Blueberry Bushes & Dogs

As pet owners become increasingly conscious of how healthy the ingredients in their pets' food and treats are, natural ingredients such as blueberries are becoming more popular in both store-bought and homemade treats. If you are looking to find a healthy treat for your dog, blueberries can be a good option if provided in moderation.

  1. Toxic Plants

    • Blueberry bushes and their fruit are not considered to be toxic to animals. This means that eating a small amount of blueberries or some of the leaves off of the plant should not harm your dog. Blueberries and some of the by-products of blueberries have also been included in the ingredient list of some brands of natural dog food. However, there are several considerations to keep in mind when you are deciding whether or not to allow your dog to have blueberries.

    Feeding Blueberries

    • Even though blueberries and blueberry bushes are not toxic to dogs, it does not necessarily mean that you should replace your dog's regular food or treats with a bucket of blueberries. Plants, even those that are non-toxic, can seriously upset your dog's digestive system when he consumes too large a quantity. This can lead to the dog throwing up or experiencing diarrhea. As with any food product, some dogs may be allergic to blueberries and experience significant illness after consuming the fruit. Contact your veterinarian if your dog has food allergies or becomes ill after consuming blueberries or part of a blueberry bush.

    Pesticides and Chemicals

    • Blueberries do not naturally contain any poisonous substances, but that doesn't mean that there are no toxic chemicals on them by the time they reach your dog. Blueberry bushes that have been treated with pesticides or chemicals may have a poisonous residue left behind that could make your dog ill if he consumes the fruit. Also, blueberries that are purchased from the store with added sugars or preservatives can make your dog very ill. Dogs' digestive systems are not equipped to deal with these added ingredients, which can make your dog very sick. Do not give your dog old, moldy fruit either. If the blueberries have begun to mold, you should not feed them to your animals, as the mold can be toxic.

    Safe Blueberry Consumption

    • If you intend to give your dog blueberries, start off with a very small quantity of berries and make sure to only give the fruit to the dog in moderation. Wait at least 24 hours after you give the blueberries to the dog to see if the dog experiences any signs of illness. If the dog does become ill, stop feeding him blueberries immediately and contact your veterinarian if the sickness is severe or continues to the point where your dog could become dehydrated.