Last Updated: 16/09/2026
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Wondering if blueberries are safe for dogs? Take a look at our guide for all the answers!
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 3 minutes - short read
Juicy, sweet, low in calories and full of antioxidants - blueberries are a healthy and satisfying snack. Despite being one of the most expensive fruits around, blueberries remain one of the most popular fruits in the world among people of all ages. And even most dogs love the taste! But are blueberries actually safe for dogs to eat?
Yes, blueberries are safe for dogs and make a great low-calorie treat in moderation. Fresh or home-frozen blueberries are a great option, and most dogs can enjoy a small handful a few times a week. Whole blueberries should be halved or mashed for small dogs and puppies to reduce choking risk, and any new treat should be introduced gradually to avoid tummy upsets. Always wash blueberries before feeding them to your dog, to ensure all pesticides, dirt and bugs have been removed.
What are the health benefits of blueberries for dogs?
Blueberries boast a number of health benefits for dogs, and are considered a superfood for humans and dogs alike.1 There is a reason berries are routinely recommended as a safe treat by veterinarians, and why many dog food manufacturers add blueberries to their recipes!
In practice, we often recommend blueberries as a delicious treat for those pets who are watching their weight or suffer from allergies.
Blueberries are:
- High in nutrients including Vitamin C and K which can help promote a strong immune system
- Full of antioxidants including flavonoids
- A rich source of phytochemicals, may help protect against cell damage
- High in fibre, which is great for gut health
- Only contain 57 calories per 100g - making it a great option for pups on a diet.
- Also contain no fat or cholesterol, so it's a safe treat for dogs who experience pancreatitis or IBD.
Are blueberries high in sugar?
Yes, blueberries are a medium sugar-content fruit as they contain around 10g of sugar per 100g. This sets them apart from other berries such as strawberries or raspberries, which are very low in sugar at 4.5g per 100g.2 To compare, peaches contain 8g, apples contain 10g, and bananas contain 12g per 100g.
Can dogs eat frozen blueberries?
Yes frozen blueberries are one of the best hot-weather treats you can give your dog, and it's one of the most common ways our customers tell us they serve this fruit over an Aussie summer.
The best approach is to freeze fresh blueberries yourself rather than buying pre-packaged frozen ones, so you control exactly what's in the bowl: just fruit, no added sugar or syrup. Store-bought frozen berries can sometimes be higher in added sugar, so if you do buy pre-frozen fruit for your dog, choose a plain, unsweetened product and check the label.
To serve, wash and dry fresh blueberries, then freeze them spread out on a tray before tipping into a container, so they don't clump into one block. Pop a few into a puzzle feeder, KONG or ice cube tray with a splash of water for a longer-lasting treat.
How many blueberries can I give my dog?
As a general guide, treats, including blueberries, should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake, working out to a small handful a few times a week for most dogs, depending on their size and any health conditions.
Because blueberries are high in fibre, too many at once can cause loose stools, gas or general gastrointestinal upset, especially if your dog isn't used to them. Start with just one or two berries the first time.
Whole blueberries can also be a choking risk for small dog breeds and puppies, in a similar way to grapes, though the comparison stops there: unlike grapes, blueberries aren't toxic to dogs. This is purely a size and swallowing concern, not a poisoning risk. To be safe, mash or halve blueberries for small dogs and puppies, or stick to a puree.
How do I feed blueberries to my dog?
Blueberries can be given to your dog in a number of ways. You can feed them whole, you can freeze them and give as natural popsicle bites on a hot day, or you can blend them into a puree. You can also mash blueberries into natural sugar-free yoghurt as a delicious and extra- special treat for your dog!
For more on what human foods are, and aren't, safe to share with your dog, check out our full guide to human foods safe for pets.
References
Burke, A. 2021. Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-blueberries/
Blueberries 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits Healthline. 2022. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/blueberries#nutrition
Risk of Hepatitis A from frozen berries. Ministry for Primary Industries. 2022. https://www.mpi.govt.nz/news/media-releases/risk-of-hepatitis-a-from-frozen-berries
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed Sep 16 2026
Edited by Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland. While Carla enjoys most facets of clinical veterinary work, she holds a special passion for feline medicine, pocket pets, and nutrition.
