Dried Blueberries

Blueberries are sold fresh and in processed foods. Drying removes water from whole fruit, making a low moisture ingredient that stores and blends into dry recipes. Juice pressing produces a different ingredient called pomace.^4,5

1. 01 // Source Whole berries Ripe blueberries are harvested and sorted before processing.
2. 02 // Process Water removed Hot air, vacuum or freeze drying removes moisture from the berries.
3. 03 // Process Sized for mixing Dried berries may remain whole or be made into pieces or powder.
4. 04 // Output Dried blueberries Low moisture berries or fragments arrive ready to mix into dry food and treats.

1. 01

   Adds fruit flavor

   Dogs preferred a wet diet containing whole blueberries in a two bowl test. That result does not tell us how dried berries affect the taste of kibble.¹

2. 02

   Makes fruit recognizable

   Whole berries and fragments let manufacturers name or show a recognizable fruit. The blueberry industry promotes that visual appeal when selling ingredient formats.⁵

3. 03

   Fits dry formulations

   An industry guide says freeze dried berries can cost more per pound, while their low weight can make cost in use favorable.⁵

How much A dog trial tested 3% whole blueberries in wet food; a typical amount for dried blueberries in kibble is not published.¹

1. Brands say

   Blueberries make dog food taste better

   Outruns the evidence

   Evidence

   1. Strong
   2. Some
   3. Thin
   4. None

   In a two bowl test, dogs preferred a wet diet with 3% whole blueberries over its control. That supports the wet food result, but does not show that dried berries improve kibble flavor.¹

2. Brands say

   Blueberries protect dogs from oxidative stress

   Outruns the evidence

   Evidence

   1. Strong
   2. Some
   3. Thin
   4. None

   A 4 week trial with 3% whole blueberries did not reduce exercise related changes. A survey of 22 dog kibbles found little free phenolic content. Neither study demonstrated protection from dried blueberries in kibble.^1,3

3. Brands say

   Blueberries keep older dogs mentally sharp

   Outruns the evidence

   Evidence

   1. Strong
   2. Some
   3. Thin
   4. None

   In a 75 day study of 35 older Beagles, a mixed blueberry and grape extract showed a possible working memory signal, but the main group comparison was not significant. Dried blueberries alone were not tested.²

4. Brands say

   Blueberries improve a dog's digestion

   Outruns the evidence

   Evidence

   1. Strong
   2. Some
   3. Thin
   4. None

   Dried whole berries contain fiber, but 12 Beagles eating a wet diet with 3% whole blueberries showed no broad improvement in digestibility. Fiber in an ingredient is not proof of a digestive benefit from the finished food.^1,4

5. Owners say

   Blueberries are poisonous to dogs like grapes

   Outruns the evidence

   Evidence

   1. Strong
   2. Some
   3. Thin
   4. None

   The ASPCA lists blueberries as fruit pets can eat in modest portions. Its poison control guidance separately warns that grapes and raisins can damage dogs' kidneys. That grape warning does not apply to blueberries.^6,8