As a pet parent, you will always prefer the best for your dog. Keeping that in mind, can dogs eat mulberry? You might have a mulberry tree in your backyard offering some sumptuous taste of savory berries. However, considering the fact that some human foods are not recommended for dogs, you might want to think it through.
Mulberries are not known to be toxic to dogs as long as they are offered in moderation. In fact, the berries travel easily through a dog’s digestive system and do not raise any serious health concerns. Therefore, yes, dogs can eat mulberries.
With that said, it is important to find out more about why mulberries are safe, along with some variations that you should avoid. Let’s discuss.
Is mulberry safe for dogs?
Yes, mulberries are safe for dogs only if they are provided in moderate amounts occasionally. Apart from being easily digestible, mulberries carry several important health benefits and should preferably be eaten in ripe form since it is a natural fruit.
It needs to be kept in mind that dogs are carnivores, and their digestive system is not designed to digest human food. Therefore, as long as you are providing small amounts, your dog should not have a problem with it. Otherwise, the berries can irritate the digestive system causing diarrhea or running stools.
Plus, if you observe that your dog has not developed a liking for the berries, you should avoid forcing it to eat them.
Can dogs eat unripe mulberries?
Some people are of the view that dogs should be offered unripe mulberries. The fact is that if the humans do not like it, your dog probably won’t either.
Unripe mulberries have a greater chance of upsetting your dog’s stomach. Additionally, unripe mulberries are also known to cause hallucinations in dogs. In fact, almost every type of berry in unripe form can result in hallucinations. Therefore, it is best to avoid them and wait until they fully ripen.
On the other hand, mulberries are also available in dried form. If you were wondering about their potential side effects, then be assured that dried mulberries are perfectly safe as well. They are packed with proteins and other essentials such as calcium, iron, fibers, etc.
Are mulberries toxic? Which ones to avoid?
No, normal mulberries are not toxic to either humans or dogs. However, it is suggested that mulberry should always be consumed in fresh ripe form. Unripe mulberries are known to cause some reactions.
However, red and white mulberry should not be eaten or fed in unripe form, plus their sap should be avoided. This is because mulberries in these forms are known to cause hallucinations and stomach upset.
Can dogs eat dry mulberries?
Yes, dogs can eat dry mulberries; however, they aren’t nutritionally safe. This is because dry mulberries have very high contents of sugar and calories, which are bad for dogs. High sugar and calories can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and obesity in dogs.
Health benefits of mulberries for dogs
Mulberries are a powerhouse when it comes to essential health benefits. They help promote blood circulation and contain vitamin C. Studies suggest that mulberries have the highest iron content than any other edible fruit. Iron helps increase the productivity of red blood cells, which improves blood circulation leading to decreased muscle fatigue and leaving your dog more energized.
Improve digestion
Mulberries contain a rich amount of fibers that help with smooth digestion. This means that your dog is less likely to experience constipation, cramps, flatulence, etc. However, you still need to offer berries in moderate amounts.
Strengthen the immune system
These berries come with alkaloids that help activate the alkaloids present in white blood cells to strengthen the immune system.
Reduce the risk of heart diseases and cancer
In addition to the immune-strengthening characteristics, mulberries contain resveratrol, a polyphenol that provides an antioxidant effect. This helps reduce the oxidative damage induced by the free radicals. As a result, the dog is able to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Plus, vitamin C is also offered in abundance that helps the dog get rid of cancerous elements.
Good for bones
And finally, since dogs rely on their bones to run, attack or defend, it is important that their bones remain healthy and grow strong. With that said, mulberries contain vitamin K, calcium, iron, and traces of Phosphorus and Magnesium to help preserve bone tissues.
Older dogs are more vulnerable to bone-related injuries, and offering them mulberries in small amounts will help provide the much-needed strengthening nutrients.
Nutritional facts about mulberries
While it is important to discuss the health benefits of mulberries, nutritional facts about mulberries should also be considered. Several studies are of the view that fresh mulberries are packed with 88% water content and 60.2 kcal of energy.
Moreover, it comes with 13.7 g of carbs, 11.3 g of sugar, 2.02 g of protein, 0.5 g of fat, and 2.38 g of dietary fibers. Meanwhile, mulberries in the dried state are known to contain a slightly higher percentage of these nutrients.
How can I give mulberries to my dog?
Mulberries should be served fresh from the plants in ripe form. If it’s your best time to offer mulberries to your dog, you should start with a small amount to see if your dog develops a taste. Plus, this also allows you to observe if your dog reacts or displays sensitivity to the fruit.
Even though mulberries can be baked, adding them to the treats is not a good idea. Baking breaks down many essential nutrients in mulberries that your dog requires. Plus, adding baked mulberries to a regular diet will allow them to have too many at once.
Instead, offer a handful of mulberries 2-3 times a week while closely monitoring your dog.
What types of berries are toxic?
Although mulberries won’t harm your dog, some will. Some of these berries are:
- Juniper berries
- Cherries
- Pokeberries
- Baneberries
Juniper berries
Juniper berries contain mild toxins that can make your dog sick. If offered in large quantities, your dog may throw up or experience severe diarrhea. And in the worst-case scenario, your dog might also suffer from kidney problems.
Cherries
The leaves, stems, and pit of cherries are known to contain cyanide, which can easily turn fatal if consumed by dogs. It can also lead to intestinal blockages that might require surgery.
Pokeberries
Pokeberries are not only highly poisonous to dogs but also to humans. The stems, leaves, and roots contain phytolacca, saponins, and oxalic acid that can cause respiratory depression, stomach upset, and seizures.
Baneberries
Baneberries are known to be amongst the most toxic berries for dogs. Even eating a few of them could lead to blisters, blood in urine, skin irritation, and damage to the cardiovascular or neurovascular system.
Related FAQs to mulberry and dogs!
Are white mulberries poisonous?
White mulberries are only harmful in unripe form as they contain a chemical called latex, which is toxic to both humans and dogs. However, they are safe to consume in ripe form and are easily digestible as well.
Are dogs allergic to mulberry trees?
Yes, dogs are allergic to fruitless mulberry trees. These trees produce very small, highly allergenic pollen every spring, which triggers loads of allergies in dogs.
Why does my dog like to eat mulberry leaves?
Some dogs like to eat mulberry leaves once they develop a taste for them. However, dog owners should keep them from eating too many. The reason is that mulberry leaves contain insoluble fibers that might irritate the digestive system. On the other hand, the leaves are also high in antioxidants that fight against free radicals.
Can dogs eat blackberries?
Yes, dogs can eat blackberries. These berries are low in calories and sugar; therefore, they can sometimes be offered as a snack.
Concluding our thoughts on whether dogs can eat mulberries!
Mulberries offered in moderate quantities provide several important nutrients and vitamins. Both humans and dogs should consume it in ripe form and occasionally. Plus, it is equally important to be aware of some types that can be toxic and, therefore, should be avoided. And, if you observe that your dog is reacting to mulberries, you should avoid offering them in the future and opt for treats that do not trigger reactions.
