Blueberries are an incredibly tasty and nutritious treat for dogs. Not only are they low in calories, but also packed with powerful antioxidants.
Blueberries can be a choking hazard for smaller dogs and may even be toxic if fed in large quantities. Avoid giving your pup too many berries at once and watch carefully for signs of gastric upset, vomiting, diarrhea or itching.
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Nutrients
Blueberries are packed with essential nutrients for dogs’ wellbeing, such as Vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants.
Vitamin C is essential for dogs as it supports healthy immune systems and reduces inflammation. Furthermore, it aids in the production of collagen – essential for skin and joint health.
Blueberries contain manganese and polyphenols, antioxidants that combat free radicals in the body which may lead to cell damage.
Antioxidants can be especially beneficial for older dogs as they help slow brain aging and reduce arthritis pain.
For a nutritious and delectable treat for your pup, why not make some homemade treats?
These deceptively simple treats are an excellent way to introduce your pup to fresh blueberries. You can bake them into any shape – I personally prefer bone-shaped cookie cutters, but you could also bake them into squares, circles, hearts and more for a unique presentation.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants have a major role to play in your dog’s health, and are especially vital for older pets. They reduce inflammation, boost the immune system and shield your pup from free radicals that cause cell damage.
They help prevent cancer and promote heart, bone and skin health due to the presence of vitamins and phytochemicals – natural chemicals found in plants.
These antioxidants have been scientifically proven to improve cognitive function in aging dogs, while also decreasing inflammation. This is great news for senior canines who may be more prone to Alzheimer’s disease, senility or other neurological disorders.
To maximize these health advantages, we suggest adding some fresh blueberries to your pup’s diet as either a small treat or addition to their kibble. They should not make up more than 10% of their total daily food intake, so be sure to introduce them gradually.
Fibre
Blueberries are an excellent source of fibre, which is essential for dogs’ diets. Not only does it aid with digestion and improve bowel movement quality, but blueberries also keep your pup feeling regular so they don’t experience uncomfortable gas or constipation.
This nutritious fruit provides essential trace elements like iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc for bone health. Furthermore, they may reduce inflammation – a problem common among senior dogs – which is another benefit of eating this nutritious fruit.
Phytochemicals, antioxidants that protect cells from damage that could lead to cancer, are abundant in various fruits and vegetables like carrots, soybeans, spinach and blueberries.
When selecting fruits and vegetables for your dog’s treats, opt for organic or sustainably-grown varieties. This way, you can be certain your pup isn’t ingesting pesticides or herbicides. Fresh organic berries can be found year-round at farmer’s markets and small natural grocery stores.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Blueberries are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in supporting the immune system and decreasing inflammation. Furthermore, they contain fibre as well as Vitamins C and K – making them a nutritious addition to any dog’s diet.
Blueberries are packed full of nutrients, but they also serve as an excellent source of antioxidants to improve your pet’s wellbeing. Furthermore, their fiber content helps keep digestion healthy and regular in dogs.
These treats contain omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for your pup’s heart, immune system and brain health. Plus, they’re anti-inflammatory so they can support joint health as well as lower triglyceride levels.
