Blueberries are an incredibly delicious berry fruit native to North America. In fact, every blueberry high bush in the world can trace its roots in New Jersey. Although known for a bit more than 100 years, in the past ten years, blueberry production has tripled.
This is because blueberries have many health benefits and have a naturally enticing taste that we can easily implement in many recipes. All in all, it is safe to say that we adore blueberries.
Therefore, it only logical to wonder what about dogs. Do French bulldogs share our love of blueberries? And more importantly, are blueberries dog-friendly? The answer to both questions is yes. Blueberries are a dog-friendly fruit, and French bulldogs love their sweet taste and smooth, moist texture.
French bulldogs should eat a complete and nutritionally balanced diet. Blueberries are not a staple food for dogs. However, as long as they are used as a treat and do not account for more than 10% of the French bulldog’s daily food intake, blueberries are a healthy addition to every dog’s menu.
HEALTH BENEFITS: ARE BLUEBERRIES GOOD FOR FRENCH BULLDOGS?
Blueberries are packed with healthy nutrients and frequently associated with certain health benefits. This is as short review of the blueberries nutrients and benefits.
🐶Good for hydration
Blueberries are 84% water which is good for maintain healthy hydration level. This is particularly important for dogs that prefer to satisfy their water needs through food instead drinking.
🐶Important vitamins and minerals
Blueberries feature several different vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C – vital for boosting the immune system, and faster, more efficient wound healing
- Vitamin K – necessary for activating the blood clotting cascade
- Calcium and phosphorus – promote strong and healthy bones
- Manganese – regulates the metabolic processes and has strong anti-inflammatory powers
- Potassium – promotes healthy nerve and muscle function, lowers the blood pressure, helps eliminate excess fluids and supports kidney health.
🐶Great source of antioxidants and phytonutrients
Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants have anti-cancer properties. Namely, they protect the cells from free radicals and oxidative stress. Additionally, antioxidants promote cell regeneration.
The antioxidants effects are additionally boosted by the presence of several phytonutrients, including flavonoids, resveratrol, anthocyanidins, and ellagic acid.
🐶Rich fiber content
The fiber content in blueberries is on a satisfactory level. Fibers are vital as they promote healthy food digestion and smooth, normally frequent bowel movement.
Constipation is a frequent issue in French bulldogs and the blueberries’ fiber content can help eliminate this problem.
BLUEBERRIES NUTRITION FACTS FOR DOGS
One cup of blueberries (148 grams) contains around 84 calories. Here is a short overview of the other nutrients found in a blueberry cup.
| NUTRITIONAL VALUE | |
| Nutrient | Amount (per 100 grams) |
| Protein | 1.1 gr |
| Fats | 0.49 gr |
| Carbohydrates | 21 gr |
| Sugar | 14 gr |
| Fiber | 3.6 gr |
| Potassium | 114 mg |
| Phosphorus | 18 mg |
| Calcium | 9 mg |
| Magnesium | 9 mg |
| Vitamin C | 24% |
| Vitamin K | 36% |
HEALTH RISKS: ARE BLUEBERRIES TOXIC TO FRENCH BULLDOGS?
Absolutely no, blueberries are not toxic to dogs. However, just because they are not toxic, it does not mean you can let your French bulldog overeat on blueberries.
These are some of the risks associated with blueberries.
🐶Tummy troubles
As any other watery fruit, blueberries, if fed in excess can cause gastrointestinal upset manifested with diarrhea, vomiting, appetite fluctuations, abdominal pain, and lethargy.
These issues are transient and self-limiting, meaning they tend to resolve on their own. However, more severe cases may warrant a trip to the vet’s office.
🐶Too much sugar
As mentioned, blueberries are mostly water and sugar. The water part is not a problem in terms of gaining weight but the sugar part is tricky. French bulldogs are zealous overeaters and have a weight gaining tendency.
Obesity is not a disease on its own but it is a serious risk factor for many potentially life-threatening health conditions.
Keeping your French bulldog’s weight within the normal range is of paramount importance. In those term, too many or too frequent blueberry treats are not recommended.
🐶Blueberry allergies
Allergies are usually triggered by proteins. Considering that the amount of proteins in blueberries is particularly low, the chances of a blueberry allergy in dogs are almost non-existing.
However, French bulldogs are prone to allergies, leaving the possibility for an extremely sensitive Frenchie to exhibit an allergic reaction to blueberries. So far, there are no reported cases, but still the issue is worth mentioning.
🐶Choking hazard
French bulldogs are notorious for their voracious appetites. Therefore, a French bulldog gulping down on blueberries can be a risky situation – a blueberry may accidentally end up in the wrong pipe and pose a choking hazard.
