Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries? A Look at Safety and Benefits

Goji berries are often considered a superfood for people, but can dogs also enjoy the potential health benefits of these little red berries? Goji berries are not poisonous to dogs in moderation, but they are high in sugar and should only be given to dogs as an occasional treat. If consumed in large amounts, goji berries can contribute to obesity, digestive problems, or the histamines in the fruit can cause an allergic reaction in some dogs.

We'll explore the most recent veterinary insight and reference pet nutrition experts to give you an objective view of whether or not goji berries are a good choice for your dog. We'll cover the potential benefits and drawbacks, how many goji berries you should give your dog, and how to incorporate this source of antioxidants into your dog's diet safely. Armed with this information, you can decide whether or not to add this superfruit to your dog's treat menu.

Nutritional Benefits of Goji Berries for Dogs

Goji berries are full of vitamins and minerals that can help improve a dog's health. According to healthybud USA, they are high in vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as calcium, iron, fiber, and protein. The vitamins and minerals found in goji berries help to support bone, tooth, muscle, nerve, and enzyme health.

In addition, these brightly colored berries are also high in antioxidants, including carotenoids and polysaccharides. As shared by Darwin's Pet Food, goji berries are full of antioxidants like beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, which can help to support the immune system. In fact, their high antioxidant content may even help to prevent cancer, according to Dr. Jean Dodds as cited by Darwin's Pet Food.

Goji berries' fiber content can also help to support healthy digestion and ensure that dogs have regular bowel movements. Plus, their amino acids and proteins can help with muscle and tissue repair, as well as skin and coat health. There's also some evidence that goji berries can help to support a dog's eye and bone health, but more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Appropriate Portions and Moderation for Dogs

Despite the potential health benefits of goji berries, it's important to practice moderation when feeding them to dogs because of their sugar content. According to Dogster, the appropriate portion size for dogs depends on their size and weight, but it generally falls between 5-10 fresh berries or 1-2 teaspoons of dried berries per day. Smaller dogs should be given fewer berries, and larger dogs can be given a little more, but they should still stay within the recommended portion size.

DogTime recommends introducing goji berries slowly and watching for signs of an upset stomach or an allergic reaction. Goji berries should never account for more than 10% of a dog's daily caloric intake, and they should be used as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a dog's diet, according to Hepper.

Potential Risks and Adverse Reactions

Although goji berries are generally safe for dogs in moderation, some dogs may be allergic to goji berries, which can cause symptoms like itching, rashes, sneezing, or digestive issues, according to Goji Berry Is Not Toxic To Dogs 🐶. Overeating goji berries can cause gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort, according to Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries? Exploring Benefits and Risks. The high fiber content in goji berries can also cause digestive issues if consumed in high amounts or too quickly.

Goji berries can also interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and diabetes medications, so it's important to talk to a vet before giving goji berries to dogs who are on medications, according to Goji berries for dogs: What you should know - fellow.dog. Dogs with certain health issues, including diabetes and kidney disease, may need to avoid goji berries or consume them in limited quantities.

Types of Goji Berries That Are OK for Dogs

Fresh and dried goji berries are safe for dogs, as long as they are fed in moderation and within the recommended serving sizes, says The Dog Chef. Goji berry powder, which is created by grinding dried goji berries into a fine powder, is another form of goji berries that can be fed to dogs. It can be especially useful for adding goji berries to a dog's diet or homemade treats. However, the recommended serving sizes for goji berry powder should be followed since it's more concentrated and, therefore, easier to overfeed, according to fellow.dog.

Goji berry juices, extracts, or supplements aren't recommended for dogs since they may contain added sugars, preservatives, or other ingredients that could be toxic. The stems and leaves of the goji berry plant are safe for dogs, although they are unlikely to eat them since they are bitter, says Spoiled Hounds.

How to Feed Your Dog Goji Berries

If you want to feed your dog goji berries, there are a few ways to do it. According to healthybud USA, you can give them to your dog as a treat or add them to their regular diet or even to homemade treats. As with any new food, you should start with a small amount and work up to the recommended serving size to make sure your dog doesn't have any adverse reactions. This is especially important if you plan to feed your dog goji berries on a regular basis, as pointed out by Dogster.

If you have fresh goji berries, you can give them to your dog raw or cook them slightly to make them easier to chew. If you have dried goji berries, you can rehydrate them or crumble them over your dog's food. Dog Child says that you can also add goji berry powder to your dog's wet or dry food or use it to make homemade treats or supplements. No matter how you plan to use them, make sure you store them properly so they don't spoil and make your dog sick.

Conclusion: Use in Moderation and Consult a Vet

When used in moderation and with the proper precautions, goji berries can be a healthy and nutritious addition to a dog's diet. They contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that can help support a dog's health.

That said, it's important to stick to the recommended serving sizes, introduce goji berries to a dog's diet slowly, and watch for any negative side effects. Dogs with certain health conditions or who are taking certain medications should check with a vet before eating goji berries.

As long as you use them in moderation and follow your vet's advice, goji berries can be a safe and potentially helpful addition to your dog's diet.