Dogs · Guide
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Yes, dogs can eat blueberries, fresh or frozen, as a small treat. Here is how to serve them, what to watch for, and why blueberry muffins are a different story.
Yes, dogs can eat blueberries. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says both fresh and frozen berries are fine as a treat. Blueberries have vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Give only a few at a time, wash them first, and keep muffins and other sweet baked goods away from your dog.
Are blueberries good for dogs?
The AKC says blueberries have a lot of vitamin C and fiber. They also have antioxidants, which are natural plant compounds. The AKC says these may lessen the effects of brain aging in older dogs.
That is a nice extra, but blueberries are still a treat. Your dog gets what it needs from its regular food.
How to serve blueberries to your dog
- Wash them well. This removes dirt and pesticides, as the AKC advises.
- Fresh or frozen both work. Frozen berries can be a cold snack.
- Keep it plain. Skip berries in sugary syrup, pie filling, or sweetened yogurt.
- Watch your dog while it eats. The AKC notes that choking is a risk, mostly for small dogs.
How many blueberries can a dog eat?
The AKC does not name a number of berries. It does say all treats together should be no more than 10% of your dog’s daily food. Start with just a few. If you are not sure how many is right for your dog, ask your vet.
Other kinds of blueberry foods
Can dogs eat blueberry muffins?
No. The AKC says to skip blueberry muffins. Some muffins have ingredients that can make a dog very sick. Even a plain one has sugar and fat, and a muffin gives your dog none of the good things a plain berry does. The sources I read do not name a safe amount, so the safest choice is to give none.
Check the ingredients for these, which are dangerous for dogs:
- Xylitol. This sweetener is in some “sugar-free” baked goods. Pet Poison Helpline says it can cause low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Signs can start within 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Chocolate. Chocolate chips are common in muffins. Dark and baker’s chocolate are more dangerous than milk chocolate, says Pet Poison Helpline.
- Raisins. Pet Poison Helpline says grapes, raisins, and some currants can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. No safe amount is known.
If you are not sure what was in the muffin your dog ate, call your vet and ask.
Can dogs eat blueberry muffins from a store or bakery?
This is the same answer as above, but harder to check. Store and bakery muffins often have long ingredient lists, and bakery muffins may have no label at all. If you can’t read the ingredients, treat the muffin as a possible risk and call your vet if your dog ate a lot of it.
Safer treats to try
Plain blueberries are an easy treat. For more ideas, see our guides on bananas and apples. To see what to keep away from your dog, read our list of foods that are toxic to dogs.
Common questions
Are frozen blueberries okay for dogs?
Yes. The AKC says dogs can have both fresh and frozen blueberries. Wash them first, and give only a few at a time.
Can blueberries make a dog choke?
They can, especially in small dogs. The AKC lists choking as a risk, so watch your dog while it eats them.
How many blueberries can a dog have?
The AKC does not give a set number. It says treats should be no more than 10% of your dog's daily food. For most dogs, a few berries is plenty.
Are blueberries good for dogs?
They have vitamin C, fiber, and plant compounds called antioxidants, according to the AKC. They work best as a small treat, not a meal.