Why dogs can have it
Wild bilberries and the cultivated blueberries sold in shops are not toxic to dogs. They contain fibre, vitamin C and plant antioxidants and are low in calories, so the small berries make a good treat.
The berries contain natural sugar and fibre, so too many can upset digestion. A small dog that gulps hard frozen berries can choke.
Give berries picked in the forest only when you are sure they are bilberries: some wild berries are poisonous to dogs.
How to give it
- Wash the berries and give them fresh or frozen, with nothing added.
- For a small dog, the berries can be cut or squashed.
- The first time, give very little and watch how your dog feels.
- Give them only now and then, as a treat, not as part of the meal.
What to watch out for
- Too many berries can cause diarrhoea.
- Hard frozen berries can get stuck in a small dog's throat.
- Some poisonous wild berries can be mistaken for bilberries.
- Muffins, jams and desserts contain sugar, and "sugar-free" products may contain xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs.
What to give instead
- Strawberries Yes, strawberries are fine for dogs: wash the berry, remove the leaves, cut it up and give it as an occasional treat. Safe
- Apples Yes, apples are fine for dogs: give small pieces without the core and seeds, as an occasional treat. Safe
- Watermelon Yes, watermelon is fine for dogs: give small pieces of flesh without seeds or rind, especially as a cooling treat on a hot day. Safe
- Carrots Yes, carrots are fine for dogs: raw or cooked, unseasoned and cut into pieces, they make a crunchy, low-calorie treat. Safe
Looking for a treat?
The "Dog treats" category compares prices for 10,446 products across shops. It is a product category, not a recommendation of what to give.