Blueberries are a superfruit loaded with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. They’re tasty and healthy food for us humans. And they’re great additions to the diet of your dog too. Whether you’re a small or large breed, or even if your dog is still a puppy or a mature adult dog. Blueberries are good for humans and dogs alike!
Are Blueberries beneficial for dogs?
Blueberries have low-calorie content, significant quantities of vitamin C and fiber, and phytochemicals (naturally occurring chemical compounds found within plants). Vitamin C and fiber are crucial elements of a healthy diet for canines. Phytochemicals are associated with various factors of good health, such as the capability to combat human cancer. Blueberries also contain antioxidants and have been proven to boost overall health in animals and humans.
Antioxidants, such as those found in blueberries, aid in fighting free radicals that cause molecular and cell damage in humans and dogs. In addition, research has shown that including antioxidants in a dog’s diet helps reduce the harmful effects of aging of the brain, which is excellent if you have a dog who is getting older.
Which are some health advantages of feeding my pet blueberries?
Blueberries are packed with minerals and vitamins and contain the most antioxidants in fruit. This is a lot of nutrients for tiny berries. However, there’s more!
They are also fiber-rich, low in calories, and contain anthocyanins and phytochemicals. All of these combine to give the right amount of nutrition for dogs of all ages.
Vitamins: Vitamin A, C as well as Vitamin K. All of them are present in the tiny Blueberry. They are a great way to improve your dog’s immune system and reduce inflammation. They also ensure proper functioning and quality of coat, skin, muscles, and nerves and increase bone density.
Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium share a place in Blueberry’s health advantages. These minerals help to boost bone health and help the body utilize minerals and vitamins more effectively.
The chemical compound Phytochemicals is that’s found in plants. They’re connected to many health benefits, both for canines and humans. Research has shown that phytochemicals can combat cancer and decrease inflammation in chronic illnesses.
Blueberries are most likely best known for their antioxidant qualities and excellent reason. Antioxidants are a fundamental element of both the diet of animals and humans. They neutralize free radicals, which cause molecular and cellular damage and slow the aging process.
A fascinating study was conducted on antioxidants and cell damage in dogs who sled after intense exercise. The study showed that adding blueberries to dog diets helped speed up recovery after intense training. For active dogs, this could be a huge advantage that could boost their pets’ mobility as they age.
Research has also proven that antioxidants can slow the effects of aging or cognitive decline in older dogs.
How to Serve Blueberries to Dogs
Before you give your pet blueberries, speak with your vet. They’ll assist you in determining the appropriate amount to provide, dependent on the dog’s size, age, and other variables. Per Jan Dempsey, Purina Senior Nutritionist, “Treats should make up not more than 10 percent of the daily calories your dog consumes, even when healthy and low in calories such as blueberries. We recommend a healthy and balanced diet as the most important component of a pet’s diet.”
If you’ve your veterinarian’s guidelines, feel at ease serving your pet the recommended portion of blueberries. Fresh blueberries are a tasty snack, but frozen blueberries are particularly delicious on hot days. “Freezing a fruit gives your dog variety because it changes the texture for him,” says Dempsey. It is possible to feed your dog one Blueberry at a time for an indulgence or sprinkle them over their food.
Will BLUEBERRIES HELP MY DOG’S STOMACH?
Blueberries are a fantastic food source of fiber. But every dog has their distinct susceptibility to the thread. This is why excessive consumption of blueberries can trigger an upset stomach in particular dogs. However, other dogs might gain improved digestion due to more fiber.
Digestive systems can differ between dogs. If your dog is sensitive to the stomach, consider mixing or mashing the blueberries to help them digest more easily. Additionally, you can help aid your dog’s digestive system by giving him supplements for your pet. A probiotic for your dog and a pumpkin for dogs will assist in keeping the digestive system of your pet in good shape in times of transition.
Like any food, begin by feeding small amounts of blueberries to avoid stomach upset. Be aware that even foods that are considered “dog safe” have the possibility of causing unintended reactions. You know your dog more than anyone else as a dog’s owner. Also, be aware of indications that could assist you in determining whether your pet can handle changes in its diet.
If they have diarrhea, eliminate the food they eat from their daily diets for a couple of days. (If your dog’s diarrhea doesn’t improve within a few days, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.) When your dog is better, you can introduce the food in smaller amounts if you decide to try it again.
How Blueberries help protect your brain
The brain requires more oxygen than any other tissue in the body. This causes the nervous system and brain very vulnerable to stress caused by oxidative. If your dog is suffering from neurodegenerative or senile conditions, the cause is usually caused by damage to free radicals.
The fascinating thing about blueberries is that blueberries are a source of an antioxidant special to penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers at Tufts University in Boston fed rats blueberries for two months (4). Blueberries-fed rats performed better in maze and memory tests than the controls. When the researchers examined the brains of rats, they discovered blueberry-colored pigments. In the brain, they were small antioxidants made from blueberries called anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins constitute the phytochemicals that give blueberries their blue-red color. They also offer blueberries their powerful antioxidant properties. They also provide additional health advantages … the anthocyanins make up blueberries’ greatest superpower. Blueberries are the richest source of anthocyanins and any other food item.
The benefits of Blueberries for Dogs
Are blueberries good for dogs? If consumed in moderation, blueberries are a healthy snack suitable for dogs. A few of the advantages of including superfood blueberries in your dog’s diet are:
- High antioxidant capacity, which includes Flavonoids
- A high content of vitamins C and K to aid your puppy’s immune system.
- Fiber-rich, nutrient-dense as well as low on calories
- 15% water for further benefits of hydration
Can my dog eat blueberries safely?
Whether you serve fresh, frozen, dried, or blended doesn’t matter. Blueberries are a healthy snack for your pet. With only 84 calories in a cup of the fruit, They are also a healthy treat for dogs with diabetes (but it is best to consult your vet before feeding them) or as a treat for training.