‘Can dogs eat blackberries?’ is a question most dog owners ask themselves.
And why shouldn’t we?
After all, not all sorts of berries are safe. And that goes for both us and our dogs.
When it comes to humans, certain toxic berries include pokeweed berries, holly berries, Jerusalem cherries, etc.
So, what about our dogs then? Just what types of berries can they have?
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries: Different Types of Berries
Thankfully, the answer to ‘Can dogs eat blackberries?’ is a yes.
Our dogs can and should enjoy a handful of these every now and then.
More on that later.
But first, let’s look into the different kinds of berries that are out there so that our proactive dog moms and dads can get ahead of any hazards their doggies may be running into.
To make things easier for you, here’s a list of different kinds of common berries out there and what you should and should not give to your furry buddies.
| Safe Berries | Toxic Berries |
| Blackberries | Mistletoe Berries |
| Raspberries | Holly Berries |
| Blueberries | Juniper Berries |
| Strawberries | Baneberries |
| Cherries |
Phew
At least that’s out of the way.
Okay now. Onto our main focus for the day, which is: can dogs eat blackberries?
While the table above does show them as a safe snack for doggies- both big and small to consume; as with all diets, there are always a few things to keep in mind.
Let’s take a look at what those are.
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries: Nutritional Perspective
Being a dog owner, it is imperative to know that a diet is not good enough to be fed to our pets on a regular basis, simply because it is ‘safe’.
Instead, there are several other factors that need to be considered.
For instance.
What nutritional value will my dog get by having this diet?
Is this an actual diet or can it only be given as a treat?
And so much more.
To answer your question about the nutritional benefits and drawbacks of blackberries, consider this.
Blackberries are rich in Vitamin C which is an excellent way to ensure that they remain active throughout the day since vitamin C has been linked by research to improved energy levels in various mammals.
It is also a great way to prevent problems such as weakening of bones and keeps your dog’s teeth from becoming brittle, so that they don’t run the risk of needing immediate vet visits with slightly hard-to-chew treats like bones etc.
Next, blackberries contain other vitamins as well such as Vitamin E, which acts as a defense against oxidative damage. In addition to this, it’s important to know that dogs who are deficient in their vitamin E levels, might end up developing retinal problems as well as muscle degeneration.
Vitamin K, which is another important type is also present inside blackberries. It allows better blood clotting and thus acts as one of the things that keep your furry buddy’s immune response fast and up to speed. This is because, without blood clotting, even minor cuts can become skeptical very quickly and lead to infections.
And finally, these delicious berries are also a good source of minerals such as Calcium and Manganese.
So, can dogs eat blackberries?
OF COURSE!
With all these nutritional benefits, the question becomes much more should they have it, rather than can they? And the answer comes out as a solid: yes.
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries: How Much Should My Dog Have?
Like I said, while a meal may be very healthy for dogs, it is still important to know just how much of it is going to be good for them.
This is because any more than the required daily limit and our dogs might actually get harmed*by the otherwise healthy snack we are offering them.
The same goes for blackberries.
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries: What About Other Fruits?
Right at the beginning of this article, we told you how to differentiate between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ berries for your dogs.
Cherries, for instance, should never be given to dogs since they contain certain elements which can be toxic to them.
First of all, cherries contain pits. The trouble with these is that they can get lodged into a dog’s digestive tract and lead to blockages within the small intestine.
Secondly, cherry stems are especially bad for dogs due to their cyanide content.
I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s not like most humans would like to eat the stem bit of cherry. But with dogs – who pretty much snatch a treat right out of your hands when they like it, this can become a problem.
Partly because it’s very easy for them to accidentally eat the stems as well unless they have been separated beforehand. And honestly, if you’re willing to peel off the outer flesh of the cherry and remove each stem carefully, then you could (in theory) make them non-toxic. But who has the time for that?
Aside from cherries and the other berries mentioned earlier, there are several other fruits that are also not safe for our furry buddies to consume.
These include the following:
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries: The Rule of 10 Percent
As a rule of thumb, know that whatever treats we give to our dogs, should not exceed 10 percent of their daily calorie intake.
The same holds true for blackberries. Why?
Well, it’s simple.
Blackberries are a treat for dogs.
In other words, they should not form a major part of your dog’s daily meals.
On the contrary, you can give them three or four at a time for a job well done*.
And similarly, stop giving them these treats when they do not follow their training and have been a bad boy or girl for the day.
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries: Fun Facts About Blackberries
Blackberries are an amazing fruit. Not only are they a quick, fruity snack but also offer many health benefits. But just in case you’re curious, there are also a few fun facts about them that we thought you might like to hear about:
- According to folklore, blackberries should not be eaten after the 10th of October. Legend says that after this date, the devil spits on them and makes them ‘cursed’ for everyone.
- In reality, Botrytis, a type of mold develops on the berries around this time, thereby making them go bad.
- Some blackberries are actually tastier than others. This is because bramble has many micro varieties. And although it is difficult to distinguish one type from another, this is what makes one of them tastier than the other!
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries: Recipe Guide
Dogs can eat blackberries, not just as a snack alone, but also in the form of a flavorful, cooked snack. Some owners might worry about the berries losing their nutritional value upon cooking. And besides, using water to cook a bunch is generally- umm not the ideal way.
Instead, we’d suggest using techniques like baking! And the following is a recipe on how to do so.
Recipe: Blackberry, Raspberry, and Blueberry Muffins
Ingredients:
- Coconut flour- 2 cups;
- Clover sprouts- 1 cup;
- Mixed berries- 2 cups;
- Chia Seeds soaked overnight- 2 tbsp;
- Duck eggs- 1;
- Water- 1 cup.
Recipe:
- In a bowl, add all of the ingredients and mix using a mixer. To this add water.
- Add the batter to some muffin cups lined with appropriately sized parchment cups.
- Using an ice cream scoop, place even amounts of batter into the muffin cups.
- Next, bake for 30 minutes.
- Cool for half an hour.
- Cut each muffin into small bite-sized pieces.
And just like that, there you have it. Perfect mixed berry muffins!
Video Recipe:
FAQs
Can dogs eat blackberries if they’re diabetic?
Generally, blackberries are safe but this is a special case scenario and a vet should be consulted before reaching a decision.
Can dogs eat blackberries out of a can?
If no artificial flavorings are added, then yes.
Can dogs eat blackberries with flavorings like caramel?
No. Please avoid excess sugars in your dog’s diet.
Can dogs eat blackberries every day?
No. Treats should ideally be alternated to get the most nutritional benefits out of them.
Can dogs eat blackberries if they have pancreatitis?
Again, this is a vet-specific question and should not be jumped into without consultation. But in general, one or two won’t be harmful.