FEEDING GUIDELINES: BLUEBERRIES FOR FRENCH BULLDOGS
When it comes to blueberries, their portion size, serving frequency, and preparation methods are important safety considerations.
Are all parts of the blueberries dog-friendly?
No, only the actual berry is safe for dogs. The blueberry leaves and the stems are not considered dog-friendly and must never be offered to dogs.
They are not toxic but are extremely hard to digest and likely to trigger tummy upsets.
How much blueberries can French Bulldogs eat?
As small dogs, the blueberry portion size for French bulldogs is one to two medium-sized blueberries.
It should be noted, that French bulldogs with digestion sensitivities may exhibit adverse effects in the form of tummy upset even if fed less than two blueberries.
How often can French Bulldogs eat blueberries?
In theory, French bulldogs can eat one blueberry portion per day. However, it is always a better idea to offer various treats. That way your dog will receive various nutrients from different food sources. Plus, blueberries are a sugary fruit and French bulldogs are prone to gaining weight.
Therefore, it is best advised to limit the blueberries serving frequency to once or twice per week.
A word of caution
If feeding blueberries for the first time, keep a close eye on your French bulldog for 24 hours. Also, when feeding for the first time, start small – offer just one blueberry. If there are no digestive trouble signs, you can gradually increase the amount until reaching the recommended portion size.
Where to buy blueberries for French Bulldogs?
Blueberries can be found in the fruit section at your local grocery store or the farmer’s market. If possible, buying organic is ideal. That way, you will not have to worry about pesticide residues.
Plus, organic farming is an environmentally-friendly and sustainable way of growing foods. Blueberries are usually packed in a plastic bag or special container.
How to store and clean the blueberries?
Once you bought the blueberries home store them in the refrigerator. You can store them in their original package or in an airtight container.
Before serving, wash your hands and open the bag. Packed blueberries are usually washed before packing. However, it does not hurt to rinse them once again.
If using non-packed blueberries, you need to wash them thoroughly. You can perform the washing before storing or before serving.
How to prepare and serve blueberries to French Bulldogs?
If you had the blueberries stored in the refrigerator, make sure they are fresh and edible. If they look as something you would eat, then they are good for your French bulldog too. On the other hand, if there are signs of decay, discoloration, or molding, they should be discarded.
Blueberries are a versatile fruit that allows you to express you culinary creativity. There are several ways of adding blueberries to your French bulldog’s menu:
- Using them fresh and raw as a treat
- Sprinkled on top of the regular meal
- Pureed and mixed with other fruits and veggies and baked as dog-friendly cookies
- Pureed and mixed with other fruits, veggies and low-fat, unsalted, unsweetened yoghurt or lactose-free milk and served in the form of a dog-friendly smoothie
- Frozen in an ice cubes tray and served as refreshing treats.
WHAT ABOUT OTHER BLUEBERRIES PRODUCTS FOR FRENCH BULLDOGS?
🐶Frozen blueberries (mixed fruits)
Frozen blueberries are generally safe for dogs. However, because of the French bulldog’s specific jaw anatomy is better to let the frozen blueberries thaw before feeding.
Frozen fruit mixes containing blueberries should not be served to French bulldogs unless you are certain that all of the fruits in the mix are dog-friendly.
🐶Blueberry jams
Blueberry jams are delicious but sadly a no-go for French bulldogs and dogs in general, as they are loaded with sugars and other additives.
🐶Blueberry muffins, pies, and baked goods
This section is definitely a not safe for French bulldogs. In addition to the added sugars and conservatives, most of these products contain xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetenr and it is extremely toxic to dogs.
WHAT KIND OF FRUIT CAN A FRENCH BULLDOG EAT?
Many fruits are categorized as dog-friendly. These are some of the most popular:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Berries
- Cantaloupe
- Kiwis
- Mangoes
- Melons
- Peaches
- Pears
- Pears
- Pineapples
- Watermelons.
We should emphasize that the fruits on the list are safe only when used adequately and moderately.
Adequately means with the stems, pits, leaves, and skins removed. Moderately means they should not account for more than 10% of your French bulldog’s daily food intake.
TO SUM UP: CAN FRENCH BULLDOGS EAT BLUEBERRIES?
Keep in mind that dogs used to be carnivores. The domestication process messed with their diet mojo and made the omnivores. Therefore, although dogs love particular plant-based food, they are not a staple food.
However, the answer to the question can French bulldogs eat blueberries is yes. As long as you feed your French bulldog a complete and balanced dog food, blueberries can safely be used as tasty and well-appreciated treats.
Finally, we should note that French bulldogs have a sweet tooth, and once introduced to blueberries; they can become addicted to them. Plus, they can get overly excited when offered blueberries, so watch out for your fingers.
