Are Blueberries Good for Dogs? A Closer Look at This Tiny Fruit

Blueberries are tiny, roll under the refrigerator with impressive accuracy and somehow make dogs believe you are holding a handful of treats just for them.

So, are blueberries good for dogs? For most dogs, plain blueberries can be an occasional treat. They contain fiber, vitamin C and naturally occurring plant compounds, including antioxidants.

Why do blueberries get so much attention?

Blueberries are known for antioxidants, compounds that help protect cells from oxidative damage. They also contain fiber and vitamin C. That makes them an interesting fruit, but not a magic berry and certainly not a substitute for a complete and balanced dog food.

Think bonus snack, not superhero cape.

Fresh or frozen?

Both fresh and frozen plain blueberries can work for many dogs. Wash fresh berries before serving them. Frozen berries are firmer, so consider your dog's size and chewing style. For smaller dogs or enthusiastic gulpers, crushing or cutting them may make more sense.

Can dogs eat blueberries and bananas together?

Plain blueberries and banana are both commonly fed to dogs in sensible portions. Banana is naturally sweeter and more calorie dense than blueberries, so moderation still matters.

The combination is also exactly where this article becomes suspiciously relevant to one particular Buff Cake flavor.

Why we paired blueberry with banana

Barkin' BB Crunch is our blueberry and banana crunchy treat, handmade in small batches in New Hampshire. It also has a different ingredient profile from several of our other crunchy treats, which gives dog parents another option when comparing recipes.

We are not going to tell you blueberries make a dog treat healthy by magic. What matters is the entire recipe. That is why the current ingredient list is available on the product page for you to read for yourself.

What about blueberry muffins and flavored foods?

A blueberry being dog friendly does not make every food containing blueberries dog friendly. Muffins, pastries, sweetened yogurt and other human foods can bring added sugar, fat and additional ingredients into the picture.

If you want to share a blueberry, sharing the actual blueberry is much easier to evaluate than negotiating with a muffin.

The bottom line

Plain blueberries can be an occasional dog friendly treat for most dogs. They contain fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants, and they can be served fresh or frozen with your dog's size and chewing habits in mind.

Have a blueberry and banana fan? Meet Barkin' BB Crunch and see the complete current recipe.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Introduce unfamiliar foods thoughtfully and talk with your veterinarian about questions specific to your dog's health or diet.