Can German Shepherds Eat Blueberries?

Many dogs love blueberries because they burst with juice and flavor. But is it actually safe for GSDs to eat them? Can German Shepherds eat blueberries?

Is It Safe for German Shepherds to Eat Blueberries?

Yes! German Shepherds can eat blueberries. In fact, these little fruits offer the same amazing benefits to dogs as they do to humans. But just like every other pet-safe fruit, blueberries present a few potential hazards that you should be aware of to keep your pup safe and healthy.

Benefits of Blueberries to Dogs

Just as for humans, blueberries are considered a superfood for dogs. These little fruits can be an excellent alternative to packaged treats because they’re:

• Low in calories – Blueberries contain fewer calories than your average treat.
• High in vitamin C – These berries are packed with vitamins that boost your dog’s immune system.
• Filled with fiber – Fiber is essential to proper digestion and bowel regularity.
• Rich in antioxidants – Antioxidants repair damaged cells in the body and slows down the aging process.

How to Feed Blueberries to German Shepherds

Some people like adding mashed blueberries to dog food, while others prefer to toss it as training rewards or occasional treats.

No matter how you like to feed your dog blueberries, make sure you keep the following in mind:

Feed only fresh blueberries

Canned, bottled, or otherwise processed blueberries can contain added sugars or chemical preservatives that could be risky or even toxic to your German Shepherd.

Always opt for fresh berries or frozen ones that didn’t go through any potentially harmful processing.

Always wash the berries

Blueberries can be exposed to herbicides and pesticides that could be harmful to your dog. Even organic blueberries might contain dirt and soil, so it’s essential that you wash all fruits thoroughly.

Control portions

Generally, all treats should make up no more than 10% of your German Shepherd’s daily calorie consumption. Although blueberries are relatively low in calories, it’s still critical that you control your dog’s portions.

Potential Hazards of Blueberries to GSDs

Although blueberries are safe for German Shepherds as well as other dogs, they still pose some potential risks. Here are some things you need to be mindful of:

Potential choking hazard

Blueberries are small and soft, so the risk of choking is minimal. But, many people like to give frozen blueberries to their dogs as a refreshing treat.

Although it should be safe enough for adult German Shepherds to eat a frozen blueberry at a time, puppies and smaller dogs could easily choke on them. Thawed or fresh blueberries are definitely safer.

Serving size

Apart from taking into account its impact on your dog’s daily calorie consumption, consider the sugar and fiber content of blueberries.

Too much fiber can cause digestive distress and the sugar can cause your pup’s pancreas to become inflamed.

Medical conditions

Although many dogs love blueberries, not all can tolerate them. If your pup has underlying medical conditions like diabetes or chronic pancreatitis, make sure you ask your vet before you give them any fruit.

Potential allergies

Blueberry allergies are uncommon in dogs, but it’s still critical that you observe them for any sensitivity reactions when feeding them blueberries for the first time.

If you notice any swelling, excessive scratching, or even gastrointestinal reactions like bloating or diarrhea, take them to the vet right away.

Final Thoughts

When German Shepherds eat blueberries, they gain plenty of remarkable health benefits. Plus, the size of these berries makes them perfect training rewards or treats for tossing to good boys and girls.

Nevertheless, not all dogs like the taste of blueberries. If your GSD is one of them, you can always try other pet-safe fruits like strawberries, watermelon, apples, passion fruit, and oranges.