Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries?

The Short Answer is:

Yes, dogs can eat Goji Berries. Don’t hesitate to give your adorable dog an occasional treat of 8 or fewer Goji Berries a few times a week. Avoid giving them to your beloved pet every day.

In this article you will know the answer to the query “Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries?“.

Dogs can eat Goji Berries because they are packed with nutrients but they should only be fed to them in moderate amounts and as occasional treats only a few times a week. Before you feed your dog this fruit you should learn both its nutritional benefits and how to prepare it properly.

Goji Berries are a powerful superfood that we can learn all about. Its natural for dogs to enjoy human food but not all human food is appropriate for them. Goji Berries are safe for dogs to eat much like sweet yet tart Mulberries.

What are Goji Berries?

Goji Berries also known as wolfberries were first discovered decades ago. From the Asia continent they came from China Japan Vietnam to name a few. Currently the majority of Goji Berries are produced in China in a place called Ningxia Hui.

It looks like red raisins and is about the same size as pumpkin seeds but thinner. They are sweet and juicy like cherries. Dried Goji Berries have a sweet flavor when the juice dries up so they are best for snacking and are more delicious.

When can dogs have Goji Berries?

Once your puppy starts eating solid food he or she is good to have Goji Berries. However this should not be fed to your pooch every day since they do contain sugar. A high sugar content in human foods may lead to serious health problems in dogs such as diabetes and dental problems. It is important to remember that dogs do not require a lot of sugar intake.

Dogs can benefit greatly from Goji Berries because they provide a number of health benefits. Do not overdo it with Goji Berries but do give your dogs one every few days.

Can dogs eat dried Goji Berries?

Goji Berries are safe for dogs to eat when dried. In both dried and fresh forms Goji Berries provide the same nutritional value to dogs. You are welcome to provide your dog with any Goji Berries that you may have but keep in mind that it should be an occasional treat or used as a training reward.

The dried ones are more delicious than the fresh ones because they are juicier. It is best to eat them as a snack. Low in calories high in fiber high in amino acids carotenoids antioxidants and protein they are also low in calories. Furthermore they can be kept for a long time before consumption.

Are Goji Berries safe for dogs?

It is safe for dogs to eat Goji Berries as they are rich in nutrients.

Goji Berries contain sugar so dogs with diabetes should not consume them. If your dog is diabetic it would be best not to give him Goji Berries. 

In addition you should not give Goji Berries to your four-legged friend every day. Such practices can easily result in serious health problems. To prevent canine diabetes you need to control your dogs sugar intake level as a responsible dog owner.

Are Goji Berries considered a superfood for your dog?

It is true that Goji Berries are considered a superfood for dogs. Nowadays many dog owners are thinking about supplementing their dogs diet with a superfood for nutritional reasons.

Goji Berries can be used as a treat or occasional snack for dogs whether they are fresh or dried. Their high fiber content and low calorie content make them a healthy choice. In comparison to oranges they contain a higher level of vitamin C. Goji berries also contain a high amount of amino acids iron and zinc.

Therefore Goji Berries are a better option for an occasional dog treat compared with those processed dog treats. You can occasionally share Goji Berries with your pet because humans can eat them. You should give them to your pup occasionally as a treat and in moderation since they contain sugar.

Health benefits of Goji Berries for dogs

Dogs can benefit from the health benefits of Goji Berries. For example:

Immunity improvement

A persons immunity is his or her bodys ability to combat bacteria naturally. Goji Berries are rich in essential components that protect your dogs body from infections that cause illness.

Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors. Certain dogs for example are allergic to pollen or suffer from inflammation after taking certain medications. Goji Berries when occasionally ingested by your dog can help reduce inflammation.

Eye-sight enhancement

You can also feed your dog Goji Berries to improve his eyesight. Canines are just like humans when it comes to their eye-sight. Their eyesight can be seen at night.

The supplement you give your dog should improve his eyesight and prevent any eye-causing ailment. It is therefore a good idea to treat your pup with Goji Berries on occasion.

Nutrient benefits of Goji Berries for dogs

Iron fiber minerals and vitamins A and C are all found in Goji Berries. Now lets examine them more closely:

It has the following nutritional benefits in 5 tablespoons or 28 grams of dried Goji Berries:

• Calories: 98
• Protein: 4 grams
• Fiber: 3.6 grams
• Iron: 11% of the daily value
• Vitamin A: 50% of the daily value
• Vitamin C: 15% of the daily value
• Fat: 0.1 grams
• Carbs: 21.6 grams

You can benefit your dogs health with iron calcium fiber minerals and vitamins:

Iron

The dogs blood supply is increased as a result of the production of red blood cells.

Calcium

It helps your dog to develop strong teeth and bones since it promotes bone development.

Fiber

Protects your dog from constipation by ensuring a smooth digestion process.

