Can Dogs Have Berries – Good vs Bad Berries for Dogs

There’s always been some debate over what kinds of foods are good for our four-legged friends and which ones are better left off the dog’s menu. Some people say that dogs can eat berries, while others argue that all berries are bad for dogs.

So, what’s the answer? Can dogs have berries and if so, which ones should we give them?

Let’s take a closer look at this topic to see where the truth lies and we also share 3 nutritional tips on how to feed your dog berries safely.

But first…

Can Dogs Have Berries?

The simple answer is, yes, dogs can have berries. However, not all berries are created equal and some are actually better for your dog than others.

For example, blueberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that can help boost your dog’s immune system, while blackberries are a good source of fiber which can help with digestion. 

On the other hand, grapes and cherries can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided.

4 Types of Berries That Are Perfectly Safe for Dogs

#1 – Strawberries

Strawberries are not only delicious, but they’re also good for your dog. These little red berries are packed with vitamins C and K as well as fiber. They can help boost your dog’s immune system and keep its digestive system regular.

#2 – Blueberries

Blueberries are another great berry for dogs. Like strawberries, they’re full of antioxidants and vitamins C and K. They can also help improve your dog’s cognitive function and memory.

#3 – Raspberries

Raspberries are yet another excellent berry for dogs. They contain fiber, vitamins C and E, and magnesium. Raspberries can help improve your dog’s digestion, circulation, and skin health.

#4 – Blackberries

Blackberries are a great source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and manganese. They can help improve your dog’s digestion and gut health.

What Kinds of Berries Are Not Safe for Your Dog?

Although many types of berries are perfectly safe for dogs, some kinds can be harmful. Some to avoid are:

• Holly berries

These berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. They can also be fatal if eaten in large quantities because they contain saponins, which are poisonous to dogs.

• Mistletoe berries

Mistletoe berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in dogs. They can also cause low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and collapse. If your dog eats mistletoe berries, call your veterinarian immediately.

• Baneberries

These little red berries pack a poisonous punch for dogs. All parts of the baneberry plant are poisonous, but the berries pose the greatest threat to your pup. If consumed, these berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in some cases.

• Gooseberries

While not as dangerous as baneberries, gooseberries can still cause stomach upset in dogs. If your dog consumes too many gooseberries, it may experience vomiting and diarrhea. 

To avoid this, make sure to monitor your dog around gooseberry bushes and pick up any fallen berries before they have a chance to eat them.

• Cherries

Cherries are a common sight in many yards, and they can be tempting for dogs to eat. While cherries are not poisonous to dogs, they can still cause stomach upset if consumed in large quantities. 

If your dog eats too many cherries, it may experience vomiting and diarrhea.

Health Benefits of the Good Berries for Dogs

As mentioned before, not all berries are created equal and some offer more health benefits than others. Here are some of the top health benefits that good berries can provide for your dog.

High antioxidant

One of the most important benefits of berries is their high antioxidant content. Antioxidants are important for dogs because they help protect against cell damage and disease.

High in fiber

Another great benefit of berries is their high fiber content. Fiber is important for dogs because it helps keep their digestive system regular.

High in vitamins

Berries are packed with vitamins C and E, which are two of the most powerful antioxidants. These vitamins can help improve your dog’s immune system, skin health, and cognitive function.

Low sugar content

Berries are also low in sugar, which is important for dogs because too much sugar can lead to obesity and diabetes.

Dangers Associated With Eating Too Many Berries for Dogs

Although berries offer many health benefits, there are also some dangers associated with eating too many. The most common dangers are:

• Diarrhea

Eating too many berries can cause diarrhea in dogs. If your dog has diarrhea, it is important to give it plenty of fluids and monitor its stool closely. If the diarrhea is severe or lasts more than a few days, call your veterinarian.

• Vomiting

This is another common side effect of eating too many berries. It can occur because of the high fiber content in berries or because of an underlying health condition. If your dog is vomiting, monitor its food and water intake closely. If the vomiting is severe, call your veterinarian.

• Gastrointestinal issues

Berries can also cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs, such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. This is more likely to occur if your dog eats too many berries or if it has an underlying health condition such as pancreatitis.

How To Feed Berries to Dogs – 3 Nutrition Tips

Now that you know which berries are safe for dogs and what health benefits they offer, it’s time to learn how to feed them to your pup. Here are three tips to help you get started:

#1 – As a daily treat

One of the best ways to feed berries to your dog is as a daily treat. This is a great way to add some extra nutrition to your dog’s diet without overdoing it. Just be sure to choose berries that are low in sugar and offer plenty of health benefits.

#2 – Served as a cooling treat

Another great way to serve berries to your dog is as a cooling treat. This is especially helpful in the summer months when it’s hot outside. Simply place some berries in a cup of water and freeze them. 

Once they’re frozen, give them to your pup as a refreshing and nutritious treat.

#3 – Sprinkled on their food

If you want to add some extra nutrition to your dog’s food, you can sprinkle berries on top. This is a great way to add antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber to their diet. Just be sure to choose berries that are safe for dogs and don’t overdo them.

Our Reader’s Popular Questions

Are All Berries OK for Dogs?

No, not all berries are safe for dogs. The most common dangerous berries are cherries, grapes, and raisins. These berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal issues in dogs.

What Berries Can Dogs Not Eat?

Berries that dogs can not eat include cherries, grapes, holly berries, mistletoe berries, baneberries, and gooseberries. They can be poisonous to dogs and can cause serious health problems if consumed in large quantities.

Can I Give My Dog a Raspberry?

Yes, you can give your dog a raspberry. Raspberries are safe for dogs and offer many health benefits, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Just be sure to monitor your dog’s intake and don’t give them too many.

Are Small Red Berries Poisonous to Dogs?

Yes, some red berries can be poisonous to dogs. If a dog eats a berry, it will depend on the type of berry consumed. Some berries contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other potentially serious symptoms in dogs.

Conclusion

Berries can be a great way to add extra nutrition to your dog’s diet. They’re packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, and they’re low in sugar. Just be sure to choose berries that are safe for dogs and don’t overdo it.

Remember though, that not all berries are the same. Some berries, like cherries, gooseberries, and holly berries, can be poisonous to dogs. If you’re unsure about a certain berry, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding it to your dog altogether.

When in doubt, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you determine which berries are safe for your dog and how to properly incorporate them into their diet.

Do you feed your dogs some kind of berries? Let us know your berries serving ideas.