Blackberries are a fruit that can be purchased at any time of the year, and they’re a healthy snack that people love. But have you ever wondered whether they are a safe treat (see also ‘Why you should never feed your dog rawhide‘) for your dogs?
In this article, we will cover everything that you need to know about giving blackberries and other fruits to your pet.
What Are Blackberries?
Blackberries are an edible fruit that grow on bushes. They are small, dark-colored fruits with a juicy center. Blackberries have a sweet-tart flavor with a hint of bitterness. They are often used in pies and other desserts. Blackberries are a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. They also contain antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage.
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?
The short answer is yes, you can feed your dog blackberries. Blackberries are safe for dogs to eat and can even be good for them in moderation.
Blackberries are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and they can help improve your dog’s digestive health. Just be sure to feed your dog fresh or frozen blackberries, as canned or processed blackberries may contain added sugar or other harmful ingredients. And, as with any treat, be sure to give your dog only a small amount of blackberries at first to make sure they don’t have any adverse reaction. If your dog enjoys blackberries and tolerates them well, then you can feel confident feeding them this healthy treat on occasion.
When introducing anything new to your dog, but especially food from people, you should always start gently so you can evaluate how they will respond. This is especially important when introducing new foods.
Some dogs genuinely can’t eat anything other than their food. Even though dogs have experienced evolutionary changes that have made them able to eat the things that people do, not all canines can readily digest the sweets that we like to offer them.
This is because humans and dogs do not have the same nutritional requirements. You must make sure that you are not overdoing it on the blackberry treats though. It is essential to bear in mind that the health benefits of this fruit are far more for people than they are for dogs, and so too much could make them feel a bit unwell.
Risks of Giving Blackberries to Your Dog
A blackberry or two is a fine great for your dog, so long as you are also feeding them a healthy diet of foods packed with nutrients. However, before you share your blackberries with your dog, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. While blackberries are not toxic to dogs, they can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, the seeds of blackberries can pose a choking hazard.
To avoid these problems, make sure to remove the seeds from any blackberries before feeding them to your dog. You should also avoid feeding your dog too many blackberries at once, as this could lead to stomach distress. When fed in moderation, blackberries can make a delicious and healthy snack for your dog. Just be sure to take precautions to ensure that your dog enjoys them safely.
You should always attempt to speak with your veterinarian before giving your dog something new, especially any human foods. Also, remember that what’s good for us may not be good for dogs.
What Other Fruits Can I Give My Dog?
There is a wide range of fruit that our dogs are free to try without any risk to their health. On the other hand, considering that the vast majority of fruits contain far more sugar than vegetables, you should try to save them as a treat for times.
Make sure that the fruits you give your dog are plain, without any sugar or chocolate coatings, and that they are sliced into bite-sized pieces. This will prevent your dog from choking on them.
If you wish to treat your dog to a piece of fruit, you should do it in addition to the food that is normally included in your dog’s diet. Remember also that many fruits are low in calories, so using this as a dog treat can be beneficial as long as you aren’t taking away something else that your dog can eat that is already providing calories and nutrition.
Here are a few of the fruits that are safe for dogs, and how to prepare them for your pet:
- Apples – have had the cores removed and the seeds removed.
- Bananas – only in extremely small amounts due to the significant amount of sugar that is in this fruit.
- Blueberries
- Cranberries – offer several health benefits to canines, even though some of them may not love the flavor of these berries.
- Mango – cut it in half lengthwise. Remove the rough stone and pit from the mango.
- Nectarine – you must first remove the stone or pit from the fruit.
- Orange – first peel it and then remove any seeds it may have.
- Peach – take the stone out, often known as the pit.
- Pears – remove the seeds, core, and pit from the center of the pear.
- Pineapple – take the skin off before eating it.
- Strawberries – while they are safe for dogs to eat, they contain a lot of sugar which is very unhealthy. You should only give them to your pet as an extra special treat.
- Watermelon – peel them and scoop out the seeds.
What Vegetables Are Safe For Dogs?
A few vegetables are okay for our dogs to eat (but remember, a little for us is a lot for them, so keep reward quantities low!).
Vegetables should be served raw or boiled/steamed, with no extra fats, butter, or spices. Always cut it into little pieces to prevent choking and feed it sparingly, particularly if your dog is not accustomed to eating fresh veggies.
Dog-safe vegetables that you dog can eat include:
- Raw or steamed broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts
- Many dogs love raw carrots, although cooked carrots are also safe
- Celery
- Uncooked, steaming, or boiled green beans
- Peas, including sugar snap peas, garden peas, and mangetout. However, canned peas should be avoided.
Summary
Several fruits are safe for dogs to eat, including blackberries. Dogs love these tart and juicy fruits, and they are a healthy snack for your pup. Just be sure to wash the berries well before giving them to your dog to avoid any potential stomach upset. And as with all new foods, introduce blackberries slowly so that you can monitor your dog’s reaction. Now that you know all about blackberries and their benefits for dogs, why not give them a try? Your furry friend will thank you!