Wild blueberry season has arrived in Maine! Whether you mix them in with your kibble, eat them as a snack, or use them in a favorite treat recipe, now is the time to enjoy these nutritious powerhouse berries. Filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, blueberries are a perfect low calorie treat for dogs. In fact, one may even argue that Maine’s wild blueberries can give you superpowers!
X-Ray Vision: Studies have shown that anthocyanin, which is a powerful antioxidant and responsible for the distinctive blue coloring in the berries, support night vision in dogs. And speaking of night, some researchers have even argued that eating blueberries can reduce eye fatigue and retinal atrophy. Alright, I admit that isn’t exactly x-ray vision, but wild blueberries are packed with nutrients to promote eye health in dogs.
Brilliant Brain: According to the AKC, studies have even linked a connection to the antioxidants in blueberries to improving aging canine’s cognitive abilities. Just like humans, as we age dogs can experience impaired memory and learning skills. However, the antioxidants in blueberries have been shown to not only slow that damage over time, but increase increase brain function. Proving that yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks, keeping us sharp to outsmart any criminal masterminds we may encounter.
Fights Villains: Wild blueberries are packed with Vitamin C, which scavenges potentially harmful free radicals in the body and can help reduce inflammation in dogs. Blueberries are also high in antioxidants which can help fight chronic disease in dogs. I have no idea what a “free radical” is, but I do know that the enemy to superdogs is cancer. Some studies have shown that phytochemicals in blueberries can help to fight cancer, including in animals. So while you protect your neighborhood from squirrels, the nutrients in blueberries are fighting villains hidden inside your body.
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility: However, as with all superpowers, blueberries must be used in moderation. Sure it would be awesome to eat blueberries all day, but it comes at a cost. According to Jan Dempsey, Purina Senior Nutritionist, “Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories, even if the treats are a low-calorie and healthy option like blueberries. We always promote a one hundred percent complete and balanced diet as the main part of any pet’s diet.” Basically, just like with any food it can cause an upset tummy, weight gain, and even cavities if you eat too many, so please consult with your veterinarian on the proper amount for your superhero diet.
Size Does Matter: Now I know what you’re thinking, the bigger is better when it comes to superheroes. But in the case of blueberries it is better to be Super Fly, the smallest superhero, rather than the Incredible Hulk. Maine’s wild blueberries are noticeably smaller than the cultivated ones readily available in most grocery stores. Wild blueberries grow where they want to grow. Therefore, transplanting wild blueberry bushes is not easy, and are harder for manufacturers to produce. Cultivated blueberries, on the other paw, are higher in water content, less flavorful and are not as nutritious. Yet cultivated blueberries are easier to grow worldwide. So don’t be fooled by the bigger size of the cultivated blueberries often sold in stores. Wild blueberries are smaller but contain more powerful antioxidants per serving than cultivated blueberries. In fact, a half cup serving of wild blueberries has more of the antioxidant power to help fight cancer, heart disease, short-term memory loss and other effects of aging than many other fruits and vegetables!
The Clock Is Ticking: Now just like Superman doesn’t have all the time in the world to save the planet, neither do wild blueberries. Whether you pick your own wild blueberries, visit a farmer’s market or roadside stand, or have your humans buy it at your local grocery store, now is the time to stock up on these nutritious powerhouse fresh berries. Wild blueberry season in Maine doesn’t last forever.
Whether you’re from Maine, or visiting from away, the weekend of August 3 through 4, 2024, farms, restaurants, and other businesses across the state will be participating in Wild Blueberry Weekend by celebrating this superfood! Visit WildBlueberries.com for a complete list of all the farms, restaurants, and other businesses in Maine hosting special events and tastings. For those from away, have no fear! This website also provides information on where in the United States you can buy frozen fresh wild blueberries, at a store near you! This website also has a wealth of healthy information on Maine’s wild blueberries, and delicious recipes too.
