Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

Q: What berries are safe for dogs?

The following berries are safe for dogs to eat: BlackberriesCranberriesRaspberriesStrawberries

Q: What berries are toxic to dogs?

The following berries are toxic to dogs: GrapesWild berries, like salmonberries and holly berries

Victoria Lynn Arnold

. Reviewed by Tara Hansen, DVM

Updated Jul. 22, 2024

can dogs eat blueberries: dog licking mug full of blueberries

Adobe Stock/Jahor

Are Blueberries Good for Dogs?

And are blueberries safe for dogs? Blueberries are a safe fruit for dogs to eat, and they also provide many nutritional benefits.

Blueberries are antioxidant-boasting fruits known for their disease-fighting properties, called phytochemicals, that battle conditions like cancer and heart disease.

Blueberries are also low in calories and high in fiber. Based on studies, they may help prevent cell damage, may improve night vision, and may even help promote mental function in senior pets.

Here’s a list of the vitamins and minerals in blueberries:

Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Vitamin K
Calcium
Phosphorus
Potassium
Magnesium

Are Blueberries Bad for Dogs?

Typically, no, blueberries aren’t bad for most dogs. However, dogs with diabetes, dogs who have food sensitivities, or dogs on a prescription diet to manage a medical condition should not be fed high-sugar fruits such as blueberries.

Here are the downsides of blueberries for dogs:

They can be a choking hazard. Due to their small size, blueberries can be a potential choking hazard when eaten too quickly, especially by small dogs.
They can cause upset stomach. Too much of anything can give your dog an upset stomach—especially when there’s sugar involved. Wild blueberries are also safe for dogs, but don’t let them eat an excessive amount. And make sure they’re actually blueberries, as certain other wild berries, like salmonberries, can be poisonous to dogs.

How Many Blueberries Can a Dog Eat?

Even though blueberries are considered a healthy treat, they should only be given to dogs in small portions. Treats of any kind should only make up 10% of your dog’s overall diet. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet.

Here are some general guidelines for feeding blueberries to your dog, but before giving your dog blueberries, talk with your veterinarian. They can help you determine a safe amount based on your dog’s age, size, and overall health.

Dog Size	Serving Size
Extra-small dog (2–20 pounds)	1–2 blueberries
Small dog (21–30 pounds)	2–3 blueberries
Medium-size dog (31–50 pounds)	3–5 blueberries
Large dog (51–90 pounds)	5–6 blueberries
Extra-large dog (91+ pounds)	Small handful of blueberries

If you’re concerned that your dog may have eaten too many blueberries, watch for signs of an upset stomach. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms:

Decreased appetite or loss of appetite
Fatigue
Acting depressed
Looking uncomfortable
Gulping or licking their lips, the air, or objects
Vomiting or diarrhea

Take your dog to the vet promptly if you see persistent vomiting, excessive diarrhea, blood in their vomit or stool, weakness, or collapse.

How Often Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

Dogs can have blueberries as a snack every day, as long as they eat only the recommended amount. Again, treats should only make up 10% of a dog’s diet.

How To Feed Your Dog Blueberries

Here are some tips for preparing blueberries for your pup:

Wash thoroughly and remove the stems. The stem can present a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs.
Avoid blueberries that are canned, sugared, or packed in syrup. Canned blueberries usually come in a syrup that has very high sugar content, which can upset your dog’s stomach. Opt for fresh blueberries.

Next, here are some easy and fun ways to safely feed this juicy treat to your dog:

Fresh: Treat your pup to fresh, washed blueberries sans stems.
Frozen: Frozen blueberries can be a fun, crunchy, refreshing treat.
Mashed: Mash up the blueberries and mix a small amount into your dog’s regular food.
Dried: If you have a dehydrator at home, make your own dried blueberries for special treats. Give your dog a little less than the recommended amount because dehydrating concentrates the sugars.
Puréed: If you’re feeling fancy, purée the blueberries with some other fruit like bananas and strawberries. Then, mix it with a little plain, sugar-free, xylitol-free yogurt or peanut butter. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray, spread onto a lick mat or stuff into your dog’s KONG®, and freeze it for an icy treat.
In a cake: Make this dog-friendly blueberry birthday cake on your pup’s birthday or Gotcha Day.

Dogs and Blueberries FAQs

Can dogs have blueberry muffins?

If you’re thinking about sharing your blueberry muffin, don’t. Dogs cannot have blueberry muffins because they contain extra sugars and fats. Muffins could also contain toxic ingredients such as chocolate, xylitol, or nutmeg.

If your dog eats a small piece of a blueberry muffin that fell on the floor, they should be fine. But if the muffin did contain any ingredients that are toxic to dogs, or your dog happened to sneak a whole pan of muffins, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Can dogs eat blueberry yogurt?

No, dogs can’t eat blueberry yogurt. Blueberry yogurt may have a high sugar content, and not only can too much sugar upset your dog’s stomach, but it can also, over time, cause obesity and diabetes.

Blueberry yogurt could also contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Instead, try mixing a handful of blueberries with a plain, sugar-free, xylitol-free yogurt. Give a little bit to your dog as a special treat.

If your dog eats blueberry yogurt and you know it contains xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Can dogs eat dried blueberries?

Dried blueberries can be a great way for you and your dog to have a healthy snack. But the best way to do this is by drying them at home with a dehydrator.

Store-bought dried blueberries often contain preservatives and high sugar content. That isn’t healthy for your dog and could cause stomach problems. Check the nutrition facts and ingredients list first to see what has been added to the fruit.