Green: safe
Yes, dogs can eat blackberries. The American Kennel Club and pet health website PetMD describe blackberries as a safe treat, provided you stick to small amounts.
Why blackberries are fine
Blackberries are relatively low in sugar and calories. According to the AKC, they naturally contain tiny traces of xylitol, as do some other fruits. However, a dog would have to eat enormous amounts to be poisoned. The ASPCA’s plant database has no specific entry for blackberry, so this entry relies on the AKC and PetMD.
What to watch out for
- Wash them: Rinse berries even from your own garden to remove soil and pesticide residues.
- Only feed wild berries you can identify: Only offer blackberries picked along a path if you are certain that is what they are.
- Remove the stems: PetMD says stems are hard to digest.
- No jam: Jam, cakes and sweetened frozen berries contain lots of sugar, and some contain xylitol too. This is dangerous for dogs.
- A colourful surprise: After a lot of berries, stools may look dark or bluish. According to PetMD, this can sometimes resemble blood.
What if your dog eats too many?
If your dog has raided the bush, diarrhoea, wind or vomiting may follow. Provide water and make the next meal smaller. If symptoms persist or your dog stops eating, call your vet. For blackberry jam or baked goods, check the ingredients for xylitol.
If you suspect poisoning, go straight to your vet or an emergency veterinary service.
Check whether your dog is getting the right amount of food in just a minute with our feeding calculator. Our book takes a closer look at feeding: “Hundeernährung und Futterplan” (book in German). For those first weeks with a puppy, try our free Puppy Starter Pack, and for a picture of your dog to hang on the wall, explore dog portraits from your own photo or choose a single portrait.
Further reading
- Calculating your dog’s food portions: how much your dog really needs
- Is my dog overweight? How to assess body condition and ideal weight
- Autumn shedding in dogs and cats: what is normal and what is not
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: American Kennel Club, Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?; PetMD, Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?; ASPCA Animal Poison Control, Dogs Plant List (no entry for blackberry)
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