Strawberries are such a delicious fruit, but can dogs eat them? It is safe to share with our canine companions?
You might be asking yourself; Can Dogs Eat Strawberries? The short answer is yes, but there are exceptions and things to watch out for when it comes to giving your dogs a strawberries treat. We’ll discuss these in this article.
But first…
What Forms of Strawberries Can Dogs Eat?
Dogs can eat fresh strawberries — Just make sure that they’re not spoiled! Don’t give them too many at once; treat instead of meal substitute. Wash thoroughly with applesauce or vegetable wash first.
Dogs can eat frozen strawberries — Same as above, but with the added convenience of a doggie popsicle made with real fruit (who doesn’t love those?)! But again, limit your dog’s intake of this snack to half or less at any given time. Mix with other food if you’re giving it as a meal substitute for your pup instead of mixing in water.
Dogs can eat strawberry jam and jelly — You’ll want to check the ingredients for anything that may be harmful to your dog (asparagus is sometimes an additive to these products).
This specific type of berry spread should be low-sugar, which will eliminate any potential health concerns when your canine companion eats it from his or her bowl on the floor.
Dogs can eat strawberry smoothies — Many dogs love to drink from their owners’ drinks, and this is a great way to get some fruits in their diet if you’re worried about the nutrition (or weight) of your pet. Mix some natural yogurt with frozen strawberries or fresh ones for a delicious — and well-digested — meal!
Dogs can eat strawberry milkshakes — Ok, I’m sure that many people would want to try these out for themselves if they knew what they were missing! It is possible that there are health benefits to the idea of giving your dog a strawberry snack, but the risk will depend on how much fruit you give your pet.
What you’ll find is that your pet will enjoy these snacks and treats more than the traditional dog food you’d give them otherwise, and that’s an added bonus!
Just be sure to watch out for any side effects like vomiting or diarrhea after feeding your pet berries from this list (or any others).
It can also be helpful to know what other fruits are dangerous to dogs so that you don’t accidentally give them something else harmful at some point down the road.
Remember: If in doubt, ask a professional! Your veterinarian will have the answers when it comes to bringing your dog back to full health if they’ve gotten sick from overindulging in treats or meals.
Nutritional Benefits Of Strawberries For Dogs:
If your dog is prone to forming stones in their bladder, you may not want to share strawberries with them, as they can cause this issue.
Strawberries are rich in a variety of nutrients that can be beneficial for your pet’s health.
The specific type of manganese found in strawberries is called glycosylated monoglyceride. It’s very similar to Ginkgo biloba extract, which has been used for centuries by humans to treat ADHD.
This nutrient acts similarly in both humans and dogs by increasing focus span and concentration while reducing hyperactivity disorders such as anxiety or ADHD.
However, it’s also important to note that too much Ginkgo can cause seizures in some dogs, so you’ll want to be careful not to overdo it.
There are several other types of manganese found in strawberries (specifically the seeds) that are linked with potential reductions in symptoms from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases in humans.
In regard to your dog, this type of manganese helps improve memory function and sleep disorders. If your dog has any of these issues, strawberry seeds may be a good option for them!
Benefits Of Flavonoids Found In Strawberries
Strawberries also contain two flavonoids known as fisetin and quercitrin which have many positive health benefits including anti-inflammatory effects, reduction in LDL cholesterol levels, improved immune system function, and better memory.
Besides providing a good amount of dietary fiber for dogs, strawberries also provide different amounts and types of manganese. Fiber is essential for optimal digestion, a steady energy level, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Research has shown that strawberries contain high amounts of potassium, which could potentially cause serious health issues with dogs that already have kidney disease or heart problems.
While mildly elevated levels aren’t likely to hurt most dogs, it will be best to consult your vet before feeding these to your pet, so you’ll know how much is too much for them.
Strawberries Might Help With Seasonal Allergies
If your dog suffers from seasonal allergies, you may want to try incorporating strawberries into their diet on a semi-regular basis.
Since they are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, they can help reduce the frequency of symptoms such as excessive itching.
However, if you notice that it’s making their symptoms worse overall, you’ll want to discontinue feeding them strawberries since it’s not doing them any good.
Nutritional Value Of Feeding Your Dog Strawberries:
In terms of how many calories there are in one