Yes, dogs can eat blueberries, and honestly they're one of the best fruity treats you can offer. Small, low in sugar and bursting with antioxidants, blueberries are about as close to a genuine "superfood" as dog treats get. They're the perfect bite-sized size for training, and most dogs go bonkers for them.
I recommend them all the time to the owners who come through the salon here in York, especially anyone looking for a healthy, low-calorie reward. Here's why they're such a great choice, and the one thing to watch with very small dogs.
Why blueberries are a genuine superfood treat
Blueberries earn their reputation. They're:
- Packed with antioxidants, including anthocyanins, the pigments that give them their deep blue colour, which help fight cell damage.
- Rich in vitamins C and K.
- A good source of fibre.
- Low in sugar and calories: lower than most other fruits, which makes them ideal for regular use.
They won't replace a balanced diet, but as treats go, they're hard to beat.
The perfect training treat
Because they're tiny, low-calorie and easy to carry, blueberries make a brilliant training reward. You can hand out quite a few in a session without overloading on calories, far better than a pocketful of biscuits. Fresh or frozen, they both work a treat.
Frozen blueberries are especially good in summer: a little pot of them is a cooling, mess-free snack, and many dogs enjoy the satisfying crunch.
> Worth knowing: Whole blueberries can be a choking hazard for very small dogs, toy breeds and puppies. If your dog is little or bolts their food, squash the berries slightly or cut them in half before serving.
How to serve blueberries safely
- Wash them to rinse off any residue.
- Serve fresh or frozen. Both are fine.
- Squash or halve them for tiny dogs and puppies, to avoid choking.
- Keep them plain. Skip anything blueberry-flavoured (muffins, yoghurts, cereal bars). Those are loaded with sugar and sometimes xylitol, which is dangerous to dogs.
Still, moderation matters
Even a superfood should be a treat, not a meal. Too many blueberries can cause a bit of tummy trouble or loose stools, so keep them, and all treats, to no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories (see the PDSA's guide to safe fruit and veg for dogs). A small handful is plenty for most dogs.
And while blueberries, strawberries, apples and bananas are all safe in moderation, there's one fruit family that never is: grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants are toxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney failure (they're on the Blue Cross list of foods poisonous to dogs). It's the big exception to the "fruit is fine" rule. We've got a full warning post on why grapes are toxic to dogs, and if you're after another handy training treat, see whether dogs can eat strawberries.
Frequently asked questions
How many blueberries can a dog eat?
A small handful for a medium or large dog, or a few for a little one, is a sensible treat. Keep all treats under 10% of daily calories.
Can dogs eat frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries make a lovely cooling summer treat. Just squash or halve them for small dogs and puppies to avoid choking.
Are blueberries good for dogs?
Yes. They're low in sugar and calories and rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which makes them one of the healthiest fruit treats and an ideal training reward.
Can puppies eat blueberries?
In small amounts, yes, but squash or halve them first, as whole berries are a choking risk for tiny mouths. Introduce them slowly and check with your vet if unsure.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. If your dog has a health condition or a sensitive stomach, check with your own vet before adding new treats.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. A few blueberries make a perfect reward after a good groom. Want a happy, healthy dog inside and out? Book their next groom.