What Berries Can Dogs Eat? 9 To Enjoy & 7 To Avoid

Sometimes we want to give our dogs more healthy treats, treats we can share with them and they can enjoy it like fruits. Nothing is more healthy than berries. Berries are low in calories and sugar and it’s really tasty too.

So, what berries can dogs eat? dogs can eat blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and cranberries. Berries are full of antioxidants, high fiber, and vitamins. Plus strawberries contain enzymes that will help whiten your dog’s teeth.

But not all berries are safe for your dog. A few berries can be dangerous for your dog to eat because it contains some bits that are bad for them and even poisonous.

There are some berries that are really good for them but they can’t eat it. Keep reading to know why?

What Berries Can Dogs Eat?

Many people that their dogs’ diet should be made primarily of meat, and this is completely wrong. Your dog’s diet should be a complete diet and to make it complete it must have something out of everything.

Dogs do belong to the Carnivora order, but they are actually omnivoros, meaning their diets should have meat, fruits, vegetables, and even grains.

Fruits can include berries, and if you are a berries fan like myself, you will love that there are actually many berries that your dog can actually enjoy. Here are 10 of them.

9 Berries Dogs Can Eat Safely

1. Blueberries.
2. Blackberries.
3. Raspberries.
4. Strawberries.
5. Cranberries.
6. Acai berries.
7. Cherries.
8. Barberries.
9. Mulberries.
10. huckleberries.

Let’s Break Them Down!

Blueberries

Blueberries are great for your dog because they provide them with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more. It’s a great healthy snack for every breed and the great thing is that dogs love them too.

Be sure that what you’re feeding your dog are blueberries as some people confuse blueberries with huckleberries, and the latter should be avoided and are not safe for dogs.

Blackberries

Blackberries are the perfect snack for everyone including our dogs, it’s a sweet healthy snack with low calories and sugar. I mean that’s the dream. It’s also perfect for our dogs because blackberries are soft and easy for them to chew and they can’t choke on the seeds.

Raspberries.  

Besides being a tasty snack, raspberries offer great benefits for dogs, especially for senior dogs due to bone inflammatory disease.

Raspberries can help alleviate joint pain as they contain antioxidants, manganese, copper, potassium, folic acid, magnesium, b-complex, and vitamin c. All of which are great for dogs of all ages. It’s also soft and easy for them to eat.

Raspberries also help improve your dog’s digestive system and fight obesity.

It keeps your dog fuller for a longer time. Antioxidants can help to prevent heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and diabetes.

But to be careful raspberries contain small amounts of xylitol, so you’ll have to give them a cup of raspberries at a time.

Strawberries.

Strawberries are full of fiber and vitamin c. They also have an enzyme that can whiten your dog’s teeth as they eat them, strawberries contain sugar so do not give your dog a big amount of strawberries.

Cranberries

Dogs can eat cranberries but in small quantities. Too many cranberries can upset their stomach

Dried cranberries can be mixed with other dried fruits so you’ll have to make sure before feeding them dry cranberries because it can be mixed with raisins which are very toxic to dogs.

Acai berries

Dogs can eat acai berries in reasonable amounts so avoid giving your dog an entire bowl of acai berries. Because acai berries contain theobromine which is the same component in chocolate that causes problems in dogs. But still, it’s rich with antioxidants. Try to keep their intake of Acai berries as limited as possible, but a one every once in a while should be fine.

Cherries

Dogs can eat cherries and can provide them with vitamin A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, which are good for dogs.

But cherries too should be given to dogs in really small amounts because there are some pits in cherry that could cause cyanide poisoning and if these pits are digested it can create an intestinal obstruction as well.

Before giving your dog the cherry make sure to remove the seed so they wouldn’t choke on it.

Barberries

Barberries are not a threat to dogs. Barberries have been used in the last decade to treat diarrhea, relieve upset stomach, and improve appetites. Make sure before feeding your dog barberries to remove its thorns so it wouldn’t cut or hurt your dog’s mouth.

Mulberries

Mulberries have many types like white, black, and red. And when presented in moderation, all types of mulberries are tasty and healthy snacks for your dog, it will provide your dog with vitamin C and iron. They are also easy on blood sugar levels.

Mulberries can be really good for them if kept in small amounts. If they ate too much in a small period of time, it can cause them to get an irritated stomach and diarrhea

If you have a golden retriever, make sure to check out my recommended foods for golden retrievers at every age. I have included only the foods that I (and my dogs) like and have used over the years with no problem whatsoever, so make sure to check it out.

7 Berries Dogs Can’t Eat 

1. Grapes
2. Baneberry
3. Holly berry
4. Mistletoe berries
5. Jerusalem cherries
6. Bittersweet (woody nightshade berries)
7. Ivy berries

Grapes

Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs, it affects all ages and all breeds and there’s no amount that could be safe for your dog. Even one grape could be dangerous on your dog.

You should not give dog grapes or raisins at all because it could lead to sudden kidney failure. If your dog ate grapes here are some of the signs that may show

• Weakness or unusual quietness
• Diarrhea and vomiting ( within few hours)
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration like pale gums, and dry nose and mouth. In case if you are not sure it’s dehydration pull up the skin of your dog’s neck if it does not spring back immediately it’s dehydration
• Increased thirst and urine production
• Being in pain if you touched them

Baneberry

Baneberry is extremely toxic for both you and your dog because it contains protoanemonin, glycosides, and essential oils which prevent large ingestions

Holly berry

Holly berries are toxic to dogs because they contain some chemicals called illicit, saponins, and methylxanthines. It’s not just the holly berry that is toxic, but its leaves are extremely toxic too.

