Have you ever wondered if you could give your dog a blackberry to try? In this article, I will discuss whether blackberries are safe for your dog and if there are any precautions you need to take.
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?
TLDR: The answer is YES! Blackberries are safe for dogs, but in moderation. Blackberries contain many excellent nutrients, which make them a healthy treat.
Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Blackberries
Blackberries contain many healthy nutrients, such as antioxidants, fibre, omega-3s, and vitamins A, C, and K, to name a few. There are other micronutrients that help to maintain a healthy immune system.
The higher fibre content of blackberries can help your dog's digestive system, whereas the antioxidants and omega-3s can help cellular recovery and reduce inflammation, respectively. Additionally, the added omegas can help improve your dog's skin and hair coat.
Many people wonder about the sugar content in blackberries, as fruits generally are high in sugar. Fortunately, blackberries are low in sugar and calories when compared to other fruits like bananas, apples and oranges.
Precautions to Take When Feeding Your Dog Blackberries
While blackberries are generally safe for dogs and non-toxic, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.
- Always wash blackberries thoroughly before feeding them to your dog.
- Start by only giving a couple of blackberries and see how their digestive system reacts.
- Feed blackberries in moderation. Too many of these berries can lead to diarrhea due to their high insoluble fibre content.
- Blackberries can be a choking hazard for small dogs, so it's best to cut them into smaller pieces.
How Many Blackberries Can You Feed Your Dog?
This varies based on the size of the dog and their digestive system's ability to tolerate them.
Generally speaking, for smaller dogs, 1-3 blackberries; medium-sized dogs, 3-5 blackberries; large dogs, 5-8 blackberries.
When it comes to feeding your dog blackberries, portion size and frequency are key factors to consider. The recommended amount for a small dog is typically 1 or 2 blackberries, while a large dog can handle up to a handful.
Are Wild Blackberries Safe for Dogs?
There are some additional considerations should your dog eat blackberries in the wild.
The first would be the possibility of pesticides or herbicides. If the blackberries are deep in the forest/woods, this risk is lower. If the shrub is near farmland or the roadside, there may be an increased risk.
Secondly, blackberries that are low to the ground, or even making surface contact with the ground, carry increased risks of biological contamination (fox, skunk, raccoon urine, for example).
Lastly, blackberry shrubs have thorns! Dogs could scratch their eyes, cut their faces, etc.
Essentially, if you are hiking in a clean, remote area, sharing a blackberry or two with your dog should pose minimal risk.