Blueberries are eaten around the world and are also used to prepare several other products like jams, chocolates, cake, etc. Blueberries are a superfood. They are low in calories and pack several minerals and nutrients.
Blueberries are proven to be extremely healthy for humans. But are they good for one of the most popular breeds of dogs, French Bulldogs?
Let’s find out in detail.
So, can french bulldogs eat blueberries? Yes, Blueberries are totally safe and healthy for French Bulldogs. Blueberries are small in size. So, they don’t pose a choking hazard. But when you are feeding small puppies, it’s better to cut them in half before offering them to your dog. Blueberries are a very healthy snack for your dog as it contains Vitamins C and K, minerals, and antioxidants.
Blueberries are very popular and delicious fruit. They are native to North America and are mostly produced in the USA and Canada. Blueberries are mostly of two types- Highbush and Lowbush. Both are equally nutritious.
Blueberries are proven to reduce the chances of cancer in dogs but keep in mind that they should not become the main diet for your dog. You should feed only 10 or even fewer blueberries at a time, depending on the size of your French Bulldog. Other than this, it is very safe as well as a nutritious snack for your dog.
Things to remember before feeding blueberries to French Bulldogs
You should always take care of a few things before feeding blueberries to your French Bulldog:
Never make Blueberries the main food for your dog. It is a treat. It should be offered in a moderate amount. 10, or even less. Not more than that.
Blueberries are an excellent replacement for Dog Cookies. If you have a small puppy, introduce him to blueberries at a young age. He will grow up loving it and eat it for the rest of their lives.
Wash the blueberries properly before offering them. It will wash away insecticides and dirt.
Try to bring variety to your French Bulldog’s food. Like us, they will also get bored if you only give them Blueberries as a treat and nothing else. So, introduce some other fruits from time to time.
Make sure that your French Bulldog isn’t allergic to blueberries. Remember, when in doubt, consult your vet.
Benefits of Blueberries for French Bulldogs
Blueberries are one of the best fruits for several reasons. They are nutritious and are very helpful in keeping your French Bulldog healthy. The following are the facts that prove the benefits of Blueberries:
They are low in calories- Blueberries have a significantly lower calorie count than most other fruits. This makes them a good option for snacks as your French Bulldogs can munch on them without worrying about gaining weight.
They are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Manganese.
Blueberries help to control the cholesterol level. They are incredibly healthy for the heart and prevent the risk of heart attacks.
They allow efficient blood circulation as they control the blood pressure.
They also help in improving blood sugar levels in the body. Being low in calories, they help to control high blood sugar.
Blueberries also contain antioxidants. They improve the immunity of your dog and also helps to avoid oxidative stress. They protect the dogs from free radicals. Lowbush blueberries contain a higher level of antioxidants than highbush. However, they are both equally healthy for your dog.
Are blueberries poisonous to French Bulldogs?
No. Blueberries aren’t exactly poisonous. They belong to the rose family in the plant kingdom.
The seeds of such plants contain an extremely low quantity of hydrogen cyanide which is poisonous. But the quantity is just not enough to do any harm to your dog. You need to feed him thousands of blueberries at a time to even moderately affect them, which is impossible.
What you need to consider is that commercially produced blueberries may contain insecticides on their peels. So, you must wash them properly before offering them to your dogs. If you grow them organically in your garden or backyard, there is nothing to be worried about.
You should also watch out for allergies. Notice your dog’s skin after offering them blueberries for the first time. If you see signs of allergy, never feed your dog blueberries again. Otherwise, it is totally safe.
Can we offer French Bulldogs other foods made from blueberries?
Most of the food items we make from blueberries like Blueberry Pancakes, Syrups, and Jelly contain very high sugar levels. So, if you feed your dog such thing, you expose him to high blood sugar levels, and instead of being an elixir, blueberries will turn out to be poison.
So, it is advisable not to offer such food to your dogs. However, you can make homemade sweets using Blueberries that have low sugar levels after consulting your vet.
How to balance a French Bulldog’s diet?
To keep your dog healthy and cheerful, it is mandatory to feed them a balanced diet. Blueberries should never be the primary food for them. Always feed them quality dog food.
Try and avoid cheap dog food because they contain cheap ingredients. This doesn’t mean you buy the most expensive ones either.
Analyze the food before buying it. Don’t fall for the advertisements and marketing gimmicks. The best dog food is the one that fulfills nutritional requirements for your dog, including French Bulldogs.
Blueberries should only be given as a treat. This will complement the main food and balance the diet of your French Bulldog by providing nutrients that the dog food may not have. This way, your dog will remain fit and happy!
What other treats can I offer my French Bulldog?
Don’t have blueberries. Worry not. There are plenty of other healthy fruits and snacks that you can offer your dog:
- Apples – Just remove the seeds and core before giving them apples
- Peach – A very nutritious food for dogs. Again, remove the seeds before offering.
- Carrots – A very healthy snack for dogs.
- Watermelon – Helps to keep your dog well hydrated. Just like most other fruits, try and remove the seeds first.
- Banana – A great source of nutrients for your French Bulldog. They love bananas.
- Cooked Eggs – You can offer cooked eggs occasionally. But not scrambled eggs or any other oily food.
Apart from the food items mentioned above, you can also consider peas, green beans, cooked sweet potatoes, broccoli, etc.
Just remember to consult your vet before offering any new food to your dog, just to be on the safe side.
What not to offer your French Bulldog?
Here is a list of some food that you must NEVER offer your French Bulldog:
Alcohol – Alcohols can be very dangerous to dogs. Don’t give them alcohol or any alcoholic products.
Avocado – Avocados are toxic to all dogs, including French Bulldogs. Don’t ever feed them raw Avocados.
Caffeine – Caffeine can do a lot of harm to your dogs. Make sure to keep your French Bulldog away from it.
Chocolates – Just keep this in mind. Chocolates are poisonous and fatal for dogs. If your French Bulldog accidentally eats even a single bite, rush to the vet ASAP.
Garlic and Onions – Both Garlic and Onions are toxic for dogs. Never offer them these.
Grapes – Grapes, as well as Raisins, are deadly for all dogs.
Cat Food – The way cat food is prepared is very healthy for cats. But the same food can cause harm to your dogs. So, refrain from feeding cat food to your dogs.
Summary
Blueberries are very safe and extremely healthy for your French Bulldogs. They are adorable, have a mild temperament, and are among the most popular dog breeds around the world.
Dogs are truly a gift for mankind. They are loyal to us, always look after us, and their love is selfless. A dog truly is man’s best friend. It is only appropriate that we treat them well and keep them healthy by offering them, perhaps the healthiest berry of them all, The Blueberry!