As a dog owner, what you feed your dog is very important and with that in mind, you would only want to give your furry companion meals that are safe for them. You may be looking to introduce fruits to their diet and wondering whether these fruits are safe for your dog.
There are many healthy fruit options that you can give your dog as a snack but this one question stands: Can dogs eat blackberries?
Are Blackberries Safe for Dogs?
According to an article by PetMD, blackberries are safe for dogs. Their low content in sugar and calories deems them a healthy snack option.Â
Still wondering: Can my dog eat blackberries? Dogs are different and thus their tolerance may be different, therefore it is better to introduce blackberries gradually as you monitor your dogâs tolerance.
Are Blackberries Good for Dogs?
Blackberries are full of health benefits and these are:
Skin health
Teeth and bone health
Prevention of constipation due to the presence of fiberÂ
Metabolism and immunity boost
A shiny coat with reduced inflammation
 Therefore, for a dog blackberry is good.
Can Blackberries Be Bad for Dogs?
As Theodore Levitt once said, âAnything in excess is a poison.â If dogs eat blackberries in excess it might be bad for them. The calorie and sugar content are low and this could trick you into giving a large portion, but please do not.Â
Do Blackberries Contain Xylitol?
Yes, xylitol is present in blackberries. It is a sugar alcohol present in fruits including blackberries. It can be deadly for dogs, therefore, it is very important to be keen on the amount of blackberries you serve your dog because the larger the serving the higher the concentration of xylitol.
How Many Blackberries Can Dogs Eat?
Our dogs are different in shape and size and this also means that the food served will always be different. This also applies to blackberry portions. Giant dog breeds like the Cane Corso and the Great Dane can have a handful while tiny dog breeds like Biewer Terrier, Chihuahua and Brussels Griffon should have only a few berries. It is advisable also to consult your veterinarian on this important matter.
You may also be asking yourself: Can puppies eat blueberries? Well, the answer is positive. Puppies can eat blueberries but since they are smaller compared to adult dogs, the portion will be much smaller.
Conclusion
Blackberries for dogs are safe. While introducing them to the dogs, continue monitoring how your dog responds to them as this will guide you on whether your dog is able to tolerate them.
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
Can dogs eat berries?
Yes, dogs can eat berries. The only berries that dogs cannot eat are pokeberries, holly berries, baneberries and gooseberries because of their toxic nature to dogs.
Can dogs eat jelly?
Jelly contains high amounts of sugars hence, not recommended for dogs. If you intend to feed your dog with jelly, it is advisable to make jelly at home or buy vet-recommended jelly mixes which are safe for canine consumption.
Can dogs have raspberries?
Dogs can have raspberries but in minimal amounts. Raspberries contain fiber, Vitamin C and manganese. They also have anti-inflammatory properties which are essential for older dogs.Â
Can dogs have strawberries?
Yes, dogs can safely have small amounts of strawberries. Strawberries are packed with nutrients, fiber and antioxidants making them a perfectly healthy snack.