Blueberry is a popular food among humans, because of its low cost and its nutrient content. That’s why many Akita owners think they can feed blueberries to their Akitas as well. But can you feed blueberries to your Akitas?
The short answer is ‘’Yes’’, you can feed blueberries to your Akitas. But there are lots of questions about this topic. In this guide, we will answer every question related to this topic.
Let’s start with the most important question:
Are blueberries safe for Akitas?
If you’re asking if blueberries are safe for Akitas, then the short answer is yes, blueberries are safe for Akitas.
Whether you feed them fresh, frozen, dried, or mashed; blueberries are a safe treat to give your Akita. They’re packed with antioxidants and vitamins like Vitamin C and K that can help keep their joints healthy.
But don’t overdo it! Blueberries contain sugar so keep an eye out on your pet’s weight.
As with any new food, introduce blueberries slowly. Though rare, some Akitas can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction to them. Start slowly if you are feeding them to your Akita for the first time and watch for any abnormal signs. If you observe any abnormal symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, gas or constipation, contact your vet immediately.
Benefits of blueberries in Akitas
Antioxidants work to fight free radicals in your Akita’s body, which are potentially harmful chemicals that can damage cells and lead to certain diseases.
Phytochemicals help support the immune system by fighting off infections.
Vitamin K is an essential vitamin that helps with blood clotting, bone health, and also has been shown to prevent coronary heart disease.
Manganese helps strengthen bones, aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates, and synthesize proteins.
Potassium can help lower blood pressure and regulate fluid balance in your Akita’s body.
Calcium aids in the development of strong bones and teeth.
Phosphorus aids in bone development and energy production.
Anthocyanins are responsible for the blue/purple color of blueberries. They work with the antioxidants to fight heart diseases by preventing plaque buildup in arteries.
Do all Akitas like blueberries?
Unfortunately, no.
Your Akita may not like blueberries even if other Akitas love them. Akitas have food preferences that are as different from one another as people do—and just because you like something doesn’t mean your best friend will!
If you’re in doubt about whether your Akita likes blueberries, don’t force it. Just try a few different ways of feeding them to your pup to see which they prefer, and be sure to consult with your vet before introducing a new food to their diet.
Can my Akitas have blueberries every day?
There’s no rule on how often Akitas can eat blueberries. It’s more about giving them the right amount of blueberries each day.
Akitas are like humans when it comes to food. They’ll eat what they like repeatedly, so if they love blueberries, you can feed them every day. But we recommend you vary the treats because too much of one thing is not good for Akitas health.
Also, different treats contain different nutrients and vitamins that are essential for your Akitas wellness, so mix up the treats you give your Akita throughout the week to make sure they get everything they need.
Can puppies eat blueberries?
We don’t recommend it, unless your vet approves it for certain reasons.
Puppies have a delicate digestive system, and you don’t want to mess around with something like a blueberry allergy. You can give small amounts, but as a rule of thumb: if in doubt, check with your vet!
Another thing to keep in mind is that puppies should be on specialized puppy diets during their first few months. These diets are specially formulated to help them grow into healthy Akitas, so you wouldn’t want to mess it up by introducing new foods too early.
How many blueberries can Akitas eat?
It is essential to consult with your vet first for best serving size. Ten blueberries would be an appropriate amount for most small Akitas, and larger breeds can handle more than that. Always follow the rule; your Akitas need a completely balanced diet to thrive. All treats combinedly should not be over 10% of the total diet, but the Akita needs to have a good balance of food and treats throughout the day.
How to serve blueberries to your Akitas?
Blueberries are a delicious treat for both Akitas and humans, and you can serve them in a variety of ways. First, check with your vet about the safety of blueberries for your specific Akita. Different breeds have different needs and allergies, so it’s always best to ask an expert first.
If your vet gives you the all-clear, you can start feeding your Akita blueberries. Get organic only—these have fewer pesticides than regular blueberries (it’s not always necessary to buy organic for you, but for Akitas it’s usually safer). Clean the berries properly before serving.
Fresh blueberries are great on their own, but frozen ones are especially good on warm days. Feed your Akita one blueberry at a time as a snack or sprinkle them on their regular food. You could also blend blueberries and plain yogurt together—this will make a nice slushy treat that will cool them down while providing some protein. You can also add some other Akita-friendly fruits like bananas or apples to the mix! Puree everything thoroughly before serving — they need things broken down into smaller pieces to avoid choking hazards.
When are blueberries bad for Akitas?
Blueberries are generally good for Akitas, but they can be problematic if your Akita has underlying health issues like allergy, diabetes or kidney disease.
Plus, if you’re feeding your Akita blueberries every day, there’s a chance that you’re overfeeding him. Make sure you’re being diligent about serving the right amount of food to your pup. Too many treats and blueberries can cause weight gain and other health issues.
Natural sugar content in blueberries isn’t usually an issue, but if you’re buying store-bought blueberries, make sure they don’t have added sugar or any other ingredients that might be harmful to your Akita.
What happens when your Akitas eat too many blueberries?
Here’s what to look out for:
Vomiting: When your Akita eats a lot of blueberries, the acid in their stomach may become too concentrated and cause vomiting.
Diarrhea: As with humans, diarrhea is another symptom that may arise from overconsumption of blueberries.
Bloat: If you notice your Akita’s stomach looking especially swollen after eating a bunch of blueberries (or other fruit), get them to a vet ASAP. This is an emergency medical situation!
Abdominal pain: Blueberries are relatively hard on the stomach. Eating too much can cause discomfort and pain that may cause your Akita not being able to walk or even stand.
Choking: Choking is the most serious side effect of eating too many blueberries at once—it can even be fatal. If your Akita chokes, try to remove the blockage by reaching in their mouth and pulling it out. If you’re unable to do so, or if they are showing signs of choking (gagging, retching, drooling) with no visible obstruction, immediately go to the vet.
What to do if your Akitas eat too many blueberries?
If your Akita eats a lot of blueberries and you’re worried about toxicity, don’t panic.
There are only a few plants that are toxic to Akitas, so chances are good that your furry friend will be just fine. Blueberries may cause stomach upset in your canine companion, but they aren’t likely to do any serious harm.
If your Akita ate too many blueberries, here are the steps you should take:
- Don’t panic.
- Stop feeding blueberries to your Akita.
- Get any remains away from him.
- Monitor if your Akita is showing any abnormal signs or symptoms of illness or discomfort and contact your vet if you suspect anything is wrong with him.
Can my Akita eat blueberry muffins?
Blueberry muffins and other baked goods are not a good option to feed your Akita. They may contain ingredients that are dangerous for Akitas, such as chocolate, raisins, nuts and sugar. They also may contain ingredients that may cause food intolerances and an upset stomach. For those same reasons, you would not want to give your Akita commercially prepared blueberry yogurt, blueberry pie, pancakes, or anything with artificial blueberry flavoring.
Other human foods Akitas can eat
What other human foods can Akitas eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Akitas can eat.
So, can Akitas eat blueberries?
Yes, Akitas can eat blueberries in moderation. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, making it an excellent treat for Akitas. However, since the fruit is high in fiber, too much can cause stomach upset. So it’s best to feed only a few at a time.
Akitas who have diabetes should avoid blueberries because of their high sugar content. And if your Akita has kidney disease, talk to your vet before feeding blueberries because of their high potassium content.