If your dog loves blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, raspberries, and all types of berries, they may also want to get their hands on Acai berries. But wait—can dogs eat acai berries?
Well, it is best not to feed your dog acai berries, and instead feed other safe types of berries. But, if you feed in moderation, acai berries are safe for dogs. In this article, we have sorted out the confusing saga of acai berries and dogs.
Is Acai Good For Dogs?
If you are looking for the benefits of feeding your dog acai, then buddy, you are on the wrong track! We agree that acai is packed with antioxidants and many minerals, but the risk it can bring to your dog cannot be ignored. Why so? This is because acai has a compound called theobromine, which can be life-threatening to dogs (study). If you remember from our previous blog, it is the same toxic compound that makes chocolates an enemy to dogs. However, the good part is that in the case of acai, theobromine is not as concentrated or at high levels as it is found in chocolates.
Hence, only if you feed your dog small amounts of acai occasionally can it bring slight health benefits. Here are all the reasons why acai CAN be good for dogs:
- It has a lot of antioxidants to fight against diseases and improve your doggo’s immune response.
- Acai is packed with healthy fats that can give your dog a shiny and bright coat.
- Lastly, apart from its delicious taste, acai is high in fiber which means smooth poop sessions for your pooch!
Can Dogs Eat Acai in All These Ways?
Acai fruit is one of the human foods that is safe for dogs if you serve them in moderation. But can dogs eat all these varieties of acai as well? Let’s figure out:
1. Acai smoothie
- Your dog can have an acai smoothie .
- Do not add any sugar or artificial sweeteners.
- Only feed your dog an acai smoothie in minimal amounts.
2. Acai powder
- It is safe to eat in small amounts.
- You can mix them in food instead of serving them with a spoon.
- Avoid using acai powder that includes any sweeteners.
3. Acai sorbet
- It is a safe and super refreshing treat for dogs during summer if fed in moderation.
- You can mix other fruits like melon, avocado, watermelon, etc., to enhance flavor and make it more nutritious.
- Do not add any flavoring, coloring, or sweeteners, as acai sorbets are already very sweet.
Conclusion
Our final thoughts on “can dogs eat acai?” are yes, but only if moderation is maintained. The only thing that makes acai dangerous for dogs is how easy it is to be gobbled down. They are simply small balls of juicy flesh that any dog, be it small or large, can gobble down in large amounts. This is where it becomes problematic, as eating acai in high doses can trigger theobromine toxicity in dogs. A lot of it also depends on the individual’s tolerance and overall nutritional fulfillment.
Hence, if you want to feed your dog acai, please only feed them small amounts that too occasionally. Also, remember to consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog any new food item.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can feed your dog small amounts of acai puree occasionally. The only catch is not adding sugar or artificial sweeteners to their puree. The best way to serve would be to pour some puree over their meals to give them a nice flavor without putting too much risk on your dog’s health.
Acai juice is naturally high in sugar, so if your dog is diabetic, it is better to avoid it. However, small sips of acai juice should not harm your dog unless it contains harmful sugars or sweeteners like xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs (study). Also, you should monitor your dog for any allergic reactions.
Yes! You can feed your dog one acai or even more if they ask for it. As the levels of theobromine are less than that of chocolates, small amounts of acai are unlikely to cause any harm to your dog. However, please confirm with your veterinarian before introducing acai to your dog.
Till the point where you are serving your dog plain acai bowls, they will not cause any harm. But if you give them an acai bowl with fruits, nuts, granola, and artificial sweeteners, it can cause harm to your dog’s health.
