Missysmom 24,975 Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 Blueberries Health Benefits For Dogs Blueberries are delicious and nutritious, and I am sure many dog parents would love to share this "superfood" with their fur kids, but some people wonder if blueberries are safe for dogs to eat. The answer is Yes! And the good news is, they are extremely beneficial to dogs as well. Nutritional Value of Blueberries A quick look at the nutritional profile of blueberries will make you understand why this little berry is so impressive: Vitamins: Blueberries are rich in vitamins C, K, folate and choline (part of the vitamin B complex family). Minerals: Blueberries are a good source of potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium. Phytonutrients: Colorful fruits and veggies are rich in phytonutrients, and blueberries are no exception. In particular, blueberries are packed with anthocyanins, flavonols (e.g. quercetin), and resveratrol. Fiber: Blueberries are also rich in fiber. How Fido Can Benefit from Blueberries All dogs can benefit from the powerful antioxidant properties of blueberries, but older dogs in particular should take advantage of the blueberry power for better eye, heart, and cognitive health. Heart Health: Numerous research results have shown that blueberries have direct positive impact on cardiovascular health. Blueberries strengthen the blood vessels, reduce the risk of inflammation, and protect blood components from oxidation. For older dogs and those with heart problems, we can use blueberries as one way to strengthen their cardiovascular health. Cognitive Benefits: Blueberries are rich in resveratrol and choline, two substances known for having antioxidant properties that protect nerve cells from oxidative stress. Thus, feeding blueberries to older dogs may help improve their cognitive functions, and may slow down the onset or progression of canine cognitive dysfunction. Eye Health: The phytonutrients (e.g. anthocyanins) in blueberries have antioxidant properties that are good for the eyes - they protect the retina from oxidation. Anti-Cancer: Ongoing research has generated some promising results showing that the antioxidant functions of blueberries may have anti-cancerous properties. Feeding Blueberries to Fido To preserve all the goodies (vitamins, phytonutrients, etc.) in the blueberries, the best way to eat blueberries is to eat them fresh. Add fresh blueberries to some yogurt and give it to your dog as a healthy treat. In the summer, use frozen blueberries to make yogurt pupsicles. (Recent research has shown that freezing blueberries will not damage their anthocyanin antioxidants. ) You can also add some fresh blueberries to cooked, cooled oatmeal for your dog. Oatmeal is rich in fiber, minerals, as well as folate and choline. It is a nutritious food for dogs who may have digestive issues. Oatmeal can also give older dogs cognitive function support, so if you add blueberries to oatmeal, your dog can get a "double punch" of goodies from this healthy snack. Precaution Blueberries are rather high in oxalates, so if your dog has or is prone to calcium oxalate stones, it is better not to give blueberries to your dog. Also, try to get organic blueberries to avoid pesticide residues on the berries. It has been found by the Environmental Working Group that blueberries grown in the USA are among some of the foods on which pesticide residues have been most frequently found. 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sophie's Haven 17,464 Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 Blueberries are vey healthful for our paws........as a matter of fact when I run out of my cranberry powder that I use for prevention of UTI I will be getting the blueberry powder........which has been found to be better the cranberry powder. Thankfully my guys like blueberries. Great information Vicki.......thanks for sharing with everyone. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Marlene 14,113 Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 I sometimes make a "meatloaf" for the dogs that includes buffalo and blueberries - I use dried. Good to know how healthy they are for all. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Leolove 813 Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 Joey gets handful of blueberries everyday.. he loves them! awesome information 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
baby 4,238 Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 Blue berrys are my furrkids favorite, they akways have them for dessert.... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Missysmom 24,975 Posted June 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 I've been giving them to Missy for a few weeks now and she Loves them! So I was real happy to see this in my newsletter today! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
babybluegirl 3,381 Posted September 30, 2015 Report Share Posted September 30, 2015 I'll have to look into these, Riley loves raspberries. babybluegirl 7:14pm 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PipsMom 34,988 Posted September 30, 2015 Report Share Posted September 30, 2015 Blue berrys are my furrkids favorite, they akways have them for dessert.... Anyone heard from Baby? Last time he was on was July....not responding to PM or emails. He always had the best grooming tips too. Miss the old bugger 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Missysmom 24,975 Posted September 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 30, 2015 No and I really miss him too.. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Summerangel 18,997 Posted September 30, 2015 Report Share Posted September 30, 2015 Blue berrys are my furrkids favorite, they akways have them for dessert.... Anyone heard from Baby? Last time he was on was July....not responding to PM or emails. He always had the best grooming tips too. Miss the old bugger The old bugger... That quote made me laugh... If he reads your message, he'll be replying soon... seriously though... We miss you baby... 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Missysmom 24,975 Posted September 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 30, 2015 i just PMd him too.. i Sure hope he comes back soon 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
beebalm 7,215 Posted October 1, 2015 Report Share Posted October 1, 2015 (edited) I also miss hearing from my awesome Uncle Baby who was always so nice to me and his gorgeous Tzu's which are my cousins who my Mom and I also miss Edited October 1, 2015 by beebalm 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PipsMom 34,988 Posted October 1, 2015 Report Share Posted October 1, 2015 (edited) i just PMd him too.. i Sure hope he comes back soon The PM I sent him over a month ago has never been read. I'm praying nothing's wrong, very usual. I know his sister set up the account and had hoped she would pick it up and respond...but nothing. Edited October 1, 2015 by PipsMom 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Missysmom 24,975 Posted October 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2015 So worrisome I miss him so much. Many prayers all is ok. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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