My 8 lb Maltese knocked over a bowl of washed blackberries and ate most of them while my 45 lb labrador ignored them — do I need to worry about both of them?

My 8 lb Maltese knocked over a bowl of washed blackberries and ate most of them while my 45 lb

Short answer

No, you don't need to worry about either dog. Blackberries are safe for both of them and full of antioxidants. The Maltese ate more relative to her size, but blackberries are so gentle that even a larger portion won't cause harm. Watch for a soft stool from the extra fiber — that's the only likely side effect. Since the Labrador didn't eat any, there's nothing to monitor on his end. Just keep the bowl out of reach going forward and offer plain blackberries as an occasional treat if you like.

Blackberries — Food safety facts

Safe to share · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Safe and full of antioxidants. Wash first and offer whole.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Safe to share), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Blackberries is not toxic to dogs. The real limit is calories, fat and salt, so treat it as a small extra alongside the normal ration rather than a meal in itself.

There is no poisoning risk here, and the usual problem is simply eating too much at once: a heavy fat or salt load can bring on loose stools or a single vomit. Offer water, keep an eye on the pet for 24 hours, and do not induce vomiting.

Blackberries can stay on the rotation, but only as an extra mouthful: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Blackberries food facts page.

Open the full food page: Blackberries food facts →

My 8 lb Maltese knocked over a bowl of washed blackberries and ate most of them while my 45 lb labrador ignored them — do I need to worry about both of them?

Blackberries — Food safety facts

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