Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet unless your veterinarian tells you it’s fine to do so. 

Blueberries are bite-size superfoods packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. But can dogs eat blueberries, and if so, how many is too many? 

In most cases, blueberries are a safe, healthy treat for both adult dogs and puppies when fed in moderation. Learn the benefits of blueberries for dogs, how to serve them safely, and more. 

Can Dogs Have Blueberries?

Yes, most dogs can safely eat blueberries. Fresh or frozen blueberries are the best options—just make sure they’re plain and unsweetened.  

Wild blueberries are also safe for dogs, but don’t let them eat an excessive amount. And make sure they’re actually blueberries, as certain other wild berries, like salmonberries, can be poisonous to dogs.  

Avoid canned blueberries, blueberry pie filling, and anything packed in syrup, as those often contain high amounts of sugar or artificial sweeteners that can upset your dog’s stomach or even be toxic. 

Many dog foods and treats feature blueberries as an ingredient. Here are some top-rated options: 

Are Blueberries Good for Dogs?

Blueberries aren’t just a safe fruit for dogs to eat, they also provide several nutritional benefits. Here are a few: 

• They’re high in antioxidants. Blueberries are antioxidant-boasting fruits known for their disease-fighting properties, called phytochemicals, that battle conditions like cancer and heart disease. 

• They’re low in calories. Blueberries are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a smart treat for dogs who need to lose weight. Their small size also makes portion control easy. 

• They may protect against chronic diseases. Based on studies, they may help prevent cell damage, improve night vision, and promote mental function in senior pets. 

• They’re rich in vitamins and minerals. Blueberries are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium—nutrients that support everything from immune function to bone health. 

Are Blueberries Bad for Dogs?

Generally, blueberries aren’t bad for most dogs, but they’re not entirely risk-free. 

Here are some of the potential downsides of blueberries for dogs: 

• They’re too high in sugar for some dogs. While healthy dogs can eat blueberries, dogs with diabetes, dogs who have food sensitivities, or dogs on a prescription diet to manage a medical condition should not be fed high-sugar fruits like blueberries. 

• They can be a choking hazard. Due to their small size, blueberries can be a choking hazard when eaten too quickly, especially by small dogs. 

• They can cause upset stomach. Too much of anything can give your dog an upset stomach—especially when there’s sugar involved.  

How Many Blueberries Can a Dog Eat?

Even though blueberries are considered a healthy treat, they should still only be given to dogs in small portions. Treats of any kind should contribute no more than 10% of your dog’s overall calories. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet.  

Here are some general guidelines for feeding blueberries to your dog, but before giving your dog blueberries, talk with your veterinarian. They can help you determine a safe amount based on your dog’s age, size, and overall health. 

How To Safely Feed Blueberries to Dogs

If you want to give your dog blueberries, here are some tips for safely preparing them: 

• Avoid blueberries that are canned, sugared, or packed in syrup. Canned blueberries usually come in a syrup that has very high sugar content, which can upset your dog’s stomach. Opt for fresh blueberries only. 

• Wash thoroughly. Rinse under cool water to remove dirt, pesticides, and any residue. 

• Remove the stems. The stem can present a choking hazard, especially for small dogs, and may be tough to digest. 

• Cut or mash for small dogs. If your dog is on the smaller side or eats quickly, cutting the blueberries in half or mashing them can help prevent choking. 

Once you’ve prepped the blueberries, here are some easy and fun ways to safely feed this juicy treat to your dog:  

• Fresh: Give your pup fresh blueberries as a standalone treat. 

• Frozen: Freeze blueberries and give them to your dog for a crunchy, refreshing treat. 

• Mashed: Mash up the blueberries and mix a small amount into your dog’s regular food. 

• Dried: If you have a dehydrator at home, make your own dried blueberries for special treats. Give your dog a little less than the recommended amount because dehydrating concentrates the sugars. You can also buy pre-made dried blueberry dog treats, like Pupford's Blueberry Freeze-Dried Dog Treats. 

• Puréed: If you’re feeling fancy, purée the blueberries with some other fruit like bananas and strawberries. Then, mix it with a little plain, sugar-free, xylitol-free yogurt or peanut butter, like the Bark Bistro Company Buddy Budder. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray (like the Woof Pupsicle Treat Tray Mold), spread onto a lick mat (like the Frisco Silicone Treat Lick Mat), or stuff into your dog’s KONG toy and freeze for an icy treat. 

• In a cake: Make this dog-friendly blueberry birthday cake on your pup’s birthday or Gotcha Day. 

What Other Fruits Can Dogs Eat?

While blueberries for dogs are a smart choice, they’re not the only fruit your pup can eat. The following fruits are also safe: 

• Bananas 

• Blackberries 

• Cranberries 

• Raspberries 

• Strawberries 

• Watermelon 

• Pineapples 

• Pears 

• Peaches 

You can also treat your pup to fruit-flavored dog treats, like: