Why
Blueberries are small, low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. Their size makes them handy as training treats.
Fresh and frozen blueberries are both fine. Blueberry muffins, pies and jams are not, because they contain sugar, fat and sometimes xylitol.
What to watch out for
- Loose stools if too many are eaten
- Choking risk for very small dogs that gulp frozen berries
- Sweetened or baked blueberry products
How to serve it
- Rinse and serve plain, fresh or frozen.
- For tiny dogs, you can cut them in half.
- Use them as low-calorie training rewards.
How much?
Large dogs can have a small handful of blueberries, small dogs a few berries.
Frozen blueberries for hot days and teething puppies?
Frozen blueberries make a simple cold snack. For a longer-lasting treat, drop a few into an ice cube tray with water and freeze, or scatter them on a lick mat with a little plain yogurt.
Teething puppies often like something cold to chew. Hand over just a few berries at first and let them soften for a minute if the puppy is tiny. Very young puppies can gulp a frozen berry whole. A new food can also loosen a puppy's stool, so start small.
Why does my dog's poop look dark after blueberries?
Blueberry skins are deeply pigmented, and some berries pass through almost whole. After a larger serving, stool can look darker or have blue-purple flecks. That is expected and goes away within a day or two. Red or purple streaks from blueberries can be mistaken for blood, which is one more reason to note what your dog ate.
Black, sticky, tar-like stool is different. It can be a sign of bleeding higher up in the gut. If the stool looks like that, or your dog also seems unwell, call your vet rather than assuming it was the berries.
Can dogs eat berries they find on walks?
Not every dark berry is a blueberry. Several wild plants with dark or blue-black berries are toxic to dogs, and they grow along paths and fences. Teach a solid "leave it" and offer blueberries from home instead. If your dog ate unknown berries, snap a photo of the plant for your vet.
- Pokeweed has clusters of dark purple berries and can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Belladonna, or deadly nightshade, has shiny black berries and affects the nervous system.
- Holly berries are red, but dogs that pick at bushes find them too.
Common questions
Are blueberries good for dogs?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Blueberries are small, low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. Their size makes them handy as training treats.
Are blueberries bad for dogs?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: loose stools if too many are eaten.
Are dogs allowed to have blueberries?
Yes. Rinse and serve plain, fresh or frozen.
Sources
Topic references
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List – Dogs.
General care and safety
If your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Do not wait for symptoms. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).