Can Frenchies eat blueberries?
Blueberries are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals essential for healthy growth.
In addition, their cancer-fighting properties boost our immunity.
But, how do you feed blueberries to Frenchies?
This article seeks to answer this question and more on Frenchies and blueberries.
So, read on.
Can Frenchies eat blueberries?
Yes, dogs can eat blueberries as they are rich in vitamin C and fiber, boosting immunity and promoting health.
Furthermore, they are low in calories, making them great for overweight Frenchies
What are the Benefits of Blueberry for Frenchies?
Healthy weight
Blueberries contain fewer calories
A low-calorie diet is good for maintaining a healthy weight and shedding off unhealthy pounds.
This not only keeps your dog physically active but it lowers the risks of heart problems.
Rich in vitamins and minerals
Blueberries are a powerhouse of vitamins A, C, and K.
These vitamins give your Frenchie a healthy and shiny coat, boosts immunity, promote eye health, and aid in blood clotting, thus lowering the risks of blood loss which can be fatal.
Potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium aid in muscle contraction, flushing out toxins, bone formation, regulation of blood pressure, balancing the body’s glucose levels, and energy production.
Cancer-fighting properties
Blueberries have phytochemicals that keep cancer at bay and lowering inflammation resulting from chronic diseases.
They are also rich in antioxidants like flavonoids which protect the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Moreover, antioxidants promote quick healing after a strenuous exercise and lower the probability of aging in older dogs by improving brain function.
Furthermore, blueberries are rich in anthocyanins which give blueberries their color.
Anthocyanins combined with antioxidants protect your Frenchie from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and other chronic diseases like cancer.
What are the harms of Blueberry for Dogs?
- Blueberries have lots of sugar, and consuming large amounts is harmful as it can cause diabetes and teeth cavities.
- Blueberries, though small in size, pose a choking hazard to puppies
- Consumption can cause stomach problems like diarrhea as blueberries have lots of fiber. Always ensure blueberries are out of reach
Which Blueberry Recipes and Parts Can be Eaten Safely by Frenchies?
Frozen Blueberry
Frenchies can safely eat frozen blueberry
It is not only an excellent summer treat, but it promotes dental health by strengthening the teeth and lowering the risks of plaque build-up.
Blueberry Muffins
Blueberry muffins are delicious and addictive.
However, processed muffins have lots of sugar, fats, and sodium which are the ingredients of diabetes, obesity, and heart problems.
Give dogs homemade muffins.
Dried Blueberries
Your Frenchie can enjoy a treat of dried blueberries.
Dried blueberries are packed with fiber for proper digestion.
But, you should serve sparingly as dried blueberries have lots of sugar
Blueberry Pop-Tarts
Blueberry pop tarts are a great snack for breakfast as they contain the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth.
However, they contain large amounts of sugar hence should be served in small portions.
Blueberry Cake
Blueberry cake is an excellent choice for dogs as it contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium.
Making your cake at home is advisable as you can control the ingredients
Blueberry Yogurt
Frenchies can sip blueberry yogurt occasionally as it has probiotics that promote gut health.
Opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt as some additives can be harmful
Blueberry Cores
Blueberry cores are not tough enough to make it hard for dogs to chew
Dogs can eat the cores, but you should observe them as puppies can easily choke.
Blueberry Skin
Blueberry skin is safe for dogs as it is soft; hence can be easily chewed and digested.
Be sure to wash the blueberries before giving your Frenchie to lower the risks of infections.
Green Blueberry
Green blueberries are still in the immature stage
Unripe fruits are not safe for dogs as they may contain cyanide poisonous to dogs.
To be on the safe side, avoid giving green blueberries
How to Feed blueberries to dogs
- Wash the blueberries to prevent infections
- Give the blueberries raw
- Add blueberries to dog’s food
- Freeze the berries and give them as a summer treat
- Blend blueberries and plain yogurt and serve your dog a thick smoothie
- Make a fruit salad by adding blueberries to other fruits like bananas and cucumbers
Quick, Fun Blueberries Recipe to Try
The following is an easy recipe that you can try at home. Few ingredients are required, and preparation time is short
Frozen Blueberry and yogurt dog treat
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup fresh blueberries, sliced into halves
- ¼ cup hemp hearts
Procedure
- In a blender, mix the yogurt, frozen blueberries, and honey
- Blend until the mixture is smooth
- Put the mixture in ice cube trays
- Divide the fresh blueberries into the trays and sprinkle hemp hearts over each tray
- Freeze for 6-8 hours or until it is solid
- Serve cold or t room temperature
What Fruits Can Frenchies Eat Safely
Apples
Apples are safe for Frenchies as they are rich in vitamins A and C, responsible for good-looking skin and increased immunity levels.
