When it comes to berries, your best friend knows her stuff. She dropped off a fresh basket of ripe black raspberries which you cannot wait to try. Your pup has been eyeing them as well. Can you share some with him?

Yes. Black raspberries are safe for your pup to eat in moderation. Black raspberries are often mistaken for blackberries. They are more closely related to their much more common cousin: red raspberries. Black raspberries are also known as black caps or thimbleberries.

Black raspberries are low in sugar. The anti-inflammatory properties in raspberries can help the aging joints of older dogs. The high levels of antioxidants can also help improve your dog’s health and reduce the risk of cancer. 

However, raspberries contain xylitol which is extremely dangerous to dogs, so limit the average size dog to less than a cup of raspberries at a time. Smaller dogs should have less than a quarter to a half cup.

To ensure your pet will live a long and healthy life, it is always a good idea to invest in pet health insurance. Preparing for the unexpected guarantees money is never an issue in keeping you pup healthy.