Blueberries are one of the most popular fruits among humans. These nutrient-rich, low-cost foods are a staple for lots of people. It’s no wonder that many German Shepherd owners want to share this delicious fruit with their four-legged friends.
But can you feed blueberries to your German Shepherds?
The short answer is “yes,” but there’s more to it than that. This guide will answer every question you have about feeding blueberries to your German Shepherd. Let’s start with the most desired question:
Are blueberries safe for German Shepherds?
Yes! Fresh, frozen, dried, or mashed—blueberries are a safe treat for your German Shepherd.
That said, introduce the treat slowly the first time you feed it to your German Shepherd so you can watch for any signs of intolerance or allergies. If you see anything abnormal like diarrhea, vomiting, or hives on your German Shepherd’s body, stop feeding them blueberries immediately and consult your vet.
Benefits of blueberries in German Shepherds
Blueberries are superb for your pup. They’re packed with a wide variety of nutrients and compounds that offer health benefits for man’s best friend. Here’s what blueberries offer:
Antioxidants–These amazing compounds help to keep your German Shepherd healthy by preventing the formation of damaging substances called free radicals that can cause cell damage, which leads to disease
Phytochemicals–Phytochemicals are powerful antioxidants that also contain phytonutrients, which give fruits and vegetables their colors
Vitamin K–This vitamin helps with blood clotting, bone health, and brain function
Manganese–This mineral is essential for bone formation and overall skeletal health
Potassium–Potassium is important in maintaining normal heart rate and blood pressure
Calcium–Calcium plays an essential role in the development of bones and teeth, as well as muscle function
Phosphorus–Like calcium, phosphorus contributes to bone growth and development. It also helps to maintain a healthy balance of acidity in the body.
Anthocyanins–These incredible compounds work together with antioxidants to fight heart disease.
Do all German Shepherds like blueberries?
Unfortunately, no, not all German Shepherds like blueberries. Your German Shepherd may not like blueberries for a number of reasons, including smell, taste, and texture. German Shepherds have food preferences just like we do! If your German Shepherd doesn’t like a certain food (like blueberries), don’t force it. And always be sure to consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your German Shepherd’s diet.
Can my German Shepherds have blueberries every day?
There’s no rule on how often German Shepherds can eat blueberries, as long as you don’t overdo it.
Yes, you can feed German Shepherds the recommended amount of blueberries every day if they like it. But we recommend varying the treats, because different treats contain different amounts of fiber and vitamins that your German Shepherd needs.
For example, a treat with lots of protein and fat will give your German Shepherd plenty of energy to play, while a treat with more fiber and fewer calories can help fill them up between meals.
We also like to think about our German Shepherd’s overall health—if they’re overweight or have special dietary needs, we might want to consider the nutritional value of their treats instead of just offering something tasty.
Can German Shepherd puppies eat blueberries?
We don’t recommend feeding your nGerman Shepherd puppy any food that is not part of its specialized diet during the first few months. Puppies have a delicate digestive system, so it’s especially important to stick with a diet that works for them. You can ask your vet for advice about whether you should give your pup blueberries as an occasional treat, but our general recommendation is to wait until your puppy has grown a bit.
How many blueberries can German Shepherds eat?
As a general rule, you should only give your German Shepherds treats that are 10% of the total diet. Always consult with your vet to determine the best serving size for your German Shepherd.
For most small pups, 10 blueberries would be an appropriate amount. However, if you have a large breed of German Shepherd, they’ll be able to handle more.
Blueberries are much lower in calories than other fruits and can help your German Shepherd keep their weight in check. When buying fresh blueberries, look for those that are firm and deep in color. If buying frozen, avoid any added sugars or flavorings.
How to serve blueberries to your German Shepherds?
First, though, check with your vet to see if your German Shepherd can handle blueberries. If they say yes, it’s safe for them to eat them, and then you can prepare the blueberries as described below.
Blueberries are a delicious treat for German Shepherds, but I’d recommend only feeding them organic blueberries—and always cleaning the fruit carefully before serving it to your German Shepherd.
You can serve fresh blueberries as a treat (one at a time is best), or sprinkle a few on their regular food. You can also blend some blueberries with plain yogurt and give that to your pooch for an extra-tasty snack—and you can add some other German Shepherd-friendly fruits like melons and bananas to the mix, too!
