Mulberries and their leaves have been used as holistic medicines for centuries. Dogs are also often eager to eat the ripe berries that fall from these berry-bearing trees.
As far as health advantages go, mulberries have been known to have several benefits for humans. Therefore, it is natural for pet owners to be curious whether their pets can consume mulberries. Or
Can Dogs Eat Mulberries?
Yes, dogs can eat mulberries.
It is safe for dog owners to feed their pets small amounts of ripe mulberries, including black mulberries, white mulberries, and red mulberries.
Mulberries are a nutrient-rich source of vitamins and minerals, providing numerous potential health benefits to dogs when eaten occasionally.
Besides being a low-calorie sweet treat for dogs, they are also a great source of calcium.
Mulberries that aren’t ripe have hallucinogenic properties, so avoid feeding them to your dog.
It is also important not to confuse mulberries with toxic berries like juniper berries and mistletoe berries, which are harmful to humans and pets.
Here are some tips for safely feeding mulberries to your dog.
Types of Mulberries?
White Mulberries
The white mulberry tree is a native Chinese tree. There is something about the leaves of this mulberry tree because it attracts a lot of silkworms.
White or slightly green berries are found on the plant.
You can feed your dog these white or green berries without any worries. To avoid overfeeding, give them limited portions at a time.
Red Mulberries
It is safe for dogs to eat red mulberry fruit. They are high in insoluble fibres. The antioxidants they contain prevent the formation of free radicals. Consumption of these berries will also increase the efficiency with which red blood cells are produced.
Dried Mulberries
Dogs can safely consume dried mulberries. The sugar and calorie content of this variety are on the higher side.
There is a possibility that puppies might find it challenging to chew on them.
Are mulberries healthy for dogs?
Consumption of mulberries offers the following health benefits to dogs:
- The presence of vitamins K and C boosts immunity and helps the body fight against potential diseases.
- In addition to regulating a dog’s bowel movements, the fibre in mulberries helps improve the digestive system.
- The anthocyanins in mulberries also prevent tumours in dogs from growing, which is another important benefit of mulberries.
- It contains iron, which is vital for the circulatory system. It assists in improving red blood cell production and aids blood vessel function.
- Mulberries may improve brain function in dogs by protecting and speeding up the repair process of brain cells, preventing brain degeneration, and improving learning.
- Mulberries provide vitamins and minerals that help dogs recover broken bones more quickly.
- Due to their high antioxidant content, mulberries aid in slowing down the ageing process in pets. Antioxidants also help fight and clean free radicals present in the body, reducing the probability of heart disease.
How do you feed your dog mulberries?
Following these simple instructions will ensure that your dog receives mulberries healthily and safely:
Seek the advice of a veterinarian – Like all other fruits, mulberries contain fructose (natural sugar).
Excessive consumption of fructose might spike your dog’s blood sugar levels.
Please consult your veterinarian before giving this fruit to your dog, especially when they have diabetes. There is a strong chance that the vet will discourage you from doing so.
Ensure ripeness: Due to the possibility of the unripe fruit causing hallucinations in your dog, you should only feed them ripe mulberries.
Wash the berries. Ensure you wash the mulberries properly before offering them to your dog.
Only fresh mulberries should be given to the dog. Ensure that they are uncooked and without any seasonings or fats that can irritate your dog.
Limit the portions. In humans and animals, excessive food consumption (no matter how healthy it appears) can harm their health. The same applies to mulberries as well.
It is always advisable to contact a veterinary doctor, who will prepare a food chart for your pet.
There are a lot of factors to consider when preparing a diet plan for pets, including the dog’s breed, weight, medical conditions (if any), etc. Using this information, the vet will plan a food routine for your dog and determine the appropriate serving size.
Side effects associated with offering mulberries to dogs?
Dogs can consume mulberries, but there are some potential downsides:
- Unripe berries can cause hallucinations in humans and dogs.
- The possibility of your dog exhibiting an allergic reaction is always present when they consume a new food. So, it is recommended to always start by offering a small amount and monitor your dog for allergy symptoms, including itchy skin, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
- Your dog may experience digestive upset if he consumes large amounts of mulberries, as their insoluble fibre content (75%) is higher than their soluble fibre content (23%).
- Mulberry juice is prone to leaving stains on clothes, furniture, and your dog’s fur. Try to keep your dog from stepping on fallen berries if you walk them near mulberry trees, as the stains can spoil your clothes.
Conclusion
Canines can enjoy this healthy fruit on an occasional basis. There is hardly any risk associated with dogs eating ripe mulberries.
However, they should stay away from those mulberries that have fallen on the ground and have remained there for an extended period.
It is not unusual for dog owners to notice their pets developing diarrhea after eating too many mulberries. You should start with giving small portions if you’re unsure how your dog’s body will react to the fruit.
Immediately notify your veterinarian if you notice your dog displaying an adverse reaction after eating mulberries.
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