Can Dogs Eat Acai? What You Need To Know

This superfood is becoming more popular with humans, but can dogs eat acai? Read this guide before sharing it with your pet!

Maybe you’ve seen them all over Instagram or Pinterest and wondered if you can share them with your fur baby. In recent years, acai berries have become one of the hottest and trendiest superfoods. So, let’s look closer at it because these tropical fruits might be dangerous for pups.

Acai smoothie, acai powder, and acai berries.

For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating any acai.

What Is Acai?

Before we get into whether there are possible benefits of this fruit, let’s look at what it is.

What is an acai berry?

The acai berry is a small, dark-colored berry that looks a lot like blueberries. This healthy fruit grows on acai palm trees in the Amazon part of South America. Unfortunately, they also have a very short shelf-life. So, the only way to really eat acai berries in North America is either frozen or as dried acai powder.

This is why you’ll see so many people making acai smoothies!

It’s known for having lots of essential nutrients, including a high healthy fat content. Fun fact, drinking acai juice is said to help with symptoms of urinary tract infections.

Health Benefits of Acai Berries

The acai fruit is full of nutrients and health benefits. It’s a fantastic source of antioxidants that fight disease-causing free radicals.

Acai berries are high in fatty acids, which help you feel full longer, and vitamin c, which is fantastic for your immune system.

Acai is often confused with other exotic fruits, but mostly goji berries.

Goji Berries Vs Acai Berries

Goji berries look different than acai berries. Also called wolfberries, they are native to Asia (not South America, like acai). And they are bright red, with a tart, almost sour flavor.

Here’s the most important thing to know – goji berries are safer for dogs to eat than acai.

In fact, the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) has this to say about it:

“Surprisingly, another food rich in theobromine is the wildly popular ‘super fruit’, the acai berry. Superfruits rich in antioxidants are growing in popularity in the human market and while some exotic fruits like goji berry are good for dogs, keep them away from acai.”

Remember, even though the NASC is a trusted source, you should always discuss dietary concerns with a trusted veterinarian.

Can Dogs Have Acai

Here’s the quick answer. Dog owners need to be very careful if they give a dog acai in any form. Large quantities of it are very dangerous for dogs.

This is because acai contains theobromine, ficin, and ficusin. Ficin and ficusin can sometimes cause allergic reactions or destroy proteins in the body.

If your pup eats too much, it could give them an upset stomach, which might lead to weight loss.

Can Dogs Have Acai Berries

There are a of of side effects of dogs eating acai berries that you should know about.

Most importantly, theobromine is the same toxic ingredient in dark chocolate that causes chocolate poisoning in dogs.

If your dog eats too much acai or chocolate, watch for these symptoms:

Excessive urination
Increased thirst
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Muscle tremors
Elevated heart rate
Restlessness

Other serious side effects might include:

Haematemesis
Polydipsia
Hyperexcitability
Hyperirritability
Ataxia
Muscle twitching
Decreased cognitive function

If you don’t seek medical attention soon, it could also lead to seizures or death. Most symptoms will appear within a few hours of overeating acai, but some symptoms won’t appear until 24 hours later.

This is why it’s so important to be careful with how much acai your dog eats.

Is Acai OK For Dogs

Nope, it’s just not ok for dogs. If you wouldn’t give your pup a bite of dark chocolate, don’t give them any acai either. Both things have the same compound that is toxic to dogs.

The best way to protect your dog from theobromine poisoning is to keep them away from acai berries.

Can Dogs Eat Acai Bowls

Now let’s look closer at some acai products that we love to eat and whether they are safe for dogs.

Acai bowls are usually made with a lot of different types of fruit, including acai. Large amounts of these bowls are bad for your furry companion.

If the acai bowls contain artificial sweeteners you should definitely keep them away from your dog.

Acai pulp might be ok in tiny amounts, but it’s best to keep it away from your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Acai Sorbet

Another one of the most popular food products with acai is colorful sorbet. While small amounts might be ok, the danger outweighs the potential benefits. It’s so high in sugar that it could lead to weight gain and heart disease.

Can Dogs Eat Acai Smoothie

No, dogs should not eat an acai smoothie. This is not the best way to share a nutritious snack with them.

If you still want to give your dog a little bit of your smoothie, treat it like you do other new foods. Watch for signs of allergic reactions and only give them a tiny bit at a time.

It’s just not a good idea to give your dog human foods that are high in sugar, like acai juice. It could lead to weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Can Dogs Eat Acai Powder

People like to use acai powder in smoothies and to give themselves a boost of nutrition, but don’t add it to your dog’s dog food.

Even though a tiny amount may not harm your pet, adding acai powder to healthy snacks is not a good idea for dogs.

Even small quantities might give them an upset stomach.

Final Thoughts

The short answer is that acai isn’t a good idea for dogs, even as an occasional treat.

It’s best not to give your dog acai berries.

More Dog Food Resources

Here are more resources about what dogs can and cannot eat. Stay informed and keep your dog safe.

Find lots of articles about food dogs can eat (and ones they can’t) here on Spoiled Hounds!

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