Last Updated: 28/03/2025

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: 10 minutes - short read

golden retriever looking at some blueberries scattered on a table

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?

The answer is yes! Not only are blueberries safe for your dog, but they are highly nutritious too!Always wash blueberries before feeding them to your dog, to ensure all pesticides, dirt and bugs have been removed.

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!

Blueberries are:

High in nutrients including Vitamin C and K which can help promote a strong immune system
Full of antioxidants including flavinoids
A rich source of phytochemicals, which help fight disease and even cancer!
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.

Nutritional considerations of feeding blueberries to dogs

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 storebought frozen blueberries?

It's generally recommended to feed your dog fresh blueberries instead of packaged frozen berries. You may wish to freeze fresh blueberries as a tasty frozen treat, but generally we advise against commercially packed frozen berries.

Storebought frozen berries are often higher in sugar than fresh fruit. Not only does freezing naturally concentrate the fruit into a more nutrient-dense state, but some manufacturers add juice or syrup to the pack to enhance the flavour.

In addition, recent outbreaks of infectious diseases from frozen berries (such as the 2015 hepatitis outbreak) have led to many experts recommending boiling or cooking frozen berries³ before eating them, to remove the risk of disease. So, generally we recommend choosing fresh berries for your dog!

How to feed your dog blueberries

Now that you know blueberries are safe for your dog, what is the best way to serve them? 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!

History

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Thu Feb 13 2025

Edited by Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)

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About the Author

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.

Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

In this article

Health benefits of blueberries for dogs?

Nutritional considerations of feeding blueberries to dogs

Are blueberries high in sugar?

Can dogs eat storebought frozen blueberries?

How to feed your dog blueberries

Further Reading

History

Thu Feb 13 2025

About the Author

Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)

Customer Care

About Pet Circle

Caring For Your Pet

In this article

Health benefits of blueberries for dogs?

Nutritional considerations of feeding blueberries to dogs

Are blueberries high in sugar?

Can dogs eat storebought frozen blueberries?

How to feed your dog blueberries

References

References