You adore your canine companion. You give him your affection and your attention. You might be wondering if you can offer him a treat now and then, like some of the blueberries you’re snacking on. The quick answer is…
Yes, but only if you take a few precautions. Let’s start with some background on the factors that affect what we and our dogs eat.
Table of Contents
Humans, Canines, and Genetics
When considering whether or not you may feed different people meals to your dog, keep in mind that all animals have different genetic makeups. Genes can be thought of as ingredients. Various mixes produce organisms, whether they be plants, people, bacteria, or dogs.
Chimpanzees and humans share 98.8% of their DNA, according to research. It’s 84 percent with dogs.
It’s the difference in percentages that determines whether something is safe to eat or not. As Swiss-German physician Paracelsus, the father of toxicology, would explain, a lot depends on the amount or dose. Let’s take a closer look at the blueberry question now that we have this information.
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Nutritional Benefits of Blueberries
Our genetic makeup determines whether or not giving blueberries to your dog is beneficial. Because of our different feeding habits, dogs and humans have different nutritional needs. Humans are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and meat. When it comes to canines, it all depends on the species. The domestic dog, according to many experts, is a carnivore.
In terms of nutrition, this means that some animals have evolved biological methods for obtaining certain vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C, for example, is a nutrient that people cannot produce in their bodies. As a result, we must obtain it through our food.
The nutritional requirements of the National Research Council (NRC) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) will be used to determine the efficacy of feeding blueberries to your dog.
Many of the minerals found in these fruits, such as magnesium, potassium, and riboflavin, are also found in the list of essential nutrients for dogs. The amounts differ. Some are of no benefit to canines’ health. Others have some as well. Blueberries also include nutrients that your dog won’t require in large amounts. The main message is that your pet can benefit from a variety of nutrients.
Antioxidants and Your Dog
The antioxidant content of blueberries is one of the most common health messages you’ll hear about them. They provide protective advantages. According to certain studies, it may help dogs deal with the negative effects of brain aging. Unfortunately, when dogs age, they develop dementia as well. As a result, a diet rich in antioxidants may aid in preserving your pet’s quality of life.
There’s another twist to this story before you replace his kibble with blueberries. Too much of a good thing—in this case, antioxidants—doesn’t make it better. Antioxidants can even backfire because the free radicals they control have beneficial health benefits. It’s all about striking the right balance. For another reason, that factor is crucial.
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Blood Sugar Maintenance
When it comes to your dog’s blood sugar or glucose levels, stability is also a factor. Some pets suffer from a condition known as diabetes mellitus, which causes them to lose their balance. Blueberries have the disadvantage of containing easily digestible carbohydrates, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Some dogs may be harmed or even killed in the process of this.
If you have a diabetic dog, you’re probably already closely monitoring his diet and controlling his blood sugar levels with a canine form of insulin. To be fair, you’re not going to feed your dog a bowl of berries all at once. It’s possible that this will make the question moot. However, before giving your pet blueberries, we highly urge you to consult your veterinarian.
How to Feed Your Dog Blueberries
If your veterinarian gives you the go-ahead, give your dog a few to observe how he reacts. He’s probably eating them in his dog food right now. Many commercial diets and treats include a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure that your pet is getting enough nutrition. Blueberry-flavored ones are also possible.
Blueberries can be fed to your dog fresh or frozen. Even if it’s merely to make them easier and less messy to handle, we’d prefer the latter. In light of that, we recommend feeding them to him outside rather than inside the house. You can use these instead of other treats as a training assistance. Remember to keep foods that aren’t part of your pet’s usual diet to no more than 10% of his daily consumption. This point is about maintaining nutritional balance.
Final Thoughts on Feeding Blueberries to Your Dog
When it comes to a nutritious dog treat, berries might not be the first thing that springs to mind. It turns out that you can occasionally offer him blueberries to add variety to his diet. Berries are cheap when they’re in season. If you’re lucky, your dog will share his new pleasure with you so you may both benefit from the health advantages of eating fresh fruit.
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