase fullness, which may help pet owners trying to help their dogs lose weight. In terms of managing weight, blackberries are also low in sugar. This is one of the reasons why health and fitness enthusiasts prefer to mix berries in their smoothies. Blackberries contain vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, all in one bite-sized package.
Vitamin C is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Not only does it help prevent illnesses, but it also hastens the healing of wounds by promoting a healthy immune response. Dogs need plenty of B-vitamins to keep their energy and metabolism up.
Vitamin A is good for healthy eyesight and plays a role in keeping your dog's gut healthy. Vitamin E is another antioxidant vitamin that helps keep your dog's heart and skin healthy. Lastly, vitamin K is vital for healthy blood vessels and bones. Omega-3 is one other essential nutrient found in blackberries. It helps keep your dog's coat sleek and shiny on the outside and encourages heart, blood vessel, and joint health on the inside.
Are There Dangers Associated with Blackberries and Dogs?
Blackberries have relatively small seeds, so the chances of choking are considerably low. Though, you may want to cut up some blackberries and remove the seeds if you're giving them to a puppy or a tiny dog. However, too much of a good thing can result in some unwanted side effects.
Blackberries contain xylitol, which may cause low blood sugar (a.k.a. hypoglycemia) in excess amounts. The good news is that there are low amounts of xylitol in blackberries, so your dog would have to eat thousands of them for hypoglycemia to be a concern.
What Are Alternatives to Blackberries for Dogs?
Blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, strawberries are good alternatives for dogs if they don't seem to favor blackberries very much. Just make sure each piece's size is suitable for your pet's weight. Your dog shouldn't have to struggle to chew and swallow the berries. You can also try giving your dog treats made with blueberries or cranberries.
Berries Your Dog Should NOT Eat
Some berries should not be given to your pet since they contain harmful substances that may cause serious harm. Below is a list of berries that have been known to cause upset stomachs, bowel problems, excessive salivation, or even respiratory trouble:
- Baneberries
- Dogwood berries
- Gooseberries
- Holly berries
- Juniper berries
- Mistletoe berries
- Pokeberries
- Salmonberries
How to Add Blackberries to a Dog's Diet
Always start with a small amount first to see if your dog likes it. Also, keep watch for any side effects — such as diarrhea or vomiting — which could be a sign that your dog is not digesting the new food properly.
Benefits of Blackberries
Blackberries are a natural source of valuable nutrients to your dog's diet. They contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, omega-3, and antioxidants. Vitamins and minerals are essential for a healthy physique and mental alertness. Fiber helps soothe constipation and aids in weight loss for overweight dogs.
Omega-3 is beneficial for older dogs who might have joint or circulatory problems, whereas antioxidants may reduce the risk of fatal diseases by helping the body eliminate free radicals.
Serving Blackberries as Treats
Blackberries can be a delicious treat for your dog. Some dogs might not enjoy the taste of raw blackberries, but others come to love it just like you and I would.
Blackberry Treat Recipe
Thinking of giving your dog some blackberries? Try this delicious recipe for some blackberry dog treats.
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces of fresh blackberries
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 1/2 cups of wheat flour
- 2 cups of regular rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Chop up and puree your blackberries in a food processor or blender, then mix this puree in with the remaining ingredients.
- Lightly grease a cookie sheet before using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop to shape your treats.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden.
- Remove the treats from the oven and let them cool completely before storing or giving them to your pet. These will stay good in the refrigerator for up to three days or up to three months in the freezer.
History of Blackberries and Dogs
Ancient Greeks traditionally used blackberries as a remedy for gout. In Rome, blackberry leaves were brewed into teas that were known to prevent illnesses. Blackberries arrived in America around 1880 and were first known as the loganberry, an ancestor of today's blackberry.
Botanists cultivated and developed the loganberry to produce the blackberry, an antioxidant and nutrient-rich fruit. A blackberry farmer once claimed that his dog loved the berries so much that it ate them off the ground where they had fallen from his trees. It seems that for over a century, pet owners have recognized the safe and beneficial properties of blackberries for our furry friends.
How to Feed Blackberries to Dogs
Start with a few blackberries — preferably crushed or sliced — to feed your dog. You can also chop your blackberries very finely and sprinkle them onto your dog's meals for an antioxidant boost. If you're lucky, they might enjoy the taste and texture of a juicy, raw blackberry!
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