It is so nice to offer your dog some treats from time to time. That becomes even more interesting when you share something as flavorful and tasty as the fruits as a snack. After all, fruits are full of nutrients, and they are suitable for human health. So, they must be good for the health of your dog as well. But, the truth is, there are only a handful of fruits that are good for your pet dog’s health, while others can be poisonous. Now, almost every dog lover knows that fruits like grapes and raisins are toxic, but what about berries? Can dogs eat blackberries?
Blackberries are safe for dogs to consume in moderation. Blackberries contain essential vitamins and minerals to keep your dog healthy, such as vitamin C, E, K, calcium and zinc.
We now know that dogs can be treated with blackberries. However, it is not the only source from which your pet dog can get all those minerals and vitamins. Your dogs can get all those necessary vitamins and minerals from any good quality dog food. But it is nice to see your dog enjoy delicious blackberries from time to time. You need to know everything about blackberries and dogs to make sure you are smartly offering treats.
Types of blackberries
There are two different types of blackberries available in the market. One is American Blackberries, and the other is the European Blackberries. However, these two species are very closely related to each other. It would help if you also understood that blackberries are not typically a berry. It is an aggregate fruit.
An aggregate fruit is a fruit that develops from different plant ovaries. As the blackberries grow in the wild across North America and Europe, it is easier for the dogs to come across one if you live in rural places.
Nutrients of a Blackberry
Blackberries are a good source of fibre, with several types of antioxidants and vitamins. They contain Vitamins C, A, K, E, folate, B6, niacin, and thiamine. The blackberries also supply a small amount of protein.
The blackberries contain high levels of essential minerals as well. They have high levels of manganese, which is necessary for dogs. Along with that, blackberries are loaded with calcium, zinc, copper, and potassium. Also, blackberries do not have any fat content. They, instead, are high in carbohydrates and omega-3-fatty acids.
Health benefits of blackberries to your dog
The dogs love the taste of the juicy sweet berries just as much as their human companions do. There are many health benefits that blackberries offer to your dog as well. Here are some of the factors that can help you understand the health benefits that blackberries extend to your dogs.
Thanks to the fruit’s colour, blackberries contain anthocyanins, antioxidants abundant in blue, purple, or red fruits. This nutrient helps dogs fight free radicals and offers many health benefits. That includes anti-viral and anti-inflammation effects, reduced risks of cancer and heart issues, and improved brain functions.
Dog treats should not contain high levels of sugar content. The sugar contents of blackberries are lower compared to other fruits. That makes blackberries an exceptional choice of fruit treats for your dog.
Fibre is one of the ingredients that can fight gastrointestinal issues quite well. The blackberries can solve problems like constipation. It also helps your dog to feel full after a meal. Blackberries can be the right choice if you try to help your dog lose a couple of pounds.
Vitamins are essential to make sure that your dog is physically alright. Being loaded with vitamins C, A, K, E, B6 and E, the blackberries offer excellent health benefits.
- It helps to build the immunity system.
- It helps to synthesize the hormones.
- Activates the enzymes
- Reduces inflammation
- Encourages growth
- Enhances levels of energy
The blackberries are high in omega-3-fatty acid contents, which makes the dogs’ coats shiny and healthy. It also improves the skin conditions of your dog and makes their teeth stronger.
Irrespective of all these nutritional benefits, you should not give blackberries to your dog daily. It would be best if you offered it occasionally while controlling the portion size. Understand that most nutrient-rich treats should never exceed 10 per cent of your dog’s total daily calories intake.
Amount
You should only provide your dog with berries as a treat once a week. a Medium size dog, two to three berries maximum. If your dog is smaller, you should only provide them with one.
| Dog Size | Maximum Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Large | 6 | Weekly |
| Medium | 3 | Weekly |
| Toy/Small | 1 | Weekly |
What happens if my dog eats too many blackberries?
If your dog does consume too many blackberries, your dog can suffer from adverse health effects, like gastrointestinal upsets, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
- Vomiting
- Gastrointestinal upsets
- Diarrhoea
If your dog is showing severe symptoms, you must speak to a veterinarian, as it can lead to dehydration in dogs.
Can dogs eat frozen blackberries?
Your dog can eat frozen blackberries, just as they would naturally; don’t overfeed them and only offer a couple now and then. The blackberries will be a welcomed treat for your dog during the hot summer months.
Other berries a dog can safely eat
Even though dogs are carnivorous, the dogs’ digestive system has evolved a lot over the centuries. After domestication, the dog’s stomach has evolved to digest the carbohydrate-rich food their human companions offer. So, to make sure that your dogs are enjoying optimal health, you should feed your dog a good variety of different types of food.
Blueberries
Blueberries can be a healthy snack for your dog if you control the portion. You can store the blueberries in the freezer and hand them as treats during the hot weather.
Strawberries
Strawberries are yet another healthy berry that you can offer your dog as treats. Full of nutrients and vitamins that are good for the health of your dog.
Raspberries
Raspberries are loaded with antioxidants that are good for your dogs. As it contains low levels of xylitol, it is not that harmful to your dog’s health. You can treat your dogs with raspberries as long as you have strict control over the portion size.
Do not feed your dog these berries
There are some types of berries that you should never offer your dogs as a treat. Check the following list to find out which of the berries are not suitable for your dogs.
Cherries
Never give your dogs cherries as a treat. While the cherry pip can cause a choking hazard, each part of the cherries, including the stem and the shrubs, contain cyanide, which can be lethal for your dog.
Grapes
It would be best never to offer your dog grapes as they can cause sudden acute kidney failures. Dogs can develop kidney issues after eating even a single grape. See here for other reasons you should not ever feed your dog grapes.
Conclusion
Even though blackberries can become one of the healthy treat options for your dog, you should keep in mind that moderation is the key. Understand that the nutritional requirements of our pet dogs are very different from that of humans. While the berries offer some nutritional benefits to your dogs, too many blackberries can create stomach problems for your dog.
