Can French Bulldog Eat Blackberries? A Complete Guide To Frenchie Blackberry Consumption
French bulldogs are probably one of the cutest breeds out there. However, as a Frenchie owner, you know that they are more sensitive than most breeds. One day, an article pops up about blackberry consumption in dogs. Because Frenchies are susceptible to some medical conditions, you wonder – can french bulldogs eat blackberries?
Let’s shorten the uncertainty: Yes, Frenchies can eat blackberries. French bulldogs don’t have special dietary needs and these berries are mostly safe for their consumption! However, like with any food, you need to be cautious about certain things.
In this article, we’re going to cover all of that! How safe are blackberries for french bulldogs and do they offer any health benefits? Are there even some potential risks, and how to avoid them? To find out more, read along!
Can French Bulldogs Eat Blackberries
As we mentioned before, blackberries are safe for your Frenchie. However, these small fruits can be great only when given as a healthy treat. That means that the quantity has a really big role here. Blackberries can have a lot of health benefits to your dog if they consume a few blackberries occasionally.
However, if your Frenchie somehow gets its paws on the whole package: you’re in for some trouble. When french bulldogs consume too many blackberries they can have issues with their digestive system and you can even risk a visit to the vet.
Because they are considered small dogs, they have a harder time digesting this fruit, unlike some other breeds. When they eat an excessive amount of berries, french bulldogs can experience vomiting and diarrhea. Also, because they are so sensitive, that can potentially lead to some other health-related issues.
So, keep in mind: moderation is key!
Nutritional Value
Before we start digging deeper, we need to cover the nutritional value of these dark berries. Blackberries are low carb, containing only 62 calories in a one-cup serving. In that same serving, they contain 1 gram of fat and only 14 carbohydrates.
Some may even call blackberries a superfood! This is because they are high in crucial vitamins and minerals. Next to that, they are filled with fiber and antioxidants.
In this table, you can see the nutritional value of a one-cup serving of blackberries, which is around 144 grams.
Protein | 2 grams |
Dietary fiber | 7.6 grams |
Sugar | 7 grams |
Vitamin A | 308 IU |
Vitamin C | 30.2 mg |
Vitamin E | 1.7 mg |
Vitamin K | 28.5 mcg |
Calcium | 41.8 mg |
Water | 127 grams |
As you can see, blackberries are mostly made out of water! Next to that, they have numerous types of vitamins, such as Vitamin C, E, K, and A! These are all beneficial to your Frenchies health – and even yours!
Health Benefits
We suppose that all these charts and numbers don’t mean too much to you. Well, here we’re going to explain how these vitamins and minerals influence your dog’s wellbeing. It’s important to note that with blackberries and Frenchies: less is more. These benefits can occur only if you give this fruit to your pet in moderation.
Let’s start with antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for protecting the body from free radicals. Antioxidants also slow down the aging process of your dog. They generally neutralize any kind of chronic inflammation and help with numerous health problems. When used adequately, they can even help in cancer therapy.
Just like people, dogs need vitamins to stay healthy. This is why blackberries can be a great way for them to get the needed amount. Vitamins A, C, E, and K are crucial for your pet, and instead of giving them vitamin supplements, an occasional blackberry can do the trick.
Another great thing about blackberries is that they are high in omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help your Frenchie with skin and coat improvement. Fiber is also one of the main health improvers that you can find in these berries. Fiber can help your dog’s digestive system to function properly.
It’s good to note that blackberries are exceptional treats for dogs because they are lower in sugar than other fruits. This automatically makes them a much safer option than bananas or strawberries. When picking a fruity treat for your Frenchie, keep in mind that the less the sugar – the healthier the treat.
How Much Is Too Much
Now you know that you need to watch out for quantity. However, what does “occasionally” even mean? Is it a few times a day, or a few times a week? No worries, we’re going to explain.
Unfortunately, you shouldn’t give your Frenchie berries more than once a week. Again, because of their size and breed, the portion size is much smaller than in other dogs. French bulldogs shouldn’t eat more than two berries in one sitting, once a week.
When it comes to younger Frenchies, that amount shouldn’t exceed more than one blackberry. Pups should not eat blackberries at all!
Potential Risks
When it comes to potential risks, most of them are connected with excessive blackberry consumption. As we mentioned before, some of the most common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea – or both. Your dog can even suffer from more gastrointestinal upsets, like gas or bloating.
One more risk is definitely allergies. Although it’s very unlikely that your Frenchie is suffering from blackberry allergies, it’s a possible threat. Before giving your french bulldog any new treat, give them a very small piece and wait for 24 hours. If your dog experiences some reaction, there’s a chance that it’s an allergy.
Some symptoms include skin inflammation, itching, and excessive licking. If you notice any of those symptoms, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Final Words
So, there you have it! French bulldogs can definitely eat blackberries. However, you need to give them in moderation to stay in the healthy range. When given in moderation, blackberries can do wonders for your Frenchies’ health!
This superfood is healthy and yummy, and your pup is most certainly going to enjoy it.