If you’re looking for something cool to feed them on hot days, try freezing some blueberries in water in an ice cube tray. Your pup will love licking the frozen cubes of fruit.
When are blueberries bad for German Shepherds?
Blueberries are great for German Shepherds! They’re full of antioxidants and have a low-calorie count. They even help freshen your German Shepherd’s breath.
That said, like anything, blueberries can be harmful for your German Shepherd if he or she has underlying health issues like diabetes (they’re high in sugar) or kidney problems (they’re high in potassium). If your German Shepherd has these issues, it’s best to talk to your vet about whether blueberries are a good snack for him or her.
If you’re going to give your German Shepherd blueberries as a treat, it’s best to stick with fresh ones, not store-bought ones. Store-bought blueberries tend to be preserved with sodium benzoate, which is not safe for German Shepherds.
What happens when your German Shepherds eat too many blueberries?
While blueberries are very healthy in the right servings, eating too many of them can lead to serious health issues for your German Shepherd.
These are some symptoms of eating too many blueberries:
-Vomiting: Blueberries can cause stomach upset and vomiting in German Shepherds, especially if they’ve never had them before (or eaten a lot of them at one time).
-Diarrhea: Because berries are so high in sugar, they can cause diarrhea in German Shepherds.
-Bloat: Bloat is a condition caused by gas buildup in the stomach and intestines that causes abdominal pain and distention. It’s more common in larger breeds, but any German Shepherd can experience it.
-Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain typically results from bloat, but it can also come from other causes such as constipation or a blockage from eating too many blueberries.
-Choking: If you feed your German Shepherd blueberries and they start choking, it’s important to remove the food from their mouth as quickly as possible and then seek veterinary treatment immediately.
What to do if your German Shepherds eat too many blueberries?
It’s true. Blueberries are good for your German Shepherds, in moderation. Blueberries are a healthy snack with plenty of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that can have a wide variety of benefits for your pup. They can help keep your German Shepherd’s coat shiny and their skin clear, but they can also help with their heart health and digestion.
But blueberries are not a food you want to give to your German Shepherd in large quantities. Although blueberries are safe for German Shepherds and a good treat, too many blueberries can lead to some problems. If your German Shepherd has eaten too many blueberries, what should you do?
The first thing to do is don’t panic! The likelihood of a German Shepherd getting sick from eating too many blueberries is low. Signs of an upset stomach might occur such as vomiting or diarrhea, but it is unlikely that the German Shepherd will suffer any long-term consequences.
If your German Shepherd has eaten more than just one or two blueberries over their daily limit, be sure to remove any leftover berries from the table or floor and let them rest. Next time you go to share this healthy snack with your best friend, make sure that you know how much you can give them so that you don’t have this problem.
Can my German Shepherd eat blueberry muffins?
No, your German Shepherd cannot eat blueberry muffins.
German Shepherd-friendly blueberries are great for sharing with your pup, but blueberry muffins contain ingredients that can be bad for your German Shepherd. The food coloring used for the blue color may be toxic to German Shepherds and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other issues.
Blueberry muffins may also contain raisins or chocolate, both of which are poisonous to German Shepherds. While a small amount of chocolate is unlikely to cause serious problems, if it’s eaten in large quantities it might cause poisoning. It’s best to avoid any processed foods that contain raisins or chocolate.
If you want to share a healthy snack with your pooch, try giving them some plain blueberries.
Other human foods German Shepherds can eat
What other human foods can German Shepherds eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your German Shepherd can eat.
So, can German Shepherds eat blueberries?
Yes, German Shepherds can eat blueberries in moderation. Blueberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can boost your German Shepherd’s immune system, aid in digestion and reduce the risk of age-related conditions, making it an excellent treat for German Shepherds. However, it is important to remember that blueberries should not replace your German Shepherd’s regular diet.
Blueberries also contain a small amount of sugar and carbohydrates, so it is important to limit how many blueberries you feed your German Shepherd per day. We recommend you feed only 10 blueberries per day for a large German Shepherd and 5 for a small German Shepherd.
Most German Shepherds will love the taste of blueberries. They are soft and sweet, which makes them easy to chew. Most German Shepherds will eat them with no trouble at all.