Blueberries: the benefits

“Blueberries as big as the end of your thumb,
Real sky-blue, and heavy, and ready to drum
In the cavernous pail of the first one to come!
And all ripe together, not some of them green
And some of them ripe! You ought to have seen.”

Robert Frost

Blueberries offer a huge array of health benefits for dogs, with their antioxidant-rich profile, fibre content and essential vitamins and minerals. Their inclusion in canine diets can support overall health and vitality.

Main nutrients

Antioxidants

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, primarily flavonoids such as anthocyanins and phenolic compounds. These antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting cellular health in dogs. This property is particularly beneficial for aging dogs and those exposed to environmental toxins.

Fibre

Blueberries are a good source of dietary fibre, including both soluble and insoluble types. Soluble fibre helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and supports stable blood sugar levels, while insoluble fibre promotes digestive health by aiding regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. The prebiotic nature of fibre in blueberries also supports beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to overall gastrointestinal health in dogs.

Vitamins

Blueberries contain essential vitamins that benefit canine health:

  • Vitamin C: An important antioxidant that supports the immune system, aids in collagen production, and enhances overall cellular health.
  • Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health.
  • Vitamin E: Supports skin health and acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage.

Minerals

Key minerals found in blueberries include:

  • Manganese: Supports bone development, wound healing, and metabolic processes.
  • Potassium: Essential for maintaining normal heart rhythm, muscle function, and nerve transmission.
  • Magnesium: Necessary for energy production, muscle function, and bone health in dogs.

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Benefits – Key Takeaways

Cognitive health

The high levels of antioxidants in blueberries help reduce oxidative stress, combat inflammation, and support overall cellular health in dogs. Regular consumption of antioxidants may contribute to reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline[1]and decline in working memory[2].

Oxidative stress

One study which compared antioxidant levels in sled dogs found that dogs fed with blueberries were better protected against oxidative damage than those fed the control diet in the study. This suggested that a diet supplemented with blueberries to maintain antioxidant levels can help to provide exercise-induced damage in dogs.

Digestive Health Support

The combination of soluble and insoluble fibre in blueberries promotes optimal digestive function by regulating bowel movements, preventing constipation, and supporting a healthy gut microbiome.

Heart Health

Potassium and fibre in blueberries contribute to cardiovascular health by maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and supporting heart muscle function in dogs. These nutrients collectively promote a healthy circulatory system and reduce the risk of heart disease.

References:

[1] Nippak PM, Mendelson J, Muggenburg B, Milgram NW. Enhanced spatial ability in aged dogs following dietary and behavioural enrichment. Neurobiol Learn Mem. 2007 May;87(4):610-23. doi: 10.1016/j.nlm.2007.01.001. Epub 2007 Feb 15. PMID: 17303448.
[2] Fragua, V. , Lepoudère, A. , Leray, V. , Baron, C. , Araujo, J. A. , Nguyen, P. , & Milgram, N. W. (2017). Effects of dietary supplementation with a mixed blueberry and grape extract on working memory in aged beagle dogs. Journal of Nutritional Science, 6, e35. 10.1017/jns.2017.33

Looking for an easy way of feeding blueberries to your dog? Try these Kefir and Blueberry lollies for a quick and easy snack! Or this blueberry smoothie. Just search for blueberry for more recipes and information.

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Nutritional information:

Blueberries, raw, 100g

For full nutrient content see Food Data Central

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • If you are feeding commercial food, check the label for ingredients before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.
  • I am not a professional canine nutritionist but supporting research is cited.
  • The recipes shared were created by me and tested in my kitchen – and tasted and approved by our doggy friends!