Blueberry

What are blueberries?

Blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) are small, round berries with a blue to purple color. They grow on deciduous dwarf shrubs that belong to the heather family (Ericaceae). Bilberries are native to Europe and grow mainly in forests, heaths and moors on acidic and humus-rich soils.

Blueberries are also known as bilberries, but should not be confused with the cultivated blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) from North America, which have larger and lighter-colored fruit. Blueberries have a dark blue to purple flesh that discolors the mouth and teeth when eaten. They contain many healthy ingredients such as anthocyanins, vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants.

Blueberries for dogs

Blueberries are not only healthy for humans, but also for dogs. They have the following benefits for your dog's health:

• They strengthen the immune system and protect against infections.
• They have an anti-inflammatory effect and alleviate complaints such as arthritis or skin problems.
• They promote digestion and help with diarrhea or constipation.
• They protect the eyes and brain from free radicals and ageing processes.
• They support blood formation and prevent anaemia.

Disadvantages of blueberries for dogs

Although blueberries are healthy for dogs, there are also some disadvantages that should be taken into account:

• They can cause allergies or intolerances if your dog is sensitive to blueberries.
• They can cause gastrointestinal problems if your dog eats too many blueberries or cannot chew them well.
• They can cause tooth discoloration if your dog eats blueberries regularly.
• They can contain poisonous plant parts if you pick them in the forest and don't wash them thoroughly.

How much blueberries can a dog eat?

Blueberries are healthy for dogs in moderation, but not in large quantities. How many blueberries your dog can eat depends on its size, weight and state of health. As a rule of thumb, a dog can cover around 10 percent of its daily calorie requirement from fruit and vegetables. This corresponds to about a handful of blueberries per day for a medium-sized dog.

You should only give your dog ripe and fresh blueberries and wash them well beforehand. You can give them to him as a snack between meals or as a reward during training. You can also mix them into his food or mash them into a puree. Make sure your dog drinks enough water when he eats blueberries.