Blackberries are very nutritious. But can dogs eat blackberries? Your furry friends can enjoy them, being low in calories making them an ideal snack as well as providing many vitamins and minerals.
Berries contain antioxidants that repair damaged cells and strengthen the immune system.
Fruits such as blackberries can assist with oral health, and in some cases, cancer.
Are Blackberries Safe For Your Dog. Can Dogs Eat Blackberries
Blackberries are a very safe berry for your pooch and contain no ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
The Benefit Of Giving Blackberries To Your Dog
The health benefits of blackberries are numerous. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent snack for your beloved canine.
They have a low glycemic index (a measure of the amount of sugar in food), which can lead to an insulin spike.
An insulin spike will result in weight gain and may damage organs, nerves, and blood vessels in diabetic pets.
Blackberry’s may fight cancer and heart disease. Although more research is needed to prove without a doubt that these amazing little berries really do fight cancer, the research is strongly pointing towards yes.
They are packed full of vitamins and minerals and simple to feed to your fur child.
Oral Health
Blackberry extract can reduce inflammation that affects oral disease in dogs.
Blackberry extract contains beneficial antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may be able to help to prevent and control gum disease.
Nutritional Facts Of Blackberries
Per cup
Calories: 62
Sodium: 1mg
Fat: 0.7g
Carbohydrates: 13.8g
Fiber: 7.6g
Protein: 2g
Sugars: 7g
Blackberries Are Loaded With Vitamins And Minerals
Blackberries, along with blueberries, blackcurrants and other purple foods have high concentrations of a certain type of antioxidant, anthocyanins.
Purple fruits and vegetables are extremely healthy for both humans and dogs.
The vitamins and minerals found in blackberries are:
Vitamin K – Helps clot the blood to stop wounds from bleeding. It also aids in creating strong bones. Vitamin K deficiency leads to bone thinning and fractures.
Vitamin A – Vitamin A is necessary for reproduction, vision, and a strong immune system. It also assists the heart, lungs, and kidneys to function properly.
Vitamin C – Improves immune function by enhancing white blood cell function and activity. It increases interferon and antibodies (proteins that bind and destroy bacteria, toxins, and viruses.
Vitamin E – A powerful antioxidant that helps to repair damaged cells.
B Vitamins – Convert food to energy, maintain brain cells, healthy skin cells, body tissues, and create new blood cells.
Manganese – A vital ingredient in strong bone development and assists in proper functioning in organs such as the liver and kidneys.
Fiber – Fiber helps to control blood sugar levels (diabetic dogs) by slowing blood sugar absorption rates. It also helps your dog to feel fuller for longer.
If you have a perpetually hungry dog like our little guy Ash, this can help to keep his food obsession under control. Fiber also keeps bowel movements regular.
Omega 3 fatty acids – Reduces inflammation benefiting heart health and aids in fighting cancer. Fatty acids assist in keeping a dog’s fur, teeth, and eyes strong and healthy.
High in antioxidants – Antioxidants release free radicals (a split atom that damages cells, proteins, and DNA) from the body, providing the ability to fight disease and infections.
How many Blackberries Is It Safe For Your Dog To Eat
Okay so we cleared up can dogs eat blackberries, But? How many blackberries can I feed to my dog.
While blackberries are a perfectly safe treat for dogs to eat, moderation is key.
1 or 2 for a Chihuahua 4 for a medium-sized dog and 5 or 6 for a Great Dane.
As with any new foods that are introduced into your dog’s diet, start slow and build up to the required daily amounts.
How to choose blackberries
You should always try to use any fruit or vegetable that is in season. Frozen or dried berries are a good alternative but foods that are in season are at their highest dose of vitamins and nutrients.
The peak season for blackberries is from early June to late August.
Choose fresh, plump, brightly colored berries, and avoid any that are leaky, broken, or discolored.
Wash them right before eating or using in a dish. If fresh berries aren’t available, frozen and dried berries are also good options.
Farmers’ markets are a great place to find fresh berries.
How To Feed Your Dog Blackberries Safely
Fresh Off The Bush
If feeding straight off the bush, be careful of the thorns. They are little, sharp, and painful. Only the most dexterous dogs will be able to pick one off the bush without also eating a thorn
Chop Into Small Pieces
Cut the berries into smaller pieces and mix into their meal or feed whole from your hand.
Make doggy treats
For any treat, remember the 10% rule. Only 10% of your pup’s diet should be made up of treats.
It is very hard for a dog to lose weight once they have moved into the “cuddly” zone.
For a great recipe that only uses 5 ingredients and takes 25 minutes to cook, check out the Gluten-Free Blackberry Dog Treats From The Produce Moms.
Conclusion
We hear every day of someone’s beloved dog having cancer. It is becoming more and more common.
There is some good news on the horizon. Although more research is needed, Foods such as blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, and turmeric are proving to be helpful in fighting this terrible disease.
A healthy diet is the best option for fighting cancer and other diseases.
Blackberries have many nutritional benefits, so why not add them to your furry friends diet?
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