They also contain fiber which ensures regular bowel movent and lowers the risks of stomach upsets.
In addition, apples have fewer proteins, fats, and oils, thus healthy for older dogs.
Remove the seeds before serving apples.
Read our article on Can Frenchies Eat Apples? How To Feed Them Safely for more.
Bananas
Bananas are low-calorie fruits hence good for weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.
Moreover, these fruits have potassium, fiber, and biotin for muscle contraction, proper digestion, and blood sugar levels.
Furthermore, bananas are low in cholesterol and sodium, thus lowering the risks of heart problems and ensuring continuous hydration.
You should, however, serve bananas sparingly as they contain lots of sugar.
Read our article on Can Frenchies Eat Bananas? 4 Healthy Recipes Included
Cucumbers
These fruits contain lots of water which aid in flushing out toxins.
The high fiber content in cucumbers promotes digestion, while its low-calorie property ensures your obese dog sheds off the unhealthy pounds.
Consuming cucumbers not only hydrates your dog but it boosts his energy levels, ensuring he is physically active.
Mangoes
Mangoes are rich in vitamins A, B6, C, and E for shiny and thick skin, brain health, improved immunity, eye health, and lower inflammations.
In addition, mangoes have potassium and carotene, which lower blood pressure levels, protect from diseases like stroke, and promote vision.
Remove the hard parts as they may contain cyanide and present a risk of choking.
What fruits can Frenchies not eat?
Avocado
The pit, skin, and leaves of avocado have a chemical called persin which is toxic to dogs.
Symptoms of persin poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea.
Avocado also contains lots of fats, which overwork the pancreas, thus causing pancreatitis.
Furthermore, avocado is calorie-dense, a recipe for canine obesity and heart diseases.
Grapes
Grapes are highly toxic to dogs
Consuming grapes even in small amounts can be fatal, leading to death.
The symptoms of grape poisoning include dehydration, lack of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and kidney failure.
Cherries
Cherries contain toxic cyanide as it prevents oxygen flow to the parts of the body.
The symptoms of cherry poisoning include red gums, difficulty breathing, and dilated pupils.
How many blueberries can I give my Frenchie?
Give your dog blueberries moderately, as too many can cause stomach upsets.
One blueberry per day is okay for puppies, while older dogs can consume two to three blueberries daily.
Can I give my dog blueberries every day?
Yes, dogs can eat blueberries every day.
However, you should ensure that you give the blueberries sparingly.
Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage given above for puppies and adults.
Can dogs eat blueberries when sick?
Yes, dogs can eat blueberries when sick.
Blueberries boost immunity, thus protecting the sick dog from further infections since sickness lowers immunity.
The antioxidants in blueberries further aid in fast healing
Can Frenchies eat blueberries to help with diarrhea?
Yes, blueberries can help with diarrhea.
The soluble fiber in blueberries binds water in the digestive system to form a solid stool.
It adds bulk to the stool, thus firming it
Can an anemic dog eat blueberries?
Yes, blueberries are good for anemic dogs as they absorb iron in the body.
Iron aids in the production of hemoglobin which ensures proper oxygen flow, thus lowering the effects of anemia
Final Thoughts
Now you know the powerful effects that blueberries have on Frenchies.
Though small in size, these fruits are a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and anthocyanins which combine to give your dog a healthy body
Blueberry benefits range from promoting proper digestion to protecting the body from disease-causing radicals.
Although these fruits have immense benefits, never go overboard when serving them.
Give moderately as too much can cause diseases like diabetes.
Always get the go-ahead from the vet before giving your dog blueberries.
The vet will guide on how, when, and the amount to give
Happy Parenting!