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Dogs have overtaken cats in the popularity stakes for the best loyal companion. We enjoy showing appreciation with love and treats. There’s nothing nicer than being able to share some of your much-loved foods with your canine friend.
But, before you race to the cupboard, think on. Is that treat harmful for your dog? While fruit, such as blackberries and strawberries, may be our go-to treat, are you sure dogs can eat them?
If you are unsure which fruits are safe to feed your dog, this is the article for you. Read on to get the must-know facts about feeding your pooch.
Learn which fruit are beneficial to your dog, and which ones to avoid at all costs.
Discover whether blackberries make a great nutritional canine treat, and how often they can eat such snacks. Don’t forget to scroll down and read our conclusion for more dog-snacking insight.
Although a dog’s digestive system is very different to ours, they can still safely enjoy a variety of fruit. Blackberries not only offer a powerhouse of nutrients, they are completely safe for your dog to snack on.
What Are The Nutritional Benefits Of Blackberries For Dogs?
Not only are blackberries a super-tasty treat, but they are loaded with nutritional benefits, too.
1. Antioxidant Value – Blackberries are brimming with antioxidants. These components provide an array of support and protection for the body and brain of humans and dogs, alike.
The rich supply of antioxidants found in blackberries effectively thwart free radical damage. Environmental factors such as UV rays and pollution cause harmful free radicals to attack the body.
Therefore, maintaining a good amount of this antioxidant in the body will ensure your dog’s body stays fully protected and healthy.
2. Low Sugar and Salt – Blackberries are not going to make your pooch fat. When it comes to picking a treat, choosing blackberries over a biscuit will keep your pet in optimal health. Too much salt and sugar leads to an array of unwanted health problems for both humans and dogs.
An occasional biscuit is great, but balance it out with the healthier choices, too.
3. Fiber – Blackberries pack a ton of fiber. In turn, it provides much support to your dog’s temperamental digestive system. All pet owners know it doesn’t take much of the wrong snacks to send their digestive system into chaos. Keep them happier (and your life easier) by giving them blackberries rather than sugary snacks.
4. Vitamins – Blackberries combine a rich supply of vitamins that offer superhero abilities in keeping your dog healthy. Including vitamins, A, B, C, E, and K, the blackberry packs an almighty nutritional punch. Some benefits provided by these vitamins are:
Strengthening your dog’s immune system and fighting infection.
Supporting the digestive system and easing digestion.
Aiding normal hormone function
Increasing and balancing good energy levels.
Supporting in healthy development from pup to dog.
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids – These essential fatty acids ensure your dog’s coat and teeth remain in tip-top condition.
Disadvantages Of Feeding Blackberries To Your Dog:
Blackberries certainly seem like the perfect choice of snack for your canine friend. However, as with anything in life, where there are benefits, there are disadvantages. Let’s take a look.
1. Overeating – Never open a punnet of blackberries and leave them for your dog to devour.
You may find you will be cleaning up the ‘mess’ rather than going for that walk. Blackberries may be great, but they must be eaten in moderation. Too much of the good juice can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and constipation.
2. Xylitol – For those who aren’t in the know, this is an artificial sweetener, and it can be fatal for dogs. Moreover, blackberries contain this. Wait what? A minute ago, blackberries were the ideal dog treat.
While blackberries do contain this substance, the amount is microscopic, and therefore unharmful for your dog. You can safely feed your dog a few blackberries once a week. This will not cause toxicity.
However, if you were to give your dog a massive amount of blackberries on a daily basis for a year, you may have a problem on your hands.
3. Taste – While many people and dogs love to eat blackberries, there are just as many who do not enjoy their taste. Should blackberries not be to your dog’s liking, you may want to give other berries or fruit a whirl.
Dogs can also benefit from delicious strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries. These all contain a huge amount of beneficial nutrients, and theta are all incredibly tasty, too. Again, as with any chosen snack, remember to limit the amount of fruit your dog consumes. Moderation, people.
Berries That Are Harmful for Your Dog
Now we have covered the berries that are most beneficial for your pooch, it’s time to look at what will be harmful for your dog to eat. Alas, there are quite a few berries that your dog should avoid at all costs. These are:
1. Baneberries
2. Juniper Berries
3/ Mistletoe Berries
4. Gooseberries
5. Holly Berries
6. Poke Berries
7. Dogwood Berries
Never feed these to your dog. They should be considered poisonous for dogs. Eating them can lead to nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, breathing difficulties, and even seizures.
Final Thoughts
Fruits (particularly blackberries) are a great source of nutrition for your dog. The sweet, tasty snack can be a great food for you to enjoy together.
You can give them to your dog as they are, or as an alternative you could serve them with some yogurt, or even a little vanilla ice cream as an occasional luxury.
Always remember that whatever food you choose to give your dog, it should be given in moderation. Balance is key for a healthy and happy pooch.
One more thing to remember – never feed wild berries of any kind to your pet dog. Always buy them from your grocer or local store.
