Blackberries Could Be the Best Berries to Give Your Dog — Here's Why

Blackberries can be simple to find. They are abundant at local grocery stores and farmer markets but grow wild in residential neighborhoods. And because they can grow so close to the ground, these may be the easiest fruits for your dogs to come across and eat on their own.

Typically, fruits are safe for your dog to eat, but that's not always the case, especially for fruits with toxic seeds. Can dogs eat blackberries or should you cut them out of your dog's diet? Here's what you need to know about these sweet berries.

Yes, PetMD says that you can give your dog blackberries. They are a low-calorie option that also has less sugar than other fruits like pineapples that pets may also enjoy. They're also pretty healthy and have nutrients and vitamins including:

• vitamins A, B, C, E, and K
• fiber
• antioxidants
• omega-3

Plus, the American Kennel Club states some of those antioxidants are anthocyanins. These "improve brain function, reduce inflammation, and can reduce the risk of some cancers." But there is a downside to feeding your dog blackberries. Giving your dog too much of them at once could be a health issue.

Despite all of this good news, that doesn't mean that you should give your dog too many blackberries at once. The American Kennel Club points out that because this fruit has fiber, eating too much in one sitting could cause upset tummies or digestive issues.

Additionally, according to WebMD, blackberries have xylitol, which is a natural sugar. Although it is generally safe for people, it is toxic for dogs.

To ensure you don't overfeed your dog, only give them small amounts of blackberries at once. The American Kennel Club says you should base the amount of fruit you give your dog on their size. You should only give a "tiny toy breed" a small amount, a couple of berries at once. But for larger breeds, you can safely give them a "handful." Afterward, watch how they react to the berries to ensure they don't have any adverse effects.

Although blackberries can be safe for dogs, jams or spreads made with the fruit are different. These products have additives, extra sugars, and other ingredients that can be unsafe for your pup. Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, a vet based in Texas, spoke to Chewy and said that .

If you give your dog a blackberry jam or spread, it's best to give them something homemade. This way, you are always aware of the ingredients and can make sure it's as healthy as possible for your pup. But when it comes to frozen blackberries, Pumpkin Pet Insurance says you should be careful because they can be a choking hazard.

Additionally, canned or wild blackberries can be a safe choice for dogs with some precautions. For one, don't give your dogs canned fruit that contains any additives because these can be unhealthy.

Wild berries can be eaten if they are cleaned off properly and are easily recognizable. This way, you are 100 percent sure what you're feeding your pup.