Can Dogs Eat Mulberries? Benefits of Mulberries for Dogs

Pet owners can safely incorporate small quantities of ripe mulberries—including black mulberries, white mulberries, and red mulberries—into a dog’s diet. The occasional ripe mulberry or two makes a sweet, low-calorie treat for dogs: The ripe berries are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, providing many potential health benefits.

Avoid feeding unripe mulberries to your dog because they have hallucinogenic properties. Only supplement your pooch’s diet with small quantities of mulberries because any human food can upset a dog’s vulnerable stomach.

Always consult a veterinarian before incorporating human food into a dog’s diet. It’s important to note that ninety percent of a dog’s calories should come from dedicated dog food, with the remaining ten percent from occasional human foods. Additionally, pet parents should be careful not to confuse mulberries with toxic berries—like juniper berries and mistletoe berries—which can cause health problems.

Here are some of the potential health benefits of mulberries for dogs:

1. 1. Digestive health improvements: The fiber in mulberries can help regulate a dog’s bowel movements and may improve general digestive system function. Additionally, mulberries have anthocyanins, which may prevent tumors from forming in a dog’s GI tract.
2. 2. Enhanced blood circulation: Iron from fresh mulberries may boost circulation, the production of red blood cells, and the function of blood vessels.
3. 3. Improved brain function: Mulberries may potentially protect and improve the repair processes of brain cells, preventing brain degeneration and helping dogs learn new things.
4. 4. Strong bones: The vitamins and minerals in mulberries support healthy bones, which may reduce your dog’s injury risks and help them repair broken bones more quickly.
5. 5. Vitamins and antioxidants: Mulberries are a good source of antioxidants—which protect against heart disease and fight free radicals—and vitamins (like vitamin C and vitamin K) that boost your dog’s health and general immune system function.

Ripe mulberries are safe for dogs to consume, but they carry a few potential risks:

1. 1. May cause hallucinations: Unripe mulberries are a hallucinogen for both humans and canines, making it imperative to feed only fully ripened berries to your furry friend. If you live near a mulberry tree, watch your dog closely when they go near it. Mulberry leaves, however, are safe for canine consumption in small quantities.
2. 2. Possible allergic reaction: Any time your dog eats a new food, it is possible for them to display an allergic reaction. When incorporating a new human food into your dog’s diet, always start with a small amount and monitor them for signs of an allergy (including itchy skin, vomiting, and diarrhea). According to the ASPCA, mulberries are not toxic for dogs, but monitoring your pooch for adverse side effects is always prudent.
3. 3. Potential digestive issues: Eating large amounts of mulberries—which contain insoluble fibers—may overwhelm your dog’s delicate digestive system and cause an upset stomach.
4. 4. Stained fur: As is the case with blackberries and blueberries, mulberry juice stains clothes, furniture, and your dog’s fur. If you walk your dog near mulberry trees, prevent them from stepping on any fallen berries.

Follow these instructions to make mulberries safe for dogs to eat:

1. 1. Speak to a vet. Always consult a veterinarian before regularly incorporating human food into your dog’s diet. Since mulberry is a fruit, it can cause a spike in your dog’s blood sugar levels. Especially if your dog is diabetic or at risk of developing diabetes, speak with your veterinarian before incorporating this fruit into your dog’s diet. They may advise against it.
   
2. 2. Check the ripeness. Unripe mulberries are hallucinogenic, so make sure they are fully ripe before washing and feeding them to your canine friend.
3. 3. Rinse the berries. Wash your mulberries thoroughly before feeding them to your pooch to rid the fruit of dirt and potential irritants. Only feed your dog fresh, uncooked mulberries without any seasonings or added fats, which can irritate their stomach.
4. 4. Serve a small amount. Give your pooch a red, white, or black mulberry to try. All three colors (red, white, or black) are safe as long as they’re ripe, and your dog doesn’t eat them in excess. Refrain from feeding your dog dried mulberries, which often contain added sugar.
5. 5. Monitor for adverse reactions. Whenever you feed your furry friend something new, keep a close eye on them afterward to monitor for signs of an adverse reaction. If your dog experiences stomach discomfort, itchiness, or hair loss, they may be allergic to mulberries. If your dog experiences a negative reaction after eating mulberries (like an upset stomach and diarrhea), call your veterinarian to determine if they need medical attention.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your dog’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.