Sea buckthorn berries
Sea buckthorn berries are small, bright orange fruits that grow on shrubs that are mainly native to the coast. They are considered true vitamin bombs and have many health benefits for humans and animals. But are sea buckthorn berries also suitable for dogs? And what is the best way to offer them to your four-legged friend? In this article, you'll find out everything you need to know about sea buckthorn berries for dogs.
What are sea buckthorn berries?
Sea buckthorn berries are the fruit of the sea buckthorn, a deciduous plant from the willow family. Sea buckthorn grows mainly in sandy areas, such as sand dunes on the North Sea and Baltic Sea. It is also known as the "lemon of the north" because its berries contain more vitamin C than most citrus fruits. The ripe berries are harvested in the fall and can either be eaten fresh or processed into juice, oil or dried berries.
Are sea buckthorn berries poisonous for dogs?
No, sea buckthorn berries are not poisonous for dogs and can therefore be fed without hesitation. However, many dogs do not like the tart and sometimes bitter taste of fresh berries and therefore do not like to eat them straight from the bush. If you want to offer your dog sea buckthorn berries, it is therefore better to boil them down or use dried berries or oil.
What are the benefits of sea buckthorn berries for dogs?
Sea buckthorn berries have many healthy ingredients that can be good for your dog. Above all, the high vitamin C content makes the berries a natural immune booster that can protect your dog from infections and strengthen its defenses. Vitamin C also supports the formation of collagen, an important building block for skin, coat, cartilage and bones.
In addition to vitamin C, sea buckthorn berries also contain other vitamins such as vitamin E, beta-carotene and the B vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12. These vitamins are important for your dog's eye health, skin and coat care, digestion, metabolism and hormone production.
In addition, sea buckthorn berries also provide minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium, which are essential for a balanced diet.
Sea buckthorn berries also have an anti-inflammatory effect and can help your dog with various ailments. For example, they can have a soothing effect on gastrointestinal problems, loss of appetite, osteoarthritis or cardiovascular diseases.
Are there any disadvantages or risks associated with feeding sea buckthorn berries?
Although sea buckthorn berries are very healthy, they are also very acidic. This can lead to stomach irritation or diarrhea in some dogs, especially if they eat too many berries at once. You should therefore only ever offer your dog small amounts and pay attention to how he reacts to them.
Sea buckthorn berries can also turn your dog's urine orange. Although this is harmless, it may be a little irritating for you or other dog owners.
How can I feed my dog sea buckthorn berries?
There are various ways you can feed your dog sea buckthorn berries. The easiest is to simply give him some fresh berries and see if he likes them. If not, you can try chopping them up or pureeing them and mixing them into his food.
Another option is to boil down sea buckthorn berries and make a syrup or jam from them. You can then use this as a treat or as a topping for the food. However, make sure that you do not add any sugar or other sweeteners, as these are harmful to dogs.
Another option is to buy dried sea buckthorn berries or sea buckthorn oil and give them to your dog. Dried berries can be offered as a snack or mixed into the food. Sea buckthorn oil can either be fed pure or drizzled over the food. However, make sure that you only use high-quality oil from organic farming and increase the dosage slowly.
How much sea buckthorn berries can my dog eat?
The optimal amount of sea buckthorn berries for your dog depends on various factors, such as his size, weight, health and tolerance. As a rule of thumb, you should not give your dog more than 1-2 teaspoons of sea buckthorn berries or oil per day. This corresponds to about 5-10 grams of fresh berries or 1-2 grams of dried berries.
If you are feeding your dog sea buckthorn berries for the first time, you should start with an even smaller amount and slowly increase it. Always observe how your dog reacts to it and whether it shows any side effects.
Sea buckthorn berries are a healthy and natural addition to your dog's diet. They can strengthen his immune system, care for his skin and coat, aid his digestion and help with various ailments. However, you should make sure that you only offer your dog small amounts and do not overfeed him. You should also always pay attention to the quality of the berries or oil and only use organically grown products.
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