Can Dogs Eat Mulberries?

You just got your hands on your nearest departmental store’s first batch of mulberries. Now, you want to sit down and have some while sharing with your dog. But the question is, can dogs eat mulberries?

The short answer is yes. Dogs can eat mulberries with ease. However, it has to be moderation. Too much consumption of this sweet fruit can lead to a few health risks. You do not want to play around with that.

In this five-minute read, we shall discuss the various aspects of feeding your lovely fur baby, mulberries.

Are Mulberries Safe For Dogs to Eat? What Are The Benefits?

When we think of mulberries, we think of their sweet taste that no one can get over (and how they are rarely available in the stores nearby). So, if we like them so much, what about our pups? Will they like it too?

Well, whether your unique doggo will prefer having mulberries or not is not something we can determine. It varies for different dogs. But they can eat it. In moderation, this fruit will be beneficial for their health as well and can be safely added to your list of foods dogs can eat.

1. Contains vitamins and minerals

Mulberries are fully loaded with vitamins and minerals. Mulberries contain both iron and vitamin C, which is good for their immune system. Black mulberries have lots of vitamin K, supporting your dog’s heart health and blood circulation throughout the body. 

2. Dietary fiber

These nutrients support the overall health of your pooch. These fruits also contain dietary fibers. These fibers help in their digestion and smoothen bowel movement. 

3. Antioxidant properties

The antioxidant properties of mulberries can reduce oxidative in their body. Further supporting the immune system and strengthening their metabolism.

But is it all unicorns and rainbows for mulberry lovers and their dogs? 

Health Risks of Feeding Mulberries to Dogs

Any kind of food that is not fully unsafe for dogs must still be fed in moderation. Mulberries do not get a pass, either. So, you can give a few, but here’s why you should not give them a lot:

1. Digestive problems

As we mentioned before, mulberries are rich in dietary fiber. Dietary fibers do support obstructed digestion, but too many can still be very harmful to your pup. Too much fiber in their diet can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and an upset stomach. Especially if your dog is not used to eating them.

2. Allergic reactions

Now, this is a reaction that you do not want to take lightly. Some dogs can be allergic to a few of the nutrients in mulberries. Symptoms of allergic reactions can include hives, excessive itching and licking, swelling, and an upset tummy. 

Please keep in mind that allergic reactions can vary for each dog. So, it is better to be aware of your pup’s allergies before introducing any new food.

3. High sugar content

Mulberries are our favorite because of their sweet, juicy flavor. But doggy tummies do not work the same way as hoomans. So, the excessive sweetness might lead to an upset stomach and digestive problems. 

If your dog is diabetic, then it can be even more dangerous. Overconsumption of mulberries can baffle their already weak immune system.

4. Choking hazard

If you have a particularly small dog, your dog can easily choke on large pieces of mulberries. To avoid such situations, mulberries need to be chopped down or mashed into even smaller pieces. 

Thus, we can conclude that you need to be very careful when feeding your dog mulberries. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new food to their diet. Ask them about allergies and allergens in the food. Keep an eye out for any anomalous behaviors. And slowly add it to your pup’s well-balanced diet. 

Can Dogs Eat Mulberry Leaves?

Yes, it is safe for dogs to eat mulberry leaves. Mulberry leaves contain similar nutrients as the fruit. If you see your pup stuffing them in his mouth, it is okay to let them enjoy it as a small snack. These are not powerful enough to make them achieve nirvana.

However, it is still better to try and keep them from eating too many of the leaves and maintaining the same precautions as the fruits. Even though it won’t hurt them, it could give them digestive issues.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Mulberries?

Dried mulberries are the ones that have had their water removed from them. This results in a  much sweeter, crunchier versions. Fesh mulberries however contain more water content and a milder taste. It might be safe for dogs to eat dried mulberries, but nutritionally it is not a good choice. 

Dried mulberries are higher in calories and sugar and will cause your pet to eat more sugar than they need to. Too much sugar and calories in your pup’s diet makes them prone to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Final Thoughts

Mulberries are not the worst fruits for your pup. They can be fed to dogs with minor precautions. They lack any such toxic elements, unless you are aware of any existing components that might be harmful for your dog.

If you choose to be a responsible pet paw-rent, you can avoid most of the nasty disorders that might occur. Stay in touch with your veterinarian. Do not just let your sweet fur baby wander and consume what should NOT be in their diet.

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