Vitamin C

Enhances eye-sight.

How many Goji Berries can I give my dog?

Goji Berries can be given to your pup in quantities of eight. Goji Berries should be consumed no more than eight times a week. Goji berries have a high sugar content so you should not give them to your dog too often.

A general rule of thumb is that snacks and treats should not exceed 10% of your pups daily calories. Due to their high sugar content Goji Berries should make up less than 10% of your pups daily diet.

In addition the amount of Goji Berries you should give your dog will vary according to their weight and size.

Moderation is key

Its important to be mindful of how many Goji Berries you give to your dog. Because they are delicious some dogs will want more. You might be tempted to give him more Goji Berries than is recommended.

If possible do not give your pet too many Goji Berries. Your adorable pooch may experience health complications if he consumes too many Goji Berries.

How to properly prepare and feed your dog Goji Berries

Fresh and dried Goji Berries can both be fed to your pooch. What you can do is the following but be sure to avoid regular feedings and do not feed them to dogs with diabetes.

• First if they are still attached to the stem separate the Goji Berries from it.
• You should feed your dog one berry at a time individually.
• You can feed Goji Berries to dogs by hand or by placing them in a dog bowl. Good luck!

Alternatively if you want to mix fresh Goji Berries with other types of berries or fruits you can do the following:

• Aim for eight or fewer Goji Berries blueberries blackberries raspberries cherries and apples. 
• Mix the above fruits together. 
• Blend the blended fruits again and add water until the mixture is smooth.
• Enjoy!

Can a dog be allergic to Goji Berries?

Goji Berries can cause allergies in dogs in rare cases. Most dog owners have reported success after giving their dogs Goji Berries for the first time which means their dogs experienced no adverse reactions or complications.

If this is your first time feeding Goji Berries to your pet we recommend feeding him or her just one or two berries. Check his reaction immediately afterward to see if he has an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can be caused by:

• Itchy skin
• Ear infection
• Eye irritation

When you feed your pup 1 to 2 Goji Berries and he is fine then you can continue to feed him this food. This should only be an occasional treat for your pup and not something he gets every day.

Are Goji Berries toxic to dogs?

The Goji Berry can be toxic for dogs if it is consumed in large amounts. The following symptoms can occur in dogs that consume too many Goji Berries:

• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Difficulty breathing.

Goji Berries can also be dangerous if they are mixed with any medications your dog may be taking.

What happens if your dog eats too many Goji Berries?

The following symptoms may occur if you give your dog too many Goji Berries:

Diarrhea

Your dogs digestive system can be upset if he eats too many Goji Berries.

Obesity and diabetes

If consumed in large quantities goji berries contain sugar and can cause obesity which later can lead to diabetes.

Are Goji Berries a stimulant?

Goji Berries do contain stimulants. Consequently they help you sleep better and see better. As Goji Berries are stimulants it is healthy to give your dog Goji Berries once in a while.

Are berries poisonous to dogs?

Yes dogs can be poisoned by berries especially if they consume them in large quantities or when mixed with medication.

In order to determine if your pooch has been poisoned by berries be sure to check for these symptoms:

• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Itching.
• Difficulty breathing.

You should consult your veterinarian as soon as your dog shows any of the above signs.

Treatments if your dog has Goji Berries poisoning

The first step to treating Goji Berry poisoning is to know the first-aid tips. A visit to the vet or waiting for a vet to arrive will go a long way to saving your dogs life.

In the event that your dog exhibits any of these symptoms of food poisoning make sure he drinks plenty of water. The more water he consumes the less toxic he will be.

Activated charcoal can be used if your veterinarian recommends it. You can give it to your dog if your veterinarian agrees as it will help to reduce the absorption of the toxin. Veterinarians may also use activated charcoal to speed up vomiting and counteract the poisonous effects.

Canine-friendly alternatives to Goji Berries

Moderation is the key when it comes to feeding Goji Berries to your pup. There are definitely canine-friendly alternatives to Goji Berries you can give to your four-legged friend instead of more Goji Berries if your pooch gives you puppy eyes and you give in.

We provide our Labrador this crunchy fruit treat whenever we’re having Goji Berries:

So can dogs eat Goji Berries?

Yes dogs can eat Goji Berries. Donot hesitate to give your adorable dog an occasional treat of 8 or fewer Goji Berries a few times a week. Avoid giving them to your beloved pet every day. You can also use Goji Berries to train your pet.

Related Questions

How many Goji Berries can dogs eat?

Because Goji Berries are sweet its important that dogs only eat eight Goji Berries or less three times a week every few weeks. It is not a good idea to replace your dogs regular meals with Goji Berries but you can give them an occasional treat. Donot feed your canine friends Goji Berries on a regular basis.

Amanda (Author)

With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.

Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)

Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.