In previous articles, we have answered whether dogs can eat corn and whether corn is healthy for dogs. As pet parents, we are also looking for healthy snacks to feed our pets that will tickle their taste buds while at the same time providing nourishment.
Berries are an excellent choice because they offer vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Nature brings us an abundance of these delicious treats. So why not share a little with your dog? But all berries are not best for dogs. We have compiled a list of three types of berries dogs can eat and how to include them in their diet with easy recipes.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
Strawberries are a fantastic treat for dogs, packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients can help whiten your dog's teeth. Besides, Strawberries are also low in calories and can improve your dog's digestion. When feeding strawberries to your dog, it’s best to cut them into smaller pieces to prevent choking, especially for smaller dogs.
However, make sure you avoid syrupy strawberries because they are too much sweet. Besides, avoid giving chocolate-covered strawberries because dogs can't eat chocolate. If you want to make your dog some strawberry desserts, use fresh strawberries and avoid using sweeteners. Here is one Strawberry Recipe.
Strawberry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup diced strawberries will be enough
- Take 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup whole grain rolled oats will be needed for the recipe
- Take 1 banana
- 1/4 cup sugar-free (and no sweetener added) plain applesauce
Instructions:
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Now, mash the banana until smooth in a bowl.
- After that, add the diced strawberries, flour, oats, and applesauce to the mashed banana and mix until well combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball slightly with a fork.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the treats cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Blueberries are an excellent choice for a sweet treat and are healthy for humans and dogs alike. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K, which can help boost your dog's immune system and improve their overall health. They are also low in calories, making them a perfect snack for dogs who need to maintain a healthy weight.
When giving blueberries to your dog, it's of great importance to do so in moderation. Keep in mind that eating too many blueberries can cause diarrhea. Frozen berries make a great treat, but don't assume your dog will enjoy them as well. It's better to provide fresh blueberries to your dogs and don't let them try human blueberry desserts like muffins or pie. Here is one dog's blueberry dessert recipe.
Blueberry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of plain organic yogurt
- 1/3 cup fresh blueberries will be enough
- Ice cube tray
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the yogurt and fresh blueberries until smooth.
- After that, pour the mixture into a silicon rectangle muffin mold or ice cube tray.
- Freeze for several hours until solid.
- Serve these refreshing blueberry popsicles to your dog on a hot day for a cool treat. But be sure to consume it in small quantities or it will be easy to get diarrhea!
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?
Blackberries are relatively safe for dogs to eat and share many benefits with strawberries and blueberries. They are low in sugar, rich in fiber, and packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Blackberries can support your dog's immune system and overall health. However, it’s important to note that blackberries contain naturally occurring xylitol, which can be harmful to dogs in large quantities, so they should be given in moderation.
Blackberry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mash the blackberries until they have a chunky consistency.
- Add the rolled oats and applesauce to the mashed blackberries and mix until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until firm.
- Let the treats cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Final Words
Above all, these three types of berries are very healthy foods for dogs. And the recipes featuring berries will give your pet something both yummy and healthy. Because they have abundant vitamins, antioxidants, and fibers that are key in enhancing the immunity of your dog, keeping their skin and fur healthier as well as aiding in digestion.
However, before incorporating any new food into your pet, take it slow and see how they respond. Talk to a vet before making dramatic alterations in what you feed your dog especially if they have health issues. Slowly adapt them to the tastes. When giving your dog treats, follow the 90/10 rule: treats should only be 10% of their daily calories, with the other 90% from balanced dog food. Give berries in small portions to fit this guideline.
Note: While several kinds of berries are good for dogs, others like grapes, raisins and some wild berries are dangerous when eaten by them. Always ensure you find out or talk to a vet whenever you’re unsure about types of these fruits. By picking safe berries, we can make some nutritious snacks for a dog that will contribute to their healthiness.
