Blueberries! This wonderful superfood is a great treat for your dog, low in calories while rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. They make a great safe treat for your dog that doesn’t contain any empty calories and have been shown to improve overall health!
The nutrition facts assuming a 100g serving: 57 Calories, 84% Water, 0.7g Protein, 14.5g Carbohydrates, 10g of Sugar, 2.4g of Fiber, 0.3g Fat.
Blueberries are a good source of vitamin C, K and Manganese as well as beneficial antioxidants like Anthocyanins, Quercetin and Myricetin. These antioxidants may protect cells against free radicals helping to reduce the risk of many diseases including heart disease and cancer. These antioxidants are scavengers of the free radicals neutralizing them by giving up some of their electrons to the free radicals switching them “off”.
Anthocyanin is what gives blueberries their color and many of their health benefits, they possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which help to improve neurological health as well as protecting against non-communicable diseases.
Vitamin C we already know is a wonderful antioxidant which promotes a healthy immune system, bones, and teeth.
Manganese is an important trace nutrient that not only aids the body in forming bones and connective tissue as well as blood clotting factors. It is also essential for nerve and brain function and the metabolizing of carbohydrates, fat.
Myricetin, another powerful antioxidant which may be related to a lower risk of some cancers and has anti-inflammatory properties along with many other beneficial effects.
Quercetin, as we see in other heathy fruits and veggies, has anti-inflammatory effects, it helps control blood sugar, reduce swelling and fights cancer.
The wonders of these powerful berries never cease to amaze and they can be given as a great low fat, low calorie snack packed with nutritional benefits that your dog will just love.
Emily Charlton is a lifelong animal lover drawing on more than 12 years experience in a veterinary clinic.
Want an easy way to give your dog blueberries as a treat or food additive? Check out Nibbles freeze-dried blueberries, our healthy dog treat alternative.
