The Complete Guide to Dogs Eating Blueberries: Good or Bad?

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat blueberries, and these nutrient-packed berries can be a delicious and healthy treat for your pup. But before you start sharing handfuls, there are a few important things to consider. While fresh, unsweetened blueberries are generally safe in moderation, added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or processed blueberry products can pose health risks. Plus, what about frozen or dried blueberries? Can too many cause digestive issues? This guide will explore the benefits, potential risks, and the safest way to incorporate blueberries into your dog’s diet.

Are Blueberries Good For Dogs?

Blueberries can be a healthy and tasty treat for dogs when given in moderation.

Always feed blueberries plain and fresh (or frozen), without added sugars or sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Feed in moderation to prevent stomach upset.

Benefits

100 grams (3.5-ounce oz) of raw blueberries contains the following nutrients:

Blueberries Nutrition Chart (100g)

Nutrient Analysis

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Blueberries to Dogs

While blueberries are generally a safe and healthy treat for dogs when fed in moderation, here are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

Are Dogs Allergic to Blueberries?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to blueberries.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Blueberries

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information: When speaking to a vet, provide: Quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion, and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining blueberries or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Blueberries to Dogs

When feeding blueberries to your dog, it’s best to follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe:

• Wash thoroughly to remove pesticides or contaminants.
• Start small with a few blueberries to check for allergies or digestive issues.
• Serve is moderation
• Cut or mash for small dogs or those prone to choking
• Use fresh blueberries are ideal; frozen ones can be a cool treat (thaw slightly or crush to prevent choking)
• Do not feed blueberry-flavored foods (e.g., muffins, jams) as they may contain harmful additives like xylitol

Way to Feed Blueberries

As with any new food, it is recommended to start slowly and feed gradually, allowing the digestive system time to adjust. 

Best Dog Food With Blueberries

If you’re looking to incorporate blueberries into your dog’s diet and take advantage of their antioxidant and immune-boosting properties, consider Farmina Pet Foods Lamb & Blueberry Adult Medium & Maxi. This premium formula combines high-quality pasture-raised lamb with nutrient-rich blueberries—an excellent source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Farmina’s scientifically formulated recipe supports heart health, digestion, and a strong immune system, making it a great choice for dogs who benefit from a natural, limited-ingredient diet.

Best Blueberry Dog Treat

For those who want to provide the benefits of blueberries in a delicious, wholesome way, The Honest Kitchen Goat’s Milk N’ Cookies: Slow Baked with Blueberries & Vanilla offer a naturally irresistible and nutrient-rich snack. Made with real blueberries and creamy goat’s milk, these slow-baked cookies combine antioxidant-rich fruit with digestive-friendly ingredients—supporting your dog’s gut health, immune system, and overall vitality.

Get 40% OFF your order with code 40CANINE — Just use this link to get started.

How Many Blueberries Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats like blueberries. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning blueberries based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Blueberries Serving (Feed Occasionally)	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	1-2 blueberries	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	2-3 blueberries	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	3-5 blueberries	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	5-7 blueberries	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	7-9 blueberries	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Blueberries?

Yes, puppies can eat blueberries, but only in moderation and in smaller amounts. Since puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, it’s best to start with just one or two fresh blueberries to see how they react. Feeding too many blueberries at once can lead to digestive upset, as puppies’ stomachs are still developing and may struggle to process too much fiber or natural sugar. Additionally, fresh or frozen blueberries are the best option—avoid blueberry-flavored treats or those with added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives, as these can be harmful to puppies. When introducing any new treat, including blueberries, avoid giving multiple new foods on the same day. Puppies may have food sensitivities or allergies, and if they experience any digestive issues, introducing only one new food at a time makes it easier to identify the cause. Try offering one or two fresh blueberries, then wait a few days to observe how your puppy’s digestive system reacts before considering offering more. If using frozen blueberries, let them thaw slightly to prevent any risk of choking, especially for smaller puppies.

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to blueberries that are as safe and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Yes, dogs can safely eat blueberries, and these tiny superfoods offer a range of health benefits, from antioxidants that support cellular health to fiber that aids digestion. When fed in moderation, blueberries can be a tasty, low-calorie treat that enhances your dog’s diet. However, it’s essential to serve them fresh, raw, or frozen—without added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or processed ingredients like those found in muffins or flavored products. As with any new treat, introduce blueberries gradually and observe your dog for any signs of allergies or digestive upset. While they are generally safe, overfeeding can lead to stomach discomfort. Keeping portions appropriate for your dog’s size ensures they reap the benefits without any downsides. Incorporating blueberries as an occasional snack is a great way to support your dog’s overall health while giving them a delicious, natural treat. Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog’s diet or specific health conditions.

If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives. You can also get creative in the kitchen with homemade dog treat recipes for a natural and wholesome reward. Are you curious about other common human foods? Learn if jelly belongs on your dog’s do-not-feed list.

Like It? Subscribe & Share!

* indicates required

First Name *

Email Address *

Dog Breed

Leave this field empty if you’re human:

Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.