Dogs, just like humans, need some treats, too. While we can tolerate feasting on fatty and sweet goodies once in a while, our pup may not.
Hence, even if we only give them dog treats occasionally, it’s still best that we provide them healthy treats. What about some berries? But, can dogs eat blackberries?
At first, it may seem that fruits are the perfect healthy treats for our pet dogs, but believe it or not, there are fruits and vegetables that are not safe for dogs.
Do berries belong to this list of foods that may bring more harm than good to our canine friends? We’ll find out the answer to this and more as we go on in this article.
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries? Is It Toxic?
Blackberries are not toxic to dogs, so it also follows that dogs can eat blackberries. If you are looking for a nutritious and juicy snack or treat for your pooch, then, you can count on these fruits and your dog will most likely love them. And if not, don’t worry because there are still several equally healthy alternatives.
Also, by giving your dog blackberries, you won’t have to worry about unhealthy weight gains. These berries are well-loved by health enthusiasts not just because they are rich in vitamins and minerals, but more so because of their low calorie and low sugar content.
What Are The Health Benefits of Blackberries for Dogs?
Blackberries might look like rotten berries because of their color, but mind you, they are perfect examples that looks can be deceiving.
People enjoy these juicy treats, and dogs love them, too. And it turns out that they get even sweeter as they get blacker.
So, next time you are shopping or picking blackberries, don’t shy away from the darkest ones that may appear as decayed berries for unsuspecting and untrained eyes.
While these handy fruits may appear dull for some, we can’t deny the fact that the components that give them their color also give some health benefits to us and our dogs.
With the bursting nutrients packed in blackberries, these fruits offer several health perks for both humans and dogs, including:
- Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoids with antioxidant properties found in berries and other purple, blue, or red food. Anthocyanins help fight free radicals, and they offer a multitude of health benefits, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity effects. They are also helpful in the prevention of heart diseases and in improving brain function.
- Compared with other fruits, blackberries contain lower sugar content. As such, they really make an excellent dog treat. Your pup won’t just enjoy them; you may also help in controlling their blood sugar level.
- Blackberries are rich in fiber, and it is common knowledge that fiber can help humans, as well as dogs with gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and constipation. Fiber is also helpful in maintaining a normal body weight because it makes one feel fuller even without eating a lot. Hence, if you are helping your pooch to lose weight, you can add high-fiber human foods such as blackberries to his diet.
- Vitamins are also beneficial for dogs for various reasons, and blackberries are loaded with these essential nutrients. Every serving of this fruit is packed with vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, which aid in the following functions:
- Strengthening the immune system
- Balancing the level of hormones in the body
- Activating enzymes
- Improving energy levels
- Digesting and metabolizing food
- Promoting growth and development
- Minimizing inflammation
- Blackberries are also jam-packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital in promoting healthy skin, shiny coats, and strong teeth.
Without a doubt, blackberries are filled with nutrients that can help your dog thrive. However, like with any other dog treat, you should only feed these fruits in moderation.
As a general rule, treats should only account for 10 percent of your pup’s total calories for the day.
What Are The Health Problems Associated With Blackberries?
Blackberries are not poisonous to dogs. However, too much intake of these berries can also cause some health problems to your canine friend.
Some of the side effects of consuming huge amounts of blackberries include diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset, and vomiting.
Another health concern for dogs is that blackberries contain trace amounts of xylitol, the sweetener substitute that is popularly known to be toxic to dogs.
If your dog only eats one or two blackberries as treats, this should not really bother you, though. That’s why no matter how healthy and nutritious these fruits can be, it’s best to only give blackberries in moderation.
Can Dogs Eat Other Types of Berries?
Just like humans, dogs can also have different tastes when it comes to their foods. If your dog isn’t a fan of blackberries, you may switch to another type of berry or a different kind of fruit or vegetable.
Here are other berries that are safe for dogs, and that you can also offer as treats:
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Cranberries
- Blueberries
One important fact about raspberries is that they are one of the fruits with the highest concentration of xylitol. For every cup of raspberries, there are 0.05 grams of xylitol.
To have a better picture of how this can affect dogs, this means that a dog weighing 10 kg could experience low blood sugar or hypoglycemia when he eats 4-6 cups of blackberries.
For raspberries to be lethal, that same dog would have to eat 32 cups of raspberries in one go. This is of course very unlikely, as berries are rich in fibers (which can make them feel full faster), so a dog is not likely to eat this much.
Nevertheless, it’s good to know these facts so we may be informed of the possibilities and we can do our best to keep our dogs healthy and safe.
Which Berries Are Not Safe for Dogs?
Not all berries are created equal. While some can be very helpful, there are still others that may cause various side effects to your dog when consumed.
Below are some berries that can cause vomiting, excessive drooling, seizures, diarrhea, choking, and even difficulty of breathing when eaten by your pooch:
- Juniper berries
- Mistletoe berries
- Holly berries
- Gooseberries
- Salmonberries
- Baneberries
- Pokeberries
- Dogwood berries
- Cherries
Cherries are not good for dogs because they contain pits, which can be a choking hazard for your pooch. Also, other parts of the cherry plant are toxic to dogs, such as the leaves and the stem.
Holly berries, juniper berries, baneberries, pokeberries, and mistletoe berries also carry similar risks for dogs as cherries because of their pits and the chemicals that they contain.
Can dogs eat blackberries?
Blackberries are safe for dogs to eat including raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and cranberries. They are low in calories and sugar, so you don't have to feel bad about tossing a few of these juicy berries to your pup every once in a while.
How many blackberries can I give my dog?
While your pet would have to eat a massive quantity of blackberries to be poisoned, you should limit your dog to a small handful of blackberries a day to be safe.
Do blackberries kill dogs?
Since dogs don't have stomach issues eating blueberries, they can be used as a healthy dog treat, both fresh and frozen. Other berries that dogs can safely eat are strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.
Are blueberries bad for dogs?
No, blueberries are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They also contain antioxidants, fiber and vitamins C and K. These nutrients support the immune system and contribute to overall health. Adding blueberries to your dog's diet is a great way to help keep him happy and healthy.
