Can Dogs Eat Mulberries? Are they Safe for Dogs?

Mulberries are the fruits from mulberry trees and part of the fig and breadfruit family that originates from China. Mulberries are either black, white or red and are typically made into jam, wine, fruit juice or eaten as a snack.

These berries are a healthy snack that are low in salt and fat. Mulberries are a good source of protein and iron and rich in vitamin C and vitamin K.

Yes, mulberries are not considered toxic to dogs. However, you should only feed your pup ripe mulberries to allow them to travel easily through the digestive system and avoid giving them too many as this could cause diarrhea.

Should you feed your dog mulberries? Mulberries can provide several health benefits to canines if eaten in small amounts.

Mulberries are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They contain important nutrients including fiber, iron and vitamin C.

If eaten in moderation, other benefits for dogs include:

Good source of antioxidants – antioxidants are an essential part of a dog’s diet because they protect from oxidation, which is the damage caused by free radicals. If free radicals are not removed from your dog’s body safely then can cause health problems such as arthritis or joint problems. Resveratrol is an antioxidant present in mulberries that fights against aging in both animals and humans.

Boost the digestive system – mulberries contain soluble and insoluble fibers that help keep the digestive system functioning well. For the same reason, too many mulberries can cause the digestive system to work too well, resulting in diarrhea.

Maintains healthy bones – the calcium, vitamin K, magnesium and phosphorus present in mulberries help your pet to maintain a healthy skeleton. Healthy bones help pups to recover after being injured.

Brain repair and protection – mulberries can even aid the repair of brain cells, helping your dog learn new things, understand commands and enhance their lifestyle and abilities as they grow older.

Enhanced blood circulation – the iron found in mulberries boosts the production of red blood cells, ensuring that oxygen reaches every cell and muscle.

Help fight types of cancer – mulberry fruit contains a chemical called anthocyanins, which is known for preventing tumors, especially ones found in the gastrointestinal tract. This type of cancer is rare in dogs, however it’s another benefit to giving your pet mulberries.

Prevents obesity – obesity is a serious health concern for dogs and it can be hard to reverse the excess gained weight. Mulberries are a low-calorie choice of snack that can help control the glucose level in your dog’s body. They also help to reduce fatty acids, which reduces overall body weight.

Too many mulberries can cause an upset stomach so no more than a handful of mulberries should be given to your pup at one time. This juicy fruit can be given a few times per week as a delicious snack or treat.

When you introduce dogs to new foods, you should do so gradually and observe their reaction. Although it’s unlikely that canines will have an allergic reaction to mulberries, it’s important that you check for any of the following signs, which could indicate an allergy:

• Red or itchy skin
• Coughing, sneezing or wheezing
• Discharge from the eyes or nose
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you think your pet is having an allergic reaction to mulberries or any other new food, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.

Are mulberries poisonous to dogs? Can dogs get sick from eating mulberries?

Mulberries are not poisonous and it’s a good idea to let your dog eat mulberries occasionally, however eating too many of them can cause a dog to have diarrhea.

Unripe mulberries are hallucinogenic to both humans and dogs and should be consumed. As mulberries ripen the chemicals that cause hallucinations change, making them much safer to eat.

Whilst not harmful, be mindful that mulberry juice will stain fur, muzzles and paws. To avoid a scrub in the tub after eating mulberries, try to avoid letting your dog walk in areas where there are fallen mulberries.

If you notice your dog munching on some mulberry leaves, don’t panic. The leaves on a mulberry bush will not harm your dog, however you should avoid letting your pup eat too many as they could cause indigestion issues when eaten in large quantities.

Dried mulberries contain high levels of sugar, making them a calorie-heavy snack for dogs. Eating more sugar than a dog needs could put your dog at risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

Yes, puppies can safely eat mulberries too. Nutrition is crucial to the development of puppies, so what they eat influences their immune system and overall growth. Mulberries can feature in a pup’s diet in moderation. A growing puppy’s tummy may be more sensitive than a fully grown dog’s stomach, so only introduce one or two mulberries to start with. If your puppy experiences any diarrhea or sickness, avoid giving him any more mulberries.

The best way to give your four-legged friend mulberries is in their natural form. Pick some fresh mulberries from a mulberry bush and wash them thoroughly in water to remove any pesticides or herbicides that may be on the fruit.

Avoid adding sugar to mulberries that you give your dog as this will turn them into an unhealthy choice of snack. For the same reason, avoid cooking mulberries for your pup as you’ll need to cook them in something that isn’t safe or healthy such as butter, adding extra fat and calories and making it an unhealthy choice of snack.