Blueberries are one of the world’s most popular foods.
They’re low-cost, full of nutrients and vitamins, and delicious. That’s why so many Pug owners want to give their Pugs these sweet fruits.
However, can you feed blueberries to your Pugs? The short answer is yes—but there are lots of considerations to keep in mind when making that decision, and in this guide we’ll answer all your questions about feeding blueberries to your furry friend.
Are blueberries safe for Pugs?
Who doesn’t love blueberries? They’re one of nature’s sweet, sour, and super healthy fruits. What’s not to love? Well, your Pug certainly doesn’t mind—in fact, they’ll probably lick their lips at the thought of slurping down a bowlful of fresh or frozen blueberries.
Blueberries are safe for Pugs to eat in any form: fresh, frozen, dried, or even mashed up into a puree, so don’t worry about that too much. Just make sure you introduce them slowly if it’s your Pug’s first time eating blueberries—they might love it so much that they overeat at first and get an upset stomach. Plus, your Pug could have an allergic reaction or food intolerance to blueberries. If this is the case for your pup, you’ll probably notice symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea within 24 hours of eating. So just start slowly if you are feeding them for the first time and watch for any abnormal signs afterwards.
As long as you do that and they don’t appear to be having any issues with digestion or anything like that, then you can rest easy knowing that your Pug can enjoy some blueberry treats now and again!
Benefits of blueberries in Pugs
1. Antioxidants
Protects the body from free radical damage and reduces cell mutation that can lead to cancer.
2. Phytochemicals
Helps prevent the buildup of plaque in arteries and helps improve brain function.
3. Vitamin K
Helps Pugs produce prothrombin, which is a protein responsible for clotting. It also helps with bone growth.
4. Manganese
Helps the body fight diseases by producing antioxidants and enzymes that regulate metabolism and production of energy.
5. Potassium
Helps regulate blood pressure, heart rate, and pH levels in the body. It also helps with muscle contractions and nerve impulses.
6. Calcium: Helps form strong bones and teeth, aids with muscle function, blood clotting, hormone secretion, and nerve impulse transmission.
7. Phosphorus: Helps form strong bones and teeth, aids with muscle function, blood clotting, hormone secretion, and nerve impulse transmission.
8. Anthocyanins: Help fight heart disease by preventing the buildup of plaque in arteries and improving brain function through antioxidant activity
Do all Pugs like blueberries?
Unfortunately, no.
While blueberries are a great, healthy snack for Pugs, it doesn’t mean that your Pug will like them. Just like in humans, Pugs have their own food preferences. Some smaller Pugs may prefer to eat only soft, moist foods because chewing is harder for them. If you’re not sure if your Pug likes blueberries or not, you can try sprinkling some on top of their kibble and see if they eat it.
Another option is to offer the blueberries as a treat. You can even freeze the blueberries to make them more fun to eat on a hot day!
Keep in mind that some Pugs may be allergic to blueberries, so if your Pug is experiencing any symptoms including vomiting or diarrhea after eating blueberries (or any other food), stop feeding them immediately and consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your Pug’s diet.
Can my Pugs have blueberries every day?
There’s no rule on how often Pugs can eat blueberries. We recommend you vary your Pug’s treats so they don’t get bored, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop giving them blueberries if they like it.
It’s a good idea to vary the treats because some treats contain different vitamins and minerals than other treats. For example, blueberries are high in antioxidants, which are good for keeping Pugs healthy!
However, if your Pug has certain health conditions or allergies, then you should check with your vet to see what kind of treats you should give your Pug.
Can Pug puppies eat blueberries?
A puppy’s digestive system is very delicate, and we don’t recommend feeding them blueberries or any fruits unless your vet has approved it for certain reasons. During their first few months, a Pug puppy should eat a specialized puppy diet and not fruits.
How many blueberries can Pugs eat?
You can feed your Pugs blueberries—they’re healthy, they’re packed with antioxidants, and they can be a good source of vitamins and nutrients. But consult with your vet first for the best serving size!
For most small pup breeds like Pugs, 10 blueberries would be an appropriate amount. Remember to follow the rule of treats: all treats combined should not be over 10% of the total diet.
Also, make sure you’re using fresh blueberries—not canned ones with extra sugar or preservatives.
How to serve blueberries to your Pugs?
