Can dogs eat blueberries?
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen on Jun 14 2026· 2 min readKey takeaways
- Blueberries are safe for dogs in moderation and low in calories.
- Older exercise research links blueberry supplementation to raised antioxidant status in dogs.
- A newer 2025 controlled study found a more mixed effect on oxidative stress markers, so treat antioxidant claims as promising, not settled.
- Stick to a handful of berries based on your dog's size, not a daily habit.
Blueberries are considered a superfood thanks to their rich antioxidant and vitamin content. The good news is that dogs can enjoy blueberries, but like any treat they should be offered in moderation.
Health benefits of blueberries for dogs
Blueberries offer several benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants: vitamins C and K help protect cells and support the immune system. Older research in working sled dogs found blueberry supplementation raised antioxidant status measurably after exercise [1].
- High in fibre: supports healthy digestion.
- Low in calories: makes them a great treat for weight control.
Worth knowing: the most recent controlled study, feeding blueberries at 3% of the diet for four weeks, found no significant change in oxidative stress biomarkers after exercise, though it did note lower resting creatine kinase in summer, a possible early sign of heat-stress protection that needs more research before it can be called a benefit [2]. The antioxidant story is promising but not fully settled.
Good to know
Blueberries are palatable and low-calorie, and older exercise research links them to a real antioxidant boost in dogs. The newest controlled study found a more mixed picture, so treat the antioxidant benefit as promising rather than proven [1][2].
How much can your dog eat?
Blueberries are safe as an occasional treat, not a diet staple. Rough guidance by size:
- Small dogs: 2-3 blueberries.
- Medium-sized dogs: 5-6 blueberries.
- Large dogs: 8-10 blueberries.
In short, blueberries can be a healthy snack for your dog when offered sparingly. Always wash them thoroughly and feed them as part of a balanced diet.
Looking for everyday wellness support?
A treat here and there helps, but a consistent, complete diet does more of the heavy lifting for your dog's health.
Shop all dog productsReferences
[1] Dunlap KL, Reynolds AJ, Duffy LK. "Total antioxidant power in sled dogs supplemented with blueberries and the comparison of blood parameters associated with exercise." Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A, 2006;143(4):429-434. PubMed 16520073
[2] Maturana M, Castillejos L, Jose-Cunilleras E, Montserrat-Malagarriga M, Alcaraz J, García J, Martín-Orúe SM. "Effects of Blueberry Consumption on Preference, Digestibility, and Oxidative Balance in Dogs." Animals, 2025;15(10):1502. PMC12108248
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