Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? Yes, Plus a Serving Chart by Size
Yes, dogs can eat blueberries. Plain blueberries, fresh or frozen, are safe for most dogs and make a great small treat. They are low in calories, full of water and fiber, and packed with plant compounds called antioxidants. Wash them first. Give a few at a time, based on your dog's size. For tiny dogs and puppies, cut or mash them so they can't choke. Skip blueberry muffins, pie, yogurt, and anything with added sugar or xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Below, we answer the most common questions about dogs and blueberries, with a simple chart for how many to give.
In this article
- Are blueberries good for dogs?
- How many blueberries can a dog eat?
- Can dogs eat frozen blueberries?
- Can puppies eat blueberries?
- Which blueberry foods should dogs avoid?
- Can dogs eat wild blueberries?
- FAQ
Are blueberries good for dogs?
Yes, in small amounts they are one of the best fruit treats you can share. Here is what a blueberry brings, based on USDA food data for raw blueberries (numbers are approximate):
- Few calories. A full cup has about 85 calories. One berry has about 1 calorie or less. That makes them a smart swap for rich store treats.
- Lots of water. Blueberries are about 84% water.
- Fiber. About 2.4 grams per 100 grams of fruit. Fiber helps keep digestion on track.
- Vitamins C and K. Dogs make their own vitamin C, so this is a bonus, not a need.
- Antioxidants. The deep blue color comes from plant pigments called anthocyanins. Antioxidants help protect cells from wear and tear.
There is even a bit of dog research behind the hype. In a 2006 study, scientists fed blueberries to Alaskan sled dogs during training. After hard exercise, the berry-fed dogs had higher antioxidant levels in their blood than dogs that did not get berries. You can read a summary of the sled dog study from the Journal of Experimental Biology. It was a small study, so think of blueberries as a healthy extra, not a cure for anything.
How many blueberries can a dog eat?
Vets use one simple rule: treats should be no more than 10% of what your dog eats in a day. The other 90% should come from complete, balanced dog food. For blueberries, that means a few berries, not a bowl.
Hill's Pet Nutrition gives this guide for healthy adult dogs:
| Dog size | Example breeds | Blueberries per day |
|---|---|---|
| Toy (under 10 lb) | Chihuahua, Yorkie | 1 to 2 |
| Small (10 to 20 lb) | Pug, Shih Tzu | 2 to 5 |
| Medium (20 to 50 lb) | Beagle, Border Collie | 5 to 10 |
| Large (50 to 90 lb) | Labrador, Boxer | 10 to 12 |
| Giant (over 90 lb) | Great Dane, Mastiff | 12 to 15 |
The first time, start with just one or two. Watch for an upset stomach or loose stool over the next day. Too many berries at once can give a dog gas or diarrhea, thanks to all that fiber. If your dog has diabetes, is overweight, or has a touchy stomach, ask your vet first, since blueberries do have natural sugar.
Their small size makes blueberries handy as training rewards, too. If you are working on crate time, our guide to crate training a puppy shows how to use small treats like these.
Can dogs eat frozen blueberries?
Yes. Frozen blueberries are a crunchy, cool treat, and many dogs love them on hot days. Use plain frozen berries with nothing added. Check the bag to be sure there is no sugar or syrup.
One word of caution: a frozen berry is hard and slick. A small dog that gulps it whole could choke. For small dogs, let frozen berries soften for a few minutes, or cut them in half. You can also mash a few berries into a lick mat or stuff them in a rubber toy, then freeze it. That turns one treat into a long, calm chew session.
Light enough to clip to a pack. Coffee for you on the hike, a few blueberries for your dog at the rest stop.
Can puppies eat blueberries?
Yes, in very small amounts. Puppies have small throats and touchy stomachs, so cut each berry in half or mash it. Give one or two pieces at a time. Their main food matters most while they grow, so keep fruit to a tiny share of the day.
Which blueberry foods should dogs avoid?
The fruit is fine. The trouble is what people add to it. PetMD and other vet sources warn against these:
| Blueberry food | OK for dogs? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh, plain blueberries | Yes | Low in calories, high in fiber. Wash first. |
| Plain frozen blueberries | Yes | Soften or halve them for small dogs. |
| Dried blueberries | Only a few, and only plain | Drying packs more sugar into each bite. Many brands add sugar. Trail mixes may hide raisins. |
| Blueberry muffins, pancakes, pie | No | Sugar, fat, and sometimes xylitol. |
| Blueberry yogurt | No | Added sugar or sweeteners, and dairy can upset a dog's stomach. |
| Canned berries, syrup, jam | No | Far too much sugar. "Sugar free" kinds may use xylitol. |
Xylitol is the big one. Even a small amount can drop a dog's blood sugar fast and harm the liver. Always read the label on anything "sugar free." Also watch for mixed fruit snacks. Grapes and raisins look harmless next to blueberries, but they can cause sudden kidney failure. Read our guide on why grapes are so dangerous for dogs. And keep chocolate-covered blueberries far away. Our post on dark vs. milk vs. white chocolate explains why.
Can dogs eat wild blueberries?
Real wild blueberries are just as safe as store-bought ones. The risk is getting the wrong berry. Many small, dark berries on trails and in yards look a lot like blueberries but are toxic to dogs. Pokeweed, nightshade, and yew berries are a few examples. If you can't name a berry for sure, don't let your dog eat it.
When you pick your own, give the berries a good rinse before sharing. Farm fields may be sprayed, and wild berries can carry dirt and bugs.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat blueberries every day?
Yes, most healthy dogs can have a few blueberries a day. Just keep all treats together under 10% of their daily food. Mix it up with other safe snacks so your dog still eats a full, balanced diet.
Are blueberries a laxative for dogs?
Not in normal amounts. But blueberries have fiber, so a dog that eats a lot at once may get loose stool or gas. Stick to the serving chart above and the problem usually goes away.
What should I do if my dog ate a lot of blueberries?
Plain blueberries are not poisonous. The most likely result is an upset stomach or soft stool for a day. Give fresh water and watch your dog. Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than a day, or if the berries were in a muffin, a "sugar free" snack, or a mix with raisins or chocolate.
Can cats eat blueberries?
Yes, blueberries are not toxic to cats. But cats can't taste sweet things, and they don't need fruit. Most show little interest. A berry now and then is fine if your cat wants it.
Are blueberries better for dogs than other fruit?
They are one of the easiest fruits to share. They are small, low in calories, and need no peeling or pitting. Other safe picks include apple slices with no seeds and seedless watermelon. Grapes, raisins, and cherry pits are ones to keep away.
For the dog who gets the first berry
Tees, hoodies, mugs, and home goods for people who share their snacks with their dog.
A warm, soft hoodie for cool fall walks with a pocket full of treats.
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This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. If you are worried about something your dog ate, call your vet or an animal poison control line.
