Blueberries are a popular food among humans and Dachshunds alike. They’re low in calories and cost, but packed with nutrients like vitamins A, B, and C, potassium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iron, and calcium. They’re even a good source of fiber.
That’s why so many Dachshund owners think to feed blueberries to their pups as a healthy treat or add them to their Dachshund’s food. But can you feed blueberries to your Dachshunds? The short answer is “yes,” but there are a few things you should know before making the tasty little berries a part of your Dachshund’s diet. We’ll answer every question you have about feeding blueberries to your Dachshund in this guide. Let’s start with the most important question:
Are blueberries safe for Dachshunds?
Yes, blueberries are a safe treat for Dachshunds
With blueberries, you can give your Dachshund fresh, frozen, dried, or mashed berries. However, make sure they are unsweetened and have no added sugar.
Any new food should be introduced slowly to a Dachshund’s diet to prevent an upset stomach
Dachshunds can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction to blueberries like in any other food..
If you have never given your Dachshund blueberries before, start with a small test portion in case of any abnormal signs
If you observe any abnormal symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting after feeding your Dachshund blueberries, stop feeding it and contact your vet.
Benefits of blueberries in Dachshunds
1. Antioxidants: Dachshunds who eat blueberries regularly can enjoy antioxidants that fight free radicals in their bodies. Free radicals can cause chronic and acute diseases, so fighting against them is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. The antioxidants and phytochemicals in blueberries work together to help your Dachshund stay healthy.
2. Phytochemicals: Phytochemicals are the compounds that give foods their vibrant colors, so they’re easy to spot in brightly colored foods like blueberries. These compounds help provide the health benefits of blueberries, such as fighting against cancer, balancing blood sugar levels, helping ease arthritis symptoms and slowing aging. These benefits can improve your Dachshund’s quality of life.
3. Vitamin K: When Dachshunds eat blueberries, they get an easily absorbed source of vitamin K, which is a vital nutrient for blood clotting and bone health. A diet rich in vitamin K helps your Dachshund’s body stay strong and resilient. Vitamin K also helps your Dachshund use fat stores for energy instead of protein, which keeps his muscles lean and strong.
4. Manganese: Manganese helps with bone development, tissue repair and enzyme function. It’s vital for a Dachshund to get enough manganese.
5. Anthocyanins: They work with the antioxidants to fight heart diseases.
6. Calcium, and phosphorus: They work together for bone health.
Do all Dachshunds like blueberries?
Unfortunately, no. While some Dachshunds may find blueberries delicious, others may not. Your Dachshund may not like them for a variety of reasons. For example:
•Dachshunds have food preferences just like humans do.
•The texture of blueberries may be too crunchy or hard for your Dachshund’s teeth.
•Your Dachshund may have an allergy or sensitivity to a certain type of food or ingredient in their food, including blueberries.
•Dachshunds can also be picky eaters, just like humans can!
If your Dachshund doesn’t enjoy the taste of blueberries, don’t force it on them. Consult with your vet before introducing a new food to ensure that it is safe and won’t potentially cause allergic reactions or other medical problems.
Can my Dachshunds have blueberries every day?
Dachshunds can eat blueberries every day—but they shouldn’t eat only blueberries.
Why? Because Dachshunds benefit from a varied diet, just like people do.
Blueberries are full of vitamins and minerals that are good for your Dachshund’s health and wellness, but there are other treats you can give them that also pack a nutritional punch. If your Dachshund is only eating one type of treat (and especially if it’s not a very healthy one), then their body won’t be getting the nutrients that it needs to stay happy and healthy.
Treats should make up less than 10% of your Dachshund’s daily caloric intake, so if your Dachshund eats between 500 and 600 calories in a day, only 60 calories should come from treats. That means that if you’re feeding them 60 calories of blueberries per day (they’ll probably only eat a few before they get full), you shouldn’t feed them any other type of snack at all. If they’re eating over 60 calories in blueberries per day, then you definitely need to add some variety to their diet.
Can Dachshund puppies eat blueberries?
You might be tempted to feed your puppy a blueberry—after all, they’re small and easy for them to handle. But because puppies have a delicate digestive system, it’s best to avoid foods like this unless your vet has approved them for certain reasons.
Generally speaking, your puppy should be on a specialized puppy diet during their first few months of life. It’ll help them grow into healthy, vibrant Dachshunds that are well-equipped to handle whatever life throws at them.
How many blueberries can Dachshunds eat?
If you’re looking to feed your Dachshund blueberries, first make sure that your vet approves of it. And then, make sure that the serving size is appropriate for your pup’s weight.
For small Dachshunds, 10-12 blueberries would be an appropriate serving size. For large Dachshunds, you can give them up to one cup of blueberries per day.
