All About Blueberries

Blueberries are kind of like a natural multivitamin for your dog. Unlike many other fruits, blueberries are quite low in sugar and that means they're low in calories. They’re also high in healthful nutrients. The real power of blueberries is that they have the most antioxidants of any fruit. 

Blueberries are chock-full of vitamins, like vitamins A, C, E, K, folate and choline. 

Blueberries deliver some minerals too, like manganese, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and potassium. 

Vitamins A, C and E are all antioxidants and so are minerals like manganese. That blue-purple color in blueberries? It comes from flavonoid pigments called anthocyanins. Antioxidants are superheroes for your dog's cells. They protect against the damage caused by oxidation. During oxidation, your dog’s body produces damaged cells called free radicals. These damaged cells lack an important molecule. To make themselves whole again, they steal that molecule from other cells and starts a chain reaction. Free radicals are a natural byproduct of metabolism.  But free radicals also come from toxins your dog gets exposed to. Your dog can get those toxins from all kinds of things in his life. If left unchecked, too many free radicals can lead to damaged DNA and chronic disease. Your dog needs antioxidants to help control the free radical damage because antioxidants help protect your dog's cells from harm. This will also help your dogs immune system. 

As an added bonus, studies show that adding antioxidants to a dog’s diet reduces the effects of brain aging, which is great if you have a senior dog. 

There are studies that show blueberries may have strong effects on brain health and help support cognitive function.  

You can use probiotics to help maintain proper gut flora. But now it turns out that blueberries may also be good for your dog's gut. A 2018 University of Georgia studied the effects of blueberries on various elements of gut health. They found that blueberry supplementation can nourish natural gut bacteria and support gastrointestinal mucosa. Anthocyanins are part of the reason for this effect because of their ability to support a normal inflammatory response. Liver health and insulin sensitivity also improved and that suggests another way blueberries may help maintain healthy weight and normal blood glucose levels. The fiber in blueberries can support normal digestive function since fiber is nondigestible, it acts as a prebiotic and feeds the healthy bacteria in the gut. 

Blueberries help support a normal inflammatory response to help keep dogs in peak condition. chronic inflammation is harmful and can lead to many diseases including, Arthritis and Cardiovascular disease. Blueberries can help support a normal inflammatory response to help support heart function and  research shows that blueberries support  cardiovascular health. 

If your dog is on the chubby side blueberries might help support weight loss. Blueberries may aid in proper weight management by limiting weight gain and slowing development of fat cells. Blueberries also improve gut health which can help with weight management. 

A healthy gut helps support a healthy body. Around 90% of the immune system comes from the gut. 

You might think of cranberries when your dog has a UTI but their cousin, blueberries, can promote bladder health too.

Dogs are prone to many of the same age-related eye conditions we are.  Blueberries may also help support eye function. One study looked at Nutrients For The Aging Eye. It found that many nutrients in blueberries could be helpful. Vitamin C is especially good for the eyes and blueberries offer a great source of this vitamin. 

Blueberries contain significant amounts of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which may improve a dog's immune system. In particular, Vitamin C reduces oxidative cell damage, improves the immune system, and may prevent cancer and autoimmune diseases in dogs. 

In one study, sled dogs ate blueberries to boost antioxidant levels so they could recover faster after competition.  Blueberries helped reduce post-exercise oxidative stress. This is also helpful even if your dog doesn't compete but even just after their daily walk or run is beneficial. 

Blueberries contain Quercetin, flavonol that lowers blood pressure and reduces risk of heart disease. 

Blueberries contain Myricetin, flavonol that may reduce risk of diabetes and cancer. 

Blueberries protect cholesterol from damage and improve heart function. 

Blueberries improve blood pressure 

Blueberries protect against aging and cancer 

Blueberries may prevent heart disease and heart strokes 

Blueberries help fight diabetes 

Silicon is a mineral found in moderate amounts in blueberries that may encourage healthy bone growth and the strengthening of connective tissues in the canine body. This mineral may help your dog's joints remain supple and fight off osteoporosis and arthritis as the dog ages. Silicon also promotes healthy growth of hair, nails, and skin. 

Blueberries contain small amounts of Vitamin B complex, meaning a variety of different B vitamins. These vitamins are responsible for critical cell functions and development, such as the production of energy to cells and the division and regeneration of cells. Vitamin B complex may also assist in neural regeneration and growth in the canine body, as well as the prevention of bladder stone formation. 

Alongside Vitamin C in blueberries, selenium may also be vital to the formation of a healthy immune system in your dog. This benefit also extends to the thyroid gland. Additionally, selenium has been found to help with joint health, improve skin and coat conditions, and prevent cancers in human clinical trials