Let’s know about Can Dogs Eat Blackberries. Blackberries are sweet, juicy, delicious, rich in vitamins, and can be included in a variety of recipes, but is it worth sharing this fruit with your canine friends? The short answer is yes, blackberries are safe for your dog to eat and they may even provide some benefits when fed regularly in small amounts.
Benefits of Blackberries for Your Dog
While there are many benefits to eating blackberries for humans, it is worth noting that they are not all fully understood when it comes to dogs. Some of the benefits stated may not even be relevant to dogs. For example, this fruit is known for being a great source of vitamin C, but dogs produce it naturally and usually don’t need any additional supplements. Blackberries are a great source of manganese, vitamin K, water, and fiber. Adding fiber to your dog’s diet is a great way to promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. They’re also low in carbs. fat, and calories. Canine obesity is a huge problem for the canine population and can wreak havoc on your dog’s body, especially if they suffer from joint issues such as hip dysplasia. Offering low-fat treat options such as blackberries can be a great way to help whittle their waistlines.
Potential health concerns for dogs eating blackberries
Here are some ways blackberries can be a healthy treat for your dogs. However, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, it’s best to skip this snack. Too many blackberries can cause GI to upset and they are always introduced slowly and fed in moderation. In addition, blackberries naturally contain small amounts of the substitute sweetener xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. While your dog would have to eat a large number of blackberries for the poisoning to occur, you should limit your dog to a small handful of blackberries just to be safe.
This fruit is also high in sugar and may not be a good choice for diabetic dogs. You should avoid feeding blackberry jam to your dog asity can contain many additives and are often high in sugar. The artificial sweetener xylitol may also be present. If your dog experiences any of the following symptoms after eating blackberries, consult your veterinarian:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- lethargy
What If Your Dogs Eat Wild Blackberries?
Blackberries begin blooming in April and May and are ripe and ready to go June through June, depending on where you are located. Wild blackberry bushes grow in abundance in many areas of North America. If you come across one on a dog walk, it is not uncommon for dogs to try to pick them straight out of the bushes. It is not uncommon for blackberry bushes to be sprayed with pesticides and other chemicals in garden or park settings.
These chemicals are absorbed into the plant through the leaves and roots and can cause mild to severe health problems if ingested. For this reason, it is best to prevent your dog from eating wild blackberries, and if they eat a lot, monitor them for common signs of chemical poisoning. If you are concerned, or spot any problematic signs, don’t delay getting in touch with your veterinarian. The ASPCA Poison Helpline can also be a helpful resource.
Possible symptoms of chemical poisoning
- fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- lethargy
- muscle tremors
- increased heart rate
- lack of coordination (trouble walking)
- hypersalivation
- constricted student
- seizures
In addition to the potential chemicals on wild berries, blackberry bushes are thorny and often inhabited by wasps and mosquitoes, so all the more reason to avoid letting your dog pasture.
Suggested feeding of blackberries to your dog
As with all fruits, it is important to wash and scrub the outer surface to remove dirt, fertilizer, herbicide, and pesticide residues before preparation. Feed blackberries to your dog as a special treat and not as part of their regular diet. Some alternative options for feeding this fruit to your dog include:
- Filling Toy as Part of Treat: Blackberries can be included as part of Yummy Kong (or other treat toys) filling – these are often frozen for an added challenge. This is a great way to provide your dog with mental stimulation without overpowering it.
- Frozen: Placing blackberries in the freezer before feeding means they will stay fresh until you want to feed them. You can have a supply of this fruit for months instead of days. It can also be added to a healthy frozen fruit or vegan popsicle to help keep your dog cool on a hot day.
- Baked: You might want to add some fresh blackberries to homemade dog treats. There are so many wonderful dog-friendly recipes online and you can use a fun cookie cutter shape to make homemade baked cookies.
- Purees: You can blend blackberries with other dog-safe fruits or vegetables or a little peanut butter (make sure it’s without xylitol) or plain yogurt to make dog smoothies. A small portion of it can be sprinkled over your dog’s dry kibble to encourage them to eat it or it can be made into frozepopsiclesle or Kong filling.
In short, dogs can be given blackberries as an occasional treat but leave wild berries outside. Remember, though, that not all berries are created equal. When it comes to feeding them to your dog, avoid cherries, holly berries, juniper berries, and mistletoe berries. They contain pits and/or toxins that can be a health hazard to your dog. If you have questions or concerns about feeding your dog blackberries, consult a veterinarian.