Blueberries are an excellent treat for Pugs, but you should always consult your vet before adding any new food to your Pug’s diet. Blueberries are low in calories and packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, manganese, and fiber.
For best results, look for organic blueberries that are free of pesticides, since they are low on the Environmental Working Group’s list of fruits and vegetables with the least amount of pesticides. Wash all foods thoroughly before serving them to your Pug, even if they’re organic.
Fresh blueberries make a delicious treat, but frozen blueberries can be especially refreshing on a warm day. You can also freeze fresh blueberries with water in an ice cube tray to create treats that will help keep your Pug cool during hot summer days. Before serving your Pug any fruit or vegetable, cut it into bite-sized pieces that are easy for him to eat without choking. Feed your Pug one blueberry at a time as a treat or sprinkle them on their regular food as an extra healthy boost. You can also blend blueberries with plain yogurt for a tasty treat you can feed directly from a spoon or freeze into popsicles for summer fun. You can also add some other Pug-friendly fruits like bananas and apples to the mix.
When are blueberries bad for Pugs?
It depends! In general, blueberries are safe for Pugs to eat and they can be a great source of antioxidants and vitamins. But there are some situations where you should avoid feeding your Pug blueberries.
First, if your Pug has underlying health issues like kidney disease or diabetes, then you should ask your veterinarian before feeding them any fruit. This is especially true if the fruit is high in sugar, like blueberries (and Pug diabetes is often caused by overindulgence in sugary foods).
Also, if you get store-bought blueberries—which are typically more sweet than wild ones—make sure they don’t have added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Some brands contain xylitol, which can be dangerous for Pugs.
What happens when your Pugs eat too many blueberries?
– Vomiting: Your Pug’s stomach tries to get the blueberries out of their system. This can occur immediately after eating the berries, or it may take up to two hours.
– Diarrhea: Your Pug’s colon may react to the blueberries by creating loose, watery stool. This may not happen right away, but it could start 24 hours after your Pug ate too much.
– Bloat: As a berry eating marathon continues, your Pug might begin to bloat—a painful experience that could be fatal if left untreated. A bloated belly will look like a ball hanging under your Pug’s stomach, and you might notice that they’re having trouble breathing. This issue is best treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
– Abdominal pain: Your Pug might seem uncomfortable and discouraged when they eat too many berries, even if it doesn’t cause vomiting or diarrhea. Many Pugs will express abdominal pain by whining or crying when touched around the abdomen area. You should still consult with a vet if this is the only symptom you notice.
– Choking: The small size of blueberries makes them easy to swallow whole, which means they can get stuck in your Pug’s esophagus or windpipe and cause choking
What to do if your Pugs eat too many blueberries?
A Pug that eats some blueberries as a treat is probably fine. But a Pug that eats a lot of them may get sick.
The best thing to do if your Pug eats a lot of blueberries is to call your vet. Your vet has the best information on what to look for and how to help your pet.
In general, you should watch your Pug for signs of illness after eating something it shouldn’t have. Signs include:
- running a fever (rectal temperature over 103 degrees Fahrenheit)
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- excessive thirst or urination
- lethargy (acting unusually tired)
- abdominal pain or swelling
If you don’t see any of these signs, then it’s likely safe to wait and see if things improve on their own. If they do not, then it’s time to call your vet.
Can my Pug eat blueberry muffins?
No.
Muffins contain ingredients that are toxic to Pugs, such as theobromine and caffeine.
Additionally, the specific kind of blueberries used in baked goods, dried blueberries and blueberry juice concentrate, may contain sulfites and added sugar that can cause gastrointestinal distress.
While blueberries are a healthy fruit for humans, they are not safe for Pugs. Avoid other processed blueberries as well, because they may contain high levels of sugar or salt that can trigger digestive problems.
Other human foods Pugs can eat
What other human foods can Pugs eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Pug can eat.
So, can Pugs eat blueberries?
Sure, Pugs can eat blueberries in moderation. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which may improve your Pug’s cognitive function and vision. They’re also high in fiber and phytochemicals, making them an excellent treat for Pugs.
However, they do contain a fair amount of sugar, so they shouldn’t be fed to Pugs with diabetes. If you have questions about feeding blueberries to your Pug, please consult with a veterinarian.