Blue Superfood: Benefits of Blueberries For Your Dog
Did You Know?
Blueberries weren’t cultivated until 1911, so they are a relatively new crop. It wasn’t until 1996 that the benefits of blueberries was discovered by a scientist named James Joseph, who conducted a test on various fruits and vegetables to determine their antioxidant content. His theory was, the more colourful the vegetable, the more health benefits it possessed.
The result? Blueberries scored as one of the highest on his test for antioxidant content, even higher than other superfoods like acai!
What Makes Blueberries So Healthy?
Blueberries are a potent source of antioxidants. Over time, free radicals (aka unstable atoms that can damage cells in the body and cause aging) build up through exposure to air pollutants, environmental toxins, and through the natural metabolic process when you or your dog consume certain foods (ie. rancid fats, starches). These accumulate in your dog’s body over time and are the main cause of aging and degenerative diseases, such as cancer, as they can cause damage to DNA.
Antioxidants are molecules found in plants that can help fight free radicals in the body. Blueberries in particular are high in a certain antioxidant known as anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are what give blueberries that distinctive blue colour. What makes anthocyanins so special? They are unique because they can cross the blood-brain barrier and their antioxidant properties can improve brain health. Researchers tested this out with rats and found that rats performed better on memory and maze tests after being fed blueberries. They could even detect anthocyanins in their brains as well.
Blueberries contain more anthocyanins than any other food. This has made them one of the most studied foods. Not all studies were human focused; one in 2007 was even done on dogs. This study demonstrated that feeding dogs blueberries helped improve cognitive function and helped reduce brain aging.
How To Feed Your Dog Blueberries
Feeding blueberries is simple and straightforward. Try adding a few organic blueberries to your dog’s food bowl every day. You can even spread them onto a licking mat for a fun game, or blend them into frozen treats! They are super versatile and easy to feed.
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