Can dogs or cats eat blackberries?

Let’s focus on dogs to begin with. After all, they are much more likely to give new things a try than our feline friends!

Dogs are omnivorous and scavengers by nature, meaning that many will happily eat fruit as part of their diet. Blackberries are a good example of a safe fruit for dogs, along with raspberries, strawberries, pears and bananas. These non-toxic berries can make a healthy, low-calorie snack-sized treat for dogs - plus they are very easy to serve.

Your dog can enjoy their blackberries whole, chopped or mashed, as long as the stem and leaves are removed. Moderation is key here, however, so make sure not to overdo it if you want to avoid stomach upsets.

Let’s look into a few more blackberry specifics so that we cover all of your frequently asked questions.

Can dogs eat wild blackberries?

Wild blackberries are safe for dogs to eat as an occasional snack. It’s best to wash these first, however, to remove any chemicals or dirt before feeding them to your pet.

Can dogs eat frozen blackberries?

Frozen blackberries are fine for dogs to try, provided they are plain and not coated in other ingredients like sugar or sweeteners. It’s sensible to let them thaw slightly so that they are not too hard for your dog to tackle.

Can dogs eat blackberry jam?

We wouldn’t recommend giving your dog blackberry jam. Any health benefits offered by blackberries will be undone by the high levels of sugar in the jam. Reduced sugar versions could be even more problematic, especially if they contain xylitol. This artificial sweetener is toxic to dogs.

Can dogs eat blackberry leaves?

Blackberry leaves are not recommended for dogs. Online sources say they contain cyanogenic glycoside, which releases cyanide when the plant tissue is damaged. Given there is little nutritional value in eating blackberry leaves, it’s best to give them a miss.

Can dogs eat blackberry seeds?

It would be very hard for a dog to eat a blackberry without also consuming the seeds! These tiny seeds are embedded within the fruit, each contained in a structure called a drupelet. This gives fruits like blackberries and raspberries their characteristic bumpy texture. These seeds are so small that they will pass through your dog’s digestive system without issue.

Can dogs eat unripe blackberries?

Unripe blackberries are less sweet and palatable than ripe ones. They are still non-toxic, however, so it should be ok if your dog accidentally eats a couple.

Are blackberries good for dogs?

Blackberries are known to be beneficial to people as they contain a variety of nutrients, including:

• Vitamins A,B,C, E and K

• Fibre

• Anthocyanins – antioxidants which give blackberries their colour

• Low in calories

More research is needed into the health benefits for dogs, however. It is worth remembering that most vets recommend sticking to your dog’s normal, high quality, complete diet as much as possible. This reduces the risk of stomach upsets and nutritional imbalances. But as far as healthy snacks go, it’s nice to know that blackberries aren’t a bad one!

How many blackberries can a dog eat?

Extras, including fruit and vegetables, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. Too many blackberries could cause mild digestive upset, such as vomiting and diarrhoea. Stick to offering a few blackberries at a time, as an occasional fruity snack.