While it’s common to think of dogs as carnivores, many actually have a hankering for something sweeter. Yes, the majority of a dog’s diet should be made up of animal protein, but this doesn’t mean fresh produce is off limits. However, if you’re going to use some of your dog’s daily calories on fruit, make sure the fruit is both safe and beneficial beforehand. Are blackberries good for dogs? Let’s find out!
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?
It’s no secret that dogs cannot eat grapes or raisins. But how about blackberries? Can dogs eat blackberries? There’s good news for all of you berry lovers. Dogs can eat blackberries, so feel free to share a berry or two with your furry friend.
Remember, while fruit is a healthy snack for us humans (and a great alternative to too many sweets), dogs shouldn’t be eating high levels of sugar. Serve your dog moderate portions of blackberries if your pup is able to sample the fruit without any negative reactions. And always remember to limit treat intake to less than ten percent of your dog’s daily calories.
Are Blackberries Good for Dogs?
So now that blackberries have been approved for dogs, let’s find out just how nutritious they are. Are blackberries good for dogs? It turns out that blackberries are quite the beneficial fruit for both canines and humans.
Blackberries make for a tasty and healthy snack. These juicy berries are packed full of antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals in canines. They are also full of fiber and vitamins that can benefit dogs.
Why is it important for dogs to eat enough antioxidants? Antioxidants are essential for fighting free radicals, an energy production by-product. There can be detrimental affects on your dog’s health if she isn’t able to fight off the free radicals sufficiently. Antioxidants also strengthen and support the immune system in order to keep dogs healthy.
Best Berries for Dogs
Now that we can mark blackberries as a safe berry for dogs, let’s see what other berries canines are free to chow down on. Rounding out the berry trifecta are strawberries and blueberries. Both of these options make for a healthy doggie snack.
Blueberries are an extremely beneficial fruit. This superfood is full of fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemical. This makes them an excellent option for snacks or meal additions. Like the other berry options, they are low in fat and calories.
Additionally, strawberries are packed full of goodness. Strawberries are also full of antioxidants, as well as fiber and vitamin C. Strawberries earn extra bonus points for having an enzyme in them that can actually aid in whitening dog’s teeth.
To give your dog a special treat, try freezing the berries before serving. This will make for a nice crunchy treat and a good cool down on a hot day. You can also freeze a bowl full of berries and water and let your dog gnaw on it for a hot summer afternoon snack.
Blackberries in Brief
Are blackberries good for dogs? Yes, they are a safe and healthy canine snack. Like blueberries and strawberries, blackberries squeeze a whole lot of good into a little package. Just remember to serve them to your pup in moderation.
To read about more beneficial fruits for dogs, check out can dogs eat bananas.
