Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

Yes, dogs can eat blueberries—both fresh and frozen. They should be plain and unsweetened. 

Never feed your pup blueberries that are canned, sugared, or packed in syrup. The sugar content is too high, and these foods might have added preservatives and sweeteners like xylitol, which can be deadly. Also avoid baked goods and sweets made with blueberries, like blueberry muffins or blueberry pie. 

You can also treat dogs to blueberry-flavored dog treats. Here are some of our favorites: 

If served in moderation, yes, blueberries are a healthful treat that’s safe for dogs. Some of the benefits of adding this superfood to your dog’s diet include: 

• High antioxidant capacity, including flavonoids 
• High in vitamins C and K to support your pup’s immune system 
• High in fiber, nutrient-dense, and low in calories 
• 85% water for additional hydration benefits 

Downsides of feeding blueberries to dogs include: 

• They can be a choking hazard. Because they’re small and round, whole blueberries can be a choking hazard, especially for small dogs. Try cutting them in half or mashing them before serving. 
• They can cause upset stomach. Blueberries contain natural sugars. Eating too many can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting. 
• They may contain harmful chemicals. Conventionally grown blueberries can have pesticide or chemical residues that may irritate your dog’s stomach or cause gastrointestinal upset. Choose organic blueberries when possible, and always wash fruit thoroughly before serving. 

Treats, including blueberries, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake, with the rest coming from a complete and balanced dog food. 

Because they contain sugar, blueberries need to be served in moderation. Too many blueberries can potentially cause stomach upset, so start with a few berries and see how your pup takes to them. 

That said, below are general guidelines. Always consult with your vet before serving blueberries, to determine the right portion size for your dog. Even a healthy treat like blueberries should be factored into your dog’s optimum daily balanced diet.  

Dr. Bayazit says buying and serving organic blueberries is always preferable; either way, careful and thorough washing of the fruits is vital prior to serving. 

Fresh or unsweetened frozen blueberries can be: 

• A daily treat for your pup 
• Sprinkled into your prepared dog food 
• Fed one-by-one as a special treat 
• Used as an excellent training treat for dogs who love them 
• Stuffed into a treat toy, like the KONG Classic Dog Toy 

• Blended with plain, sugar-free, xylitol-free yogurt and spread onto a lick mat, like the Pink Papyrus Lick Mat 

• Served up as an extra special cooling treat on hot summer days 
• Included as an ingredient in a refreshing homemade dog treat, like this Summertime Pawpsicle Dog Treat or this Farmers’ Market Green Smoothie Bowl 

If you suspect your pet is sick, please call your vet immediately.  

Because blueberries contain sugar, they can give your dog an upset stomach when eaten in excess. Some signs that your dog has eaten too many blueberries are: 

• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting 
• Decreased appetite 
• Discomfort 
• Excessively licking their lips 

Can dogs eat blueberry muffins? 

No, dogs shouldn’t eat blueberry muffins. Like most other baked goods, blueberry muffins add unnecessary sugar to your pup’s diet, and sugar-free muffins may be sweetened with xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. 

Are dogs allergic to blueberries? 

According to Dr. Bayazit, very few dogs have a true allergy to blueberries. Your dog may react to organic or synthetic chemicals applied when berries are being grown, so buy organic and always wash carefully before serving. 

Can dogs eat blueberries every day? 

Whether a dog can eat blueberries every day depends on your dog’s tolerance for the juicy fruit. As with any other fruit, too much of it can cause soft stool or diarrhea, notes Dr. Bayazit. If your dog has vomiting or diarrhea after eating any food, including blueberries, stop giving that food to your pup.