Cranberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries – besides the obvious that they’re all berries, what do they have in common?
While their taste may be different, they’re all really healthy and delicious in their own way!
But, can dogs benefit from them as well? And are they even safe?
Dogs love to eat, nothing new there! However, they’re not too picky and they will try almost anything they come across. But that doesn’t make it healthy, or even safe, in some cases. As a consequence, your dog might end up eating something that’s bad for dogs.
So, it’s your responsibility as a dog owner to know what you can and can’t share with your dog. And if you love any, or all, of these berries, naturally you’re wondering – is it safe to share some with my dog? Can dogs benefit?
Let’s take a look at them, one by one, and see if any are dog appropriate.
Can I Give My Dog Cranberries?
Cranberries are famous for helping people suffering from diabetes, liver problems and stomach issues. They’re also one of the best natural remedies for urinary tract infections. But the question is – are they equally healthy to dogs? Are they even safe?
Great news! Cranberries are not only safe for dogs, but really healthy as well! Dogs can consume cranberries in form of cranberry juice, cranberry powder, tablets or simply as they are. But first, let’s see why these berries are so good for dogs!
Why Are Cranberries Healthy To Dogs?
It turns out that cranberries can help both people and dogs with some similar problems! Let’s list what makes these berries so beneficial!
- Help with urinary tract and bladder infections. Cranberries help relive the pain dogs, and people, experience due to an infections and make the healing process a bit faster.
- Help with stomach ulcers.
- Rich in minerals and vitamins A, B1, B2 and C.
- A great source of dietary fiber that play an important role in bowel regulation.
- Improving the cholesterol levels – lowering the bad and improving the good levels.
- Rich in polyphenol antioxidants. These antioxidants help in fighting against the formation of cancer cells and they improve the overall immune system.
- Play a great role in maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene by fighting plague forming.
- Source of phytochemicals that help preserving memory and play a big role when it comes to balance and coordination.
- Cranberries can improve the vision.
- Great for the entire cardiovascular system, in particular regulating the blood pressure and making sure the blood vessels are doing their job.
How Do I Serve Cranberries To My Dog?
Now that you know how healthy cranberries are, you probably want to implement them in your dog’s diet as soon as possible! So, what ways are there to do that?
As mentioned, there are a couple of different ways your dog can have cranberries – in form of juice, tablets, powder or raw. The most common way is to give your dog cranberry juice. However, make sure you know what you’re giving your dog, as some cranberry juices are full of sugar and aren’t made from real berries. In order to be on the safe side, choose organic cranberry juice or prepare it yourself.
You can also implement these berries in the form of powder or tablets if needed. If you’re thinking about these methods, talk to your vet first and determine the dosage and anything else. Finally, fresh cranberries are always an option – provided that your dog likes them.
Can I Give My Dog Raspberries?
The second berry we’re taking a look at is the famous raspberry! Most people love them, both raw and in cakes and sweets. However, people and dogs aren’t the same and they don’t have the same nutritional needs. But there are still food they have in common and both can enjoy in and benefit from. So, are raspberries one of those things?
Yes, raspberries are actually safe and healthy to dogs and people! Feeding your dog raspberries in moderate amounts can be beneficial and they could serve as a great treat, as they don’t require much preparation. However, you shouldn’t overdo it and only serve them in normal amounts.
So, let’s take a look at why raspberries can be good to your dog!
Why Are Raspberries Healthy To Dogs?
Even though raspberries don’t have as many “functions” as cranberries, they’re still beneficial in many ways. Let’s see why:
- Rich in vitamin C that’s great for the immune system.
- Great source of antioxidants which are reducing the risks of cancer, arthritis, heart disease and diabetes.
- Contain manganese that’s valuable for synthesizing protein and carbohydrates – important for creating energy in the body.
- Rich in vitamin B, folic acid, magnesium and copper.
- High in fiber.
- Contain 86% water which makes them a great, light treat.
How Do I Serve Raspberries To My Dog?