Mistletoe berries

We all know that mistletoe berries are not for eating but your dog doesn’t necessarily know that. During Christmas, while no one is looking, your dog can eat some mistletoe berries which contain cytotoxin and eating it will cause gastrointestinal distress, erratic behavior, and breathing difficulties. It can also lead to a slowed heart rate and eventual cardiovascular collapse.

Jerusalem cherries

Jerusalem cherries are a houseplant and its berries look and taste similar to cherry tomatoes. However, unlike cherry tomatoes, they are toxic to both dogs and humans. If your dog ate a big amount it could lead to some very serious complications and could indeed be fatal.

Bittersweet (woody nightshade berries)

Nightshade has caused a loss of livestock and pet poisoning and rare diseases and even death in children and pets who have eaten these berries. It’s one of the most dangerous and toxic plants in the world.

Ivy berries

Ivy berries are poisonous and could be mistaken with other non-poisonous berries but the good news is that ivy berries taste so bitter and dogs don’t like the bitter taste.

If they accidentally ate one they won’t eat more and eating just one of those ivy berries will cause them stomach ache and maybe vomiting or diarrhea but won’t cause them a dangerous illness.

But still, if your dog accidentally ate one you need to take them to their vet right away.

For a more complete list of the foods your dog can’t eat, make sure to check this list of 18 human foods you should never feed your golden retriever.

What Berries Can Dogs Eat – in Detail!

Can My Dog Eat Blueberries? 

Yes, they can. Blueberries will provide your dog with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Blueberries are also low in calories and sugar. Antioxidants help fight free radicals (which are responsible for cellular damage) and in senior dogs, it reduces the effects of brain aging.

How to Feed Them? 

You can sprinkle the blueberries on their food or you can feed it to them one blueberry at a time as a treat. You can freeze the blueberries and give it to them on warm days because it changes the texture for them. 

Can My dog Eat Strawberries? 

Yes, dogs can eat strawberries. Strawberries are full of fiber and vitamin C. Strawberries also contain enzymes that will whiten your dog’s teeth while they eat it. They contain sugar so don’t feed them big amounts because the sugar will make your dog put on weight and lead to other health issues.

How to Feed Them? 

Wash the strawberries and cut it up into small pieces to prevent choking and to help them to digest in an easier way.

You can also mix it up with some blueberries and add them to the dog’s food or feed it to them as a treat.

You can cut it and keep it in the freezer and serve it to them on a hot summer day.

Can My dog Eat Blackberries? 

Yes, they absolutely can. Blackberries are low in calories and sugar. It’s also soft and easy for them to chew and will provide them with the vitamins they need. Blackberries can help prevent a lot of diseases and will reduce heart problems.

How to Feed Them? 

Wash them and cut them into small bits. Or you can mash them and add low-fat greek yogurt and serve it to them as a light and healthy meal. You can also cut it and mix it with other berries and serve it or you can add yogurt in this one too.

Can My dog Eat Chokeberries? 

No, they can’t. If a dog ate chokecherry he might display symptoms like

• Breathing issues
• Red gums
• Pupil dilation

If they eat a big amount of the chokeberries they could go into shock or it could lead to death. If your dog ate any chokecherries, take them to an emergency vet immediately.

Can My dog Eat Cranberries? 

Yes, they can, but in small amounts, because too many cranberries will cause them a stomach ache. However dry cranberries can be mixed raisins and they are very toxic to dogs.

How to Feed Them? 

You can feed it to them raw or cooked. You can just wash it and give it to them. Or mash it with some low-fat yogurt or just freeze it and give them one at a time. 

Do not offer a sip of your cranberry juice to your dog because it’s loaded with sweeteners that are bad for dogs.

Can My dog Eat Raspberries? 

Yes, they can. Raspberries are safe for dogs to eat but like every other berry, only small amounts. Raspberries contain antioxidants that are great for senior dogs because it helps alleviate joint pain and can be an anti-inflammatory.

How to Feed Them? 

Wash them and toss them, mash it with low-fat yogurt you can also add other fruits like blueberry and strawberry or even mango. You can always freeze them and add them to the top of their food. 

Well, that’s it, now we get to some related questions that some people have, and wrap up. If you still have any questions on the topic, you can reach me here or contact me on Twitter, you will find my account at the end.

Related Questions 

What fruit can dogs eat?

dogs can eat apples, blueberries, bananas, cantaloupe,  cranberries, mango, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapple, raspberries, kiwi, watermelon, dragon fruit, and strawberries. Make sure to avoid grapes and raisins. Quantity is very important and it depends on the type of fruit.

What foods are bad for dogs?

Any food that contains grain, and many dog foods contain grains like brown rice, barley, corn, soy, and wheat. Also  Avocado, mushrooms, tomatoes, nuts, is also bad for dogs. Avocados are bad for them because they contain persin, a fungicidal toxin, which will lead to serious health issues.

  What vegetables are good for dogs?

Many vegetables can keep your dog healthy and strong like broccoli, carrots, green beans, kale, pumpkin, spinach, beets, celery, cucumber, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash.

You have to make vegetables easier for them to eat like you can cook them with steam, blanching, or pureeing.

Sources

Fruits Dogs can and Can’t Eat