Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Muffins?

Blueberry muffins are not a good treat for dogs. A bite of a plain muffin is not a poison. But muffins often have add-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, or xylitol, and those can seriously hurt a dog. If you want to share the blueberries, give your dog fresh berries instead.

Are blueberries safe for dogs?

Yes. The AKC says dogs can eat blueberries. It calls them low-calorie berries with fiber and vitamin C. It says to wash them, serve them fresh or frozen, and give only a few. Small dogs may need just two or three. Our guide to blueberries for dogs has more.

The muffin is a different story. The AKC page on blueberries says nothing about muffins or other baked goods. The berry is not the problem. What else is in the muffin is the problem.

What in a blueberry muffin can hurt a dog?

Check the ingredients for these. Each one is a reason to call your vet if your dog ate it.

Raisins

Some muffins have raisins, or sit next to raisin muffins in the box. The Merck Veterinary Manual says raisins can cause kidney failure in some dogs. The page gives no safe amount. It says more than one grape or raisin for every 10 pounds of body weight may carry enough of the harmful acid to be a risk. Read more in our guide to grapes and raisins.

Chocolate chips

The ASPCA says chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, a lot of thirst and peeing, hyperactivity, tremors, and seizures. It can also make the heartbeat uneven. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate, and cocoa powder are the most risky. Our guide to chocolate for dogs explains more.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute. The ASPCA says it shows up in gum, candy, toothpaste, and some baked goods. In dogs it can cause low blood sugar and may hurt the liver. Early signs include vomiting, being very tired, and trouble walking. Seizures can follow. Liver damage can show up within 12 to 24 hours. Check the label, especially on “sugar-free” foods.

Nuts

Some muffins have nut toppings. The ASPCA says macadamia nuts can cause weakness, wobbly walking, vomiting, and tremors in dogs. It says signs usually start within 12 hours. It also says nuts like almonds, pecans, and walnuts are high in fat, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

What should I do if my dog ate a plain blueberry muffin?

A plain muffin with nothing risky in it is unlikely to poison your dog. Watch for vomiting or diarrhea over the next day. Our sources do not say what a muffin does to a dog’s belly, so call your vet if your dog seems sick, or if your dog ate a lot.

If you do not know what was in the muffin, treat it as a risk. Find the wrapper or the recipe, then call your vet or a poison hotline.

How much muffin is okay?

We did not find a vet source that gives a safe amount of muffin for dogs, so we can’t give one. Muffins don’t give your dog anything it needs. The AKC says treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. Fresh blueberries are an easy way to use up that treat room.

Other kinds of muffins

Chocolate chip, raisin, and nut muffins have the risks listed above, so keep them away from your dog. For any flavor, check the label and think about what could be hidden inside.

What can I give my dog instead?

• A few fresh or frozen blueberries, washed. For very small dogs, cut them in half.
• A treat made for dogs.
• A few pieces of your dog’s regular food as a reward.

For a longer list of things to keep away from your dog, see our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs.