Berries are gaining interest as a snack and possess many health properties. Because of their rich nutrient ratio in a bite-sized package, acai berries are known as superfoods.
Either used as a topping or eaten on their own, berries are enriched with fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Acai is one specifically famous berry. It is found in many products like smoothies, juices, cosmetic products, and granola.
Do you like to eat great fruit juices and fruits regularly? It is a healthy and nutritious addition to our daily food, and there are some fruits liked by dogs. But the question is can dogs eat acai berries?
The simple answer is no. These specific berries are not dangerous. According to pet nutritionists and vets, avoid serving acai berries to dogs in any form.
Now let’s get into detail about that can dogs eat acai berries? What are the risks linked with consuming acai berries?
What is Acai?
The grape-like berries are also known as Euterpe Oleacera. The berry is native to the rainforests of South America. The berries come from acai palm trees. The size of a berry is about 1-2cm. The fruit is full of seeds.
The berries have a deep purple color and possess a tangy-earthy taste. The fresh berries are not available in the grocery stores as these specific berries are difficult to transport.
Rather than this, the berries are available in the form of powdered fruit or dried fruit, which can be added as a flavoring agent or used to garnish.
The fruit has theobromine, which makes it dangerous for your dog.
Dogs are unable to break down theobromine well which results in theobromine poisoning.
Acai is also enriched with ficusin and fiction, which causes allergies and other harmful effects in puppies and lead to the degradation of protein in your dog’s body.
But the small amount may not affect your pet, however, it is best to avoid such food in any form.
Recently, acai berries are known as a superfood that contains benefits for almost all body parts. It helps to cure dementia, minimize heart attacks and other heart-related diseases, fight against cancer, and a lot more.
Nutritional Status of Acai berries
- Protein 0g
- Calories 20
- Total fat 5g
- Carbohydrate 1g
- Fiber 1g
- Calcium 6mg
The berries are enriched with healthy fatty acids and a lot more.
These acai berries are healthy for humans, but are they safe for dogs?
Is it safe to share acai products with our dogs?
Unluckily, it is not safe to serve acai to your dogs.
It is reported that these berries have theobromine, the same compound present in chocolate that makes it dangerous to our dogs.
The metabolism of dogs is different from humans, making theobromine linger in the body for a long time to cause damage.
According to the studies by many holistic vets acai berries, ad juice is safe for dogs, but in reality, these berries affect the health of a dog. The reason behind this is theobromine.
Dogs are unable to break down this compound which results in poisoning. The toxicity of acai berries is very high and affects immunity. The bowls filled with acai food or berries are good for humans but don’t provide the same benefits to your pooch.
What are the health benefits of Acai Berries?
Some of the health advantages that can be gained from acai berries are:
- Enriched with vitamin A, fat, calcium, and fiber
- As compared to cranberries and blueberries it contains more antioxidants
- Improves the level of cholesterol
- Some studies revealed it has anti-cancer properties
The benefits of fruits are only achieved when served in small amounts. Increasing the quantity is dangerous.
- Good for the health of your brain
What are the symptoms of theobromine poisoning?
Following are the symptoms of theobromine poisoning in dogs.
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Increased and frequent urination
- Seizures
- Pale gums
- Internal bleeding
- Appetite suppression
- Acute renal failure
- Hyperexcitability
- Increased thirst
- Muscle twitches
- Cardiac problems
- Death
If your dog has eaten acai and you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms or signs, immediately contact your veterinarian or health consultant.
Treatment of Theobromine Poisoning in Dogs
- The health provider and vet may immediately give medicine to your dog to make him vomit.
- Use activated charcoal to hinder the absorbance of theobromine by the body of a dog.
- IV therapy to provide fluids to your fur baby and other medicines.
- The dog will fully recover if treated properly and early.
As the berries are not dangerous to dogs, however, the substance present in them makes your dog sick. For that specific reason, it is best to avoid these berries. Try to give another safe fruit snack to your dog, if you are eating the berries and your dog wants to enjoy that.
How much Acai can your dog eat?
It is ok to serve small amounts to your dog. But we suggest avoiding giving acai to your dog. There are many other options of healthy fruits to feed your dog in moderate amounts that are without the toxic substance theobromine.
What to do if my dogs eat Acai?
There is no need to get worried if the dog consumes acai in moderate amounts. Observe your pet for any symptoms to develop, but if there is no appearance of such signs, this means your pet is ok.
But if the dog consumed a large amount of the berries, then rush immediately to your vet and follow the instructions mentioned below.
- Provide proper hydration
- Serve electrolyte enriched drinks like coconut water.
- To strengthen the kidneys, offer food like meat
- Make sure to avoid giving self-medicine
- Avoid toxic drinks or food
Can I share a small bite of my acai smoothie bowl with my dog?
In minuscule amounts, theobromine is not dangerous however, serving even a small amount is not advisable. It is best to avoid serving any products that have acai, including smoothies, juice, and smoothie bowls.
Can dogs eat acai sorbet?
The simple answer is no. Acai sorbet is unsafe for dogs. The berries contain theobromine which is the same substance present in the chocolate and can cause many health problems.
Sorbet also contains artificial sweeteners, sugars, and flavoring agents which are harmful to dogs. The frozen form of sorbet can also cause brain freezing in dogs.
Alternatives to feeding acai berries
If you want to share the unique health benefits and taste of acai with your dog, there are many other healthy options of fruits that share the same properties and can be shared safely.
For example, blueberries are enriched with fibers and vitamins. Other safe options are strawberries, watermelon, and strawberries.
Make sure to serve the fruit as a treat and it should only be 10% of your pet’s regular calorie intake. Fruits contain a high amount of calories so ensure you are not overfeeding.
Conclusion
Despite all the health benefits, it is harmful to add acai to your dog’s food as its theobromine content is present in them. Though the fruit is super healthy for humans that doesn’t mean it is good for dogs as well. Avoid taking unnecessary risks with the health of your dog and serve healthy fruits with your dogs as an occasional treat.
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