Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries? 9 Helpful Hints You Should Know
Your Guide To: Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries?
Fact checked and reviewed by:
Dr. Joseph Menicucci, DVM, MBA
Goji berries are good food for humans, but can they also serve as good food for our dogs?
You can find Goji berries in their powdery or dry form, which is why they are a popular snack.
Now, why don’t we find out whether this fruit is good for our dogs. Let’s go on a journey to discover – Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries?
Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries?
Yes, dogs can eat goji berries in moderation.
Goji berries are small red berries commonly called wolfberries and are related to China*. It also goes by the scientific name Lycium barbarum scientifically*.
Goji berries serve as a host for vitamins and antioxidants, which are beneficial to your dog. It also helps to build your dog’s bones, muscles, and general health.
However, there are a few things you should take note of. Goji berries are high in fiber; therefore, if your dog has consumed something high in fiber, you should avoid it.
Goji berries are good and have health benefits, but you should also be cautious about how much your dog consumes.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Goji Berries?
No, dogs shouldn’t eat dried goji berries.
Dried goji berries popular and rich in nutrients are derived from goji fruit. They provide several health benefits for humans but are not good for dogs.
Although Goji berries are not toxic to dogs, they pose health risks when fed to them in their dried form. Dried Goji berries have a rough texture, which makes it difficult for dogs to consume and digest them. This may upset the digestive system, leading to continuous vomiting or diarrhea.
Dried goji berries are more sensitive for tiny dogs and those who have teeth issues. Trying to break down the tough texture of these berries can further damage their teeth, which can, in turn, cause them to choke.
Always be careful of your dog’s food, as the things humans consume can harm their health. Enjoying Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries? Then keep reading, there’s plenty more insights to come!
Are Goji Berries Bad For Dogs?
No, goji berries are not bad for dogs, but your dog can only get the best out of them when they are served with caution.
Goji berries are abundant in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support your dog’s overall health. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t be careless with it.
Goji berries contain a lot of sugar, and excess sugar intake by your dog can cause obesity, tooth decay, and even diabetes. Feeding them with caution can reduce the risk of these things happening.
Goji berries also contain a lot of fiber, and excessive consumption can cause diarrhea for your dog. Your dog could also be allergic to Goji berries, which can come from sneezing, coughing, or scratching*.
If your dog is also on blood thinners, goji berries can make it too thin.
As a dog owner, you should also take note of your dog’s size, age, and health concerns to determine whether it is safe for your dog to consume. goji berries can complement your dog’s diet, but they should never replace it.
Are Goji Berries Poisonous To Dogs?
Goji berries are not poisonous to dogs but do affect them. To avoid such effects, you have to feed it in moderation.
Dogs are of different species, and while most dogs do not have allergic reactions, some do. Dogs allergic to goji berries can suffer from hives, itching, indigestion, ear infections, or facial swelling*.
Your dog should also steer clear of Goji berries if they are on medications. goji berries interfere with drugs that treat blood pressure, diabetes, or blood thinning*.
Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries Raw?
Goji berries are suitable for consumption by both humans and dogs in their raw form.
The raw form of goji berries also contains all the nutrients that the cooked ones have, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Raw goji berries also serve as a great companion for salad and yogurt.
Raw Goji berries also help boost a dog’s immune system, skin, and general health.
It should be noted that even with all the nutritional benefits of raw goji berries, they should be gradually introduced into your dog’s diet to watch your dog’s reaction. If your dog shows a preference for it, it is licensed to continue its feeding.
Raw goji berries are one of the easiest and best ways to boost the nutritional value of your dog’s diet, but they should not be done in excess.
Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries? Do They Have Any Health Benefits?
Goji berries contain vitamins C, B, E, and A*, calcium, fiber, iron, and protein. These vitamins boost the muscles, bones, and enzymes in your dog’s body. It also contains beta-carotene.
The zinc element in Goji berries helps to strengthen the immunity of your dog and boosts the healing process in cases of illness. Goji berries also contain calcium, and, as you might already know, calcium gives your dog stronger bones and teeth.
Goji berries also contain antioxidants and zeaxanthin, which sharpen your dog’s eyesight. It also contains a considerable amount of fiber, which aids feeding and digestion in your dog.
What’s The Best Way To Serve My Dog Goji Berries?
Whether it is fresh or cooked, it is safe to feed goji berries to your dog.
A good way to serve your dog goji berries is to add them to their food by sprinkling them on their food. This way, your dog can consume it in moderation.
You can also try pairing other vegetables with goji berries to give it a diversified taste. Doing it this way gives your dog a combination of nutrients from different sources and strengthens its ability to accommodate different foods.
You can also freeze goji berries to serve them to your dog on hot days. It will serve as a treat to refresh and hydrate your dog.
How Many Goji Berries Should I Give My Dog?
Goji berries should not be more than 10% in your dog’s food* which equals less than two tablespoons. Specific servings should be made according to your dog’s size, age, and general health needs.
If you’re just starting with feeding your dog goji berries, you should consider starting with small amounts. Add tiny bits of it to your dog’s food and be attentive enough to reactions, either negative or positive, from your dog.
Goji berries are to only serve as complements to your god’s diet and not to replace the entire diet. It is also very important that you take advice from a trusted veterinarian who can give specific advice about your dog’s dietary needs.
Looking For Some Healthy, Homemade Dog Food Recipe Inspiration?
So, Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries? What’s The Verdict?
In conclusion, while goji berries aren’t inherently toxic to dogs, as a dog owner, you should take caution concerning what you feed your dog. goji berries are great when served in tiny bits.
Be careful to avoid the rough part of the goji berries, as it can obstruct your dog. Also, be sure to avoid excessive feeding of goji berries to your dogs because it leads to illnesses like diarrhea, stooling, vomiting, etc.
The well-being of your dog should be the most important thing to you because your dog is your best friend. If you’re looking for more nutritional advice for your pet, The American Canine Club is a great starting point for all things in canine health.
Can Puppies Eat Goji Berries?
For the benefit of your puppy, it’s better not to serve it.
However, if you are attentive enough to watch the amount of goji berries consumed by your puppy and not leave it around the house, then it is safe to serve it.
Puppies are very delicate beings, and several things can throw them off or irritate them. You should also study the body system of your puppy and its reaction to new foods before feeding it goji berries. Always contact your veterinarian for permission to incorporate new foods into your dog’s diet.
