Can Dogs Eat Mulberries?
We all know that mulberries are healthy for human beings due to the nutritional values they contain, but are they safe for dog consumption?
In this post, we’ll examine this question, but the initial answer is yes, dogs can have mulberries, but in moderation. Ripe mulberries are not toxic to dogs; unripe ones aren’t recommended for dogs, especially puppies.Fresh Mulberries
Fresh mulberries are healthier for dogs to eat, but only in moderation. It’s worth mentioning that your dog has a sensitive stomach. All dogs do. New foods must be introduced little by little.
Cooked Mulberries
Cooking this kind of fruit won’t alter it, but try to avoid cooked mulberries anyway.
Cooking involves adding sugar, flour, some flavors, and other ingredients which can be unsafe for your dog’s health.
Dried Mulberries
Mulberries do not become harmful once they dry out, but their flavor becomes more intense.
Hence, vets do not recommend adding dried mulberries to your dog’s diet, because they will need to eat too much before they feel full, leading to an upset stomach.
White Mulberries
White mulberries are often found in China and North America. This fruit is deemed safe for humans and dogs as well.
Don’t panic if your dog tries these. They are safe.
Red Mulberries
Red mulberries grow in the southern area of the States. Yet, they can grow anywhere on the globe.
Just like white mulberries, red mulberries are safe for dogs to eat, especially if they are ripe. They may cause hallucinations if eaten too soon.
Black Mulberries
Black mulberries have long been used to produce medicine. Thus, not only are they safe to humans, but they are to dogs as well.
Bear in mind that black mulberries are healthier for dogs when they’re ripe. Never feed unripe berries to your dog.
Pros of Mulberries
Here is a detailed list of the health benefits that mulberries provide for your dog.
Mulberries Improve Blood Circulation
Mulberries are rich in iron, which is known to improve blood cells. This enhances your dog’s circulation. Blood cells pass oxygen to all body muscles and cells, ensuring a healthy blood circulation.
Mulberries Are Good For the Brain
Mulberries have positive effects on your dog’s brain. According to studies, mulberries can improve cognition, developing your dog’s ability to understand commands.
Mulberries Contain Antioxidants
Antioxidants can reduce the free radicals in your dog’s body. They help extend your dog’s life in general.
Mulberries Boost The Immune System
We are always happier when our dogs are healthy. Mulberries contain alkaloids. Alkaloids activate white blood cells, stimulating your dog’s immune system to fight against various diseases.
Digestive Benefits
One mulberry contains fiber (75% insoluble, 25% soluble). Both fiber types are great for your dog’s bowel movements, making his digestive process easier. It’s worth mentioning that fiber can reduce the possibility of your dog experiencing abdominal diseases.
Blood Vessel Support
In order for your dog’s blood to circulate properly, the vessels themselves must be healthy. Hence, adding some mulberries to your dog’s diet can help him maintain healthy blood vessels
Cons of Mulberries
Stomach Irritation
Due to their sweet taste, mulberries can cause diarrhea to dogs if eaten in excess. They are also rich in fiber which helps food pass through the dog’s GI, leading to diarrhea.
Dirty Coats
Mulberry juice can stain whatever it touches. Do not allow your dog to wander in the garden, especially when the ground becomes full of fallen mulberries. Letting him do so will dirty his coat, making it difficult for you to bathe him.
How to Serve These Berries
Since dogs shouldn’t eat mulberries in large quantities, serving them becomes easier.
Veterinarians really only recommend a handful of mulberries for your dog.
Mulberries and Hallucinations
Many types of mulberries can cause hallucinations when eaten too early. When they ripen, those impacts dissolve entirely.
What Is a Healthy Amount?
The amount of mulberries our canine friends can have differs from one dog to another. A small amount of mulberries is sufficient for small dogs, while larger dogs can eat a little more.
If your dog has never tried mulberries, begin with a couple of mulberries. This will get his stomach used to the new treat without any digestive issues.
Then, you can increase the amount little by little, up to a handful at the maximum.
Remember that if your dog experiences diarrhea after he eats mulberries, decrease the amount he eats.
Conclusion
If your dog eats a handful of mulberries, he will be fine. If he eats more than that, he will be pooping more frequently in the next few days. Also, when mulberries start falling off the tree, be watchful; your dog may sneak outside to get some.