Many dog owners love giving raspberries to their dog as a snack because it doesn’t require as much preparation as some fruit, such as oranges or apples. All you have to do before giving a raspberry to your dog is to wash it properly and that’s it! But – never forget to wash it, when it comes to raspberries or some other fruit!
Can I Give My Dog Blueberries?
The third berry we’re taking a look at in this article is the blueberry! As you’ve probably heard, blueberries are really great for us humans and more and more people implement them in their diet, mostly because they’re a great source of antioxidants. But are they equally good for dogs, if even safe?
The answer is – yes! Blueberries are not only safe, but very healthy for our dogs. It turns out that dogs and people are very similar at this point – they can both enjoy the same benefits blueberries have to offer. Let’s take a look at what they are!
Why Are Blueberries Healthy To Dogs?
It would take a lot of time to mention every reason why blueberries are so beneficial, but here come the biggest ones:
- Rich in vitamins C and K.
- Great source of fiber and antioxidants.
- Known to prevent heart disease, hypertension and obesity.
- Fight cancer, especially colon cancer cells.
- Prevent memory loss and aging in senior dogs.
- Fight inflammation.
- Low in sugar and fat, which makes it a great occasional treat.
- Prevent urinary tract infections.
- Help in preventing glucose intolerance.
- Rich in polyphenols.
How Do I Serve Blueberries To My Dog?
The best way for your dog to have blueberries is just the way they are – raw and fresh. This is because they’re the most beneficial and nutritive then. If not fresh, your dog could get stomach problems.
Another thing you should never do is give blueberry pancakes, muffins, pies or something else sweet to your dog. This would be too much sugar for your dog and there would be no benefits from the blueberries. Finally, never give your dog frozen blueberries – they’re very hard to chew on and they could get stuck in the throat when your dog is trying to swallow them.
And just like with any other fruit or vegetable – be sure to wash them properly before you give them to your dog.
Can I Give My Dog Blackberries?
Finally, the last berry for today is the blackberry. Is it also safe, and healthy, as the previous berries or is it different?
Blackberries are no different than its berry friends – they’re both safe and healthy to dogs! It seems that the berry family is a great choice for occasional dog treats. Blackberries are maybe the berries that get the least attention, but it doesn’t mean they’re not beneficial. On the contrary! Let’s take a look at what makes blackberries so great!
Why Are Blackberries Healthy To Dogs?
Here’s a list of what makes these berries so great!
- Rich in vitamins A, C, K and E.
- Great source of fiber, which is very important for the digestive system and its functions.
- High levels of Omega 3, which promotes good skin and coat health.
- Rich in antioxidants.
- High in minerals, such as manganese.
How Do I Serve Blackberries To My Dog?
Blackberries should be served just as they are – fresh and raw. However, you should remember to serve them after you wash them properly and only as an occasional treat. Too many blackberries can lead to stomach upset or diarrhea and there is no point in giving too many blackberries.
How Much Berries Can Dogs Eat?
Berries are no different than any other fruit or vegetable you can give to your dog – you should only feed your dog occasionally, in moderate amounts. While a couple berries can be really healthy and serve as a great treat, too much of the good can only lead to stomach problems and diarrhea. Also, the benefits aren’t any bigger if you give more – small amounts are enough for your dog to benefit.
For more good fruit for dogs check out the video below.
Conclusion
These four berries – cranberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries – are all healthy fruit your dog can benefit from and enjoy in moderation. They’re rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and help with various problems respectively – urinary tract infections, heart conditions, memory perseverance, vision etc.
Just remember – fruit and vegetables are a great supplement to your dog’s regular diet, but they shouldn’t replace anything. Dogs and people don’t have the same needs when it comes to nutrition, and while they too can benefit from healthy food, it should only be an addition.
Also, always observe your dog when giving something new, as some dogs don’t react well to certain food, even if it’s safe and healthy in general. See what your dog likes and enjoys in and personalize its diet.