For all Dachshunds, remember to follow the rule of 10%. Their treats should not make up more than 10% of their overall diet. This means that if you’re feeding your Dachshund a 30lb bag of food each month, the total of all treats combined should not make up more than 3lbs of treats over the course of a month.
How to serve blueberries to your Dachshunds?
I’m glad you’re thinking about how to serve blueberries to your Dachshund. They’re a delicious treat, but before you feed them to your pup, make sure you check with your vet first.
For my Dachshunds, I buy organic blueberries. I also clean them thoroughly before feeding them to my Dachshunds.
You can feed your Dachshund fresh blueberries as a treat, I also like to add them to their regular food. Blueberries are great frozen too—a perfect treat on a hot day.
You can even blend your blueberries and some plain yogurt (no sugar or sweeteners!) and freeze that mixture in an ice cube tray for a tasty frozen treat.
You can also add some other Dachshund-friendly fruits like bananas or apples to the mix! My Dachshunds love it when I do that.
When are blueberries bad for Dachshunds?
Blueberries are great for Dachshunds! They’re healthy, have antioxidants and fiber, and are a great snack. In fact, blueberries are one of the safest fruits you can give your Dachshund.
However, if your Dachshund has underlying health issues—for example, they have sensitive stomachs or eat blueberries excessively—then it is possible that they could suffer some ill effects from eating blueberries. The most common ailments caused by overindulging in blueberries include upset stomach and diarrhea. These problems are usually resolved once the Dachshund stops eating so many berries. However, if your Dachshund’s symptoms persist for over two days after stopping their berry binge, it’s important to see a doctor immediately.
Additionally, if your Dachshund has diabetes or some other condition that causes them to be sensitive to sugar (as well as protein), you should be careful about feeding them store-bought blueberries that contain added sugar. Fortunately, it is easy to buy unsweetened blueberries at most grocery stores and farmer’s markets.
It is also important to note that while blueberries are generally harmless to Dachshunds, they should not be used as a replacement for a regular balanced diet.
What happens when your Dachshunds eat too many blueberries?
Dachshunds eating too many blueberries can cause quite a few symptoms.
If you suspect your Dachshund is suffering from any of the following, make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately.
* Vomiting: Vomiting can be caused by too many blueberries or any other food or substance your Dachshund might have ingested. You should always look for blood in the vomit and if there is blood, get to the vet right away.
* Diarrhea: A change in diet can cause Diarrhea or by something your Dachshund ingests that doesn’t agree with its digestive system. If you know your Dachshund has ingested something it shouldn’t have, take it to the vet right away. If there is blood present, go to the vet immediately.
* Bloat: Bloat is a very serious condition and can cause death. It’s very important that if you think your Dachshund may have bloat, you go to the vet immediately and get help. Bloat will cause abdominal pain and swelling and lethargy, a lack of appetite and weakness. Your veterinarian will do an x-ray which will show air buildup in the stomach.
* Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is one of the obvious symptoms of excessive blueberries ingestion.
What to do if your Dachshunds eat too many blueberries?
Don’t Panic.
If you notice your Dachshund has eaten too many blueberries or ingested any of the plant, stop feeding your Dachshund further blueberries, take away any remaining blueberries, and monitor your Dachshund for any adverse reactions.
Blueberries are a healthy fruit for Dachshunds, but too much of a good thing can still be bad. Dachshunds can eat blueberries in moderation, but it is important to stop feeding them if they consume more than a handful.
You should also pay attention to how your Dachshund tolerates blueberries, as some individuals are sensitive to certain fruits and vegetables. If you notice loose stools, gas or other signs of upset stomach after eating blueberries, contact your vet.
Can my Dachshund eat blueberry muffins?
No, your Dachshund should not eat blueberry muffins. Blueberries are fine for Dachshunds to consume, but the rest of the ingredients in a blueberry muffin are not good for them. Muffins often contain toxic ingredients such as xylitol, which can cause liver damage or even death if ingested by a Dachshund. Even if you were to remove the toxic ingredients from your muffin recipe, it’s still not a good idea to feed your Dachshund something that is high in sugar and carbohydrates. Your Dachshund will be much better off and healthier with a diet comprising meat and vegetables.
Besides avoiding blueberry muffins, avoid other processed blueberries as well because they are higher in sugar than regular blueberries. If you want something special to give your Dachshund, try a recipe for healthy homemade blueberry ice cream made with frozen bananas instead.
Other human foods Dachshunds can eat
What other human foods can dachshunds eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Dachshund can eat.
So, can Dachshunds eat blueberries?
Yes, Dachshunds can eat blueberries in moderation. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, making them a healthy treat for your pup.
However, keep in mind that blueberries are high in sugar and low in fiber. This means that too many blueberries could cause gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea or constipation.
Blueberries should not be over 10% of your Dachshund’s diet, so give them a few at a time to ensure they don’t get too many.