Blueberries are a popular food among humans. They are nutrient-rich, low in cost, and easy to prepare. That’s why many bulldog owners wonder if they can share their blueberries with their bulldogs.
The short answer is yes! You can feed blueberries to your bulldogs. But there are lots of questions about the practice that need answering. What about pups who have digestive issues or those who are diabetic? Can puppies have blueberries? Will it affect their teeth or cause diarrhea? In this guide, we’ll answer every question you might have about feeding your bulldog blueberries.
Let’s start with the most important question: Are blueberries safe for bulldogs?
Are blueberries safe for bulldogs?
Yes, whether you feed them fresh, frozen, dried, or mashed; blueberries are a safe treat for your bulldog. However, if you’re feeding them for the first time, it’s best to introduce the fruit slowly in small amounts. Some bulldogs can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction to blueberries, but it’s rare. There are also some other side effects that may occur when your bulldog eats too many berries.
If you’re feeding your bulldog blueberries for the first time, start slowly and watch out for any abnormal signs within 12-24 hours after eating. If you observe any abnormal symptoms like swelling of the lips or face, hives, vomiting, diarrhea and/or abdominal pain, contact your veterinarian right away.
Benefits of blueberries in bulldogs
Blueberries are not just a fun snack for humans, they’re great for bulldogs too! Here’s why:
Antioxidants: Help to fight free radicals and reduce oxidative damage to cells.
Phytochemical: Boost immunity.
Vitamin K: Promotes clotting of blood and proper bone health.
Manganese: Helps the body metabolize carbohydrates, amino acids and cholesterol. Also helps form connective tissue, bones, blood-clotting factors and sex hormones.
Potassium: Assists with heart function and muscle contraction.
Calcium: Helps with muscle contraction and nerve conduction.
Phosphorus: Helps with the growth, maintenance and repair of all tissues and cells, including bones.
Anthocyanins: These handle the blue/purple color of blueberries. They can help lower the risk of heart disease by working with the antioxidants to fight inflammation.
Do all bulldogs like blueberries?
Unfortunately, no, not all bulldogs like blueberries.
Your bulldog may not like them because of their distinct flavor or texture. Bulldogs have food preferences just like humans do, and you will never know for sure whether your bulldog will love or loathe food until you offer it to them.
If your bulldog doesn’t seem to enjoy the blueberries the first time you offer them, don’t force it. Try again later—maybe they just weren’t in the mood that day. If they still refuse to eat them after a few more tries, then they probably aren’t a fan!
Please consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your bulldog’s diet.
Can my bulldogs have blueberries every day?
There’s really no rule on how often you can feed your bulldogs blueberries. If they like it and it’s the right amount for their size and activity level, you can feed them blueberries every day.
But we recommend varying your bulldog’s diet so that you don’t miss out on the nutritional benefits of other fruits and vegetables. It’s also much more fun for them to have a variety of healthy snacks, even if they’re primarily made from different proportions of the same ingredients!
Also, different treats contain different nutrients—so if you divide your bulldog’s snack calories among a wide range of treats, you’ll be helping to balance out his or her nutritional intake.
Can bulldog puppies eat blueberries?
The short answer is: no.
We don’t recommend feeding your puppy blueberries unless your vet has approved it for certain reasons. Your puppy’s digestive system is delicate, and not only will blueberries be difficult for it to digest, but they might also upset its stomach. This can lead to diarrhea and other stomach problems. If you want to give your puppy a snack, we recommend leaving the blueberries out of it.
We also strongly recommend keeping your puppy on a specialized puppy food diet during its first few months. Many people think it’s best to just feed their puppies whatever they’re eating, but bulldogs have very different nutritional needs than humans do, and it’s important that they get the right nutrients throughout their lives.
How many blueberries can bulldogs eat?
Blueberries are a great low-calorie treat for bulldogs. Blueberries contain fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, which can help boost your bulldog’s immune system. bulldogs can eat blueberries as a snack or added to their food.
In general, 10 blueberries per day is a safe amount for small pups to consume. Larger breeds can handle more volume of blueberries; just keep the 10% rule in mind: All treats combined should not exceed 10% of the total diet.
If you want to give your bulldog blueberries as part of their meal, consult with your vet first for best serving size and nutrition information. Even if you’re not giving them many blueberries, it’s always important to have a complete understanding of what your bulldog is eating.
How to serve blueberries to your bulldogs?
Once you’ve checked with your vet, serving blueberries to your bulldog is a great way to treat them! You should always feed organic blueberries and clean them thoroughly before giving them to your bulldog. Feed your bulldog one blueberry at a time as a snack—or sprinkle them on their regular food.
Blueberries are a delicious treat for bulldogs all year round, but especially in the summer. On hot days, freeze some blueberries for an icy, refreshing snack for your pup. Another great idea is to blend blueberries and plain yogurt into a tasty and healthy treat! You can also add some other bulldog-friendly fruits like apples or bananas to this mix for extra flavor.
When are blueberries bad for bulldogs?
There are a couple of circumstances in which blueberries may be bad for your bulldog.
The first is if your bulldog has underlying health issues, like diabetes, which are aggravated by the high sugar content of blueberries. The second is if your bulldog overindulges in blueberries—they’re delicious and bulldogs will eat more than they should if they can!
Finally, it’s important to make sure that the blueberries you’re feeding your bulldog are safe for them to eat. Store-bought blueberries may be sprayed or covered in chemicals or pesticides which can cause issues for bulldogs who may be sensitive to them.
What happens when your bulldogs eat too many blueberries?
Symptoms of eating too many blueberries in bulldogs
-Vomiting: Your bulldog may vomit, which can include the blueberries themselves. This is a sign your bulldog has eaten too many blueberries.
-Diarrhea: Your bulldog may have diarrhea, and this can be mixed with something that looks like digested blueberries. This is a sign your bulldog has eaten too many blueberries.
-Bloat: Your bulldog may not be able to keep down food, and may seem lethargic and tired. This is a sign your bulldog has eaten too many blueberries.
-Abdominal pain: Your bulldog’s stomach may hurt after eating too many blueberries.
-Choking: If your bulldog vomits or has trouble breathing, this means it has eaten too many blueberries.
What to do if your bulldogs eat too many blueberries?
Don’t panic–blueberries are unlikely to cause any serious damage to your bulldog, but you should still monitor your pooch for any signs of illness. If you know your bulldog has eaten some blueberries, but is otherwise healthy, you can simply stop feeding them the berries.
If you aren’t sure how many blueberries your bulldog has eaten, and they show symptoms of being unwell (sickness, diarrhea or lethargy), speak to your vet immediately.
The vet will advise you on the best course of action. He could advise you to wait for symptoms to pass, or come down to examine your pet in person. The vet may also try to get the bulldog to vomit up any remaining berries. It’s important not to induce vomiting without consulting a vet first as it can cause other problems in bulldogs.
Can my bulldog eat blueberry muffins?
Your bulldog should not eat blueberry muffins.
Blueberry muffins are not a part of a healthy diet for bulldogs, and they may contain toxic ingredients that can cause serious illness in your pet.
You should also avoid other processed blueberries as well, because they may have toxins like xylitol (which is toxic to bulldogs) added to them.
If you are interested in treating your bulldog with some blueberries, I would recommend getting fresh blueberries from the store or farmer’s market.
Other human foods bulldogs can eat
What other human foods can bulldogs eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your bulldogs can eat.
So, can bulldogs eat blueberries?
Yes, bulldogs can eat blueberries in moderation. Blueberries are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, making it an excellent treat for bulldogs. However, some bulldogs may have an adverse reaction to blueberries because of their high sugar content. You should not give bulldogs large amounts of blueberries at once. To prevent stomach upset, feed your bulldog only 10 blueberries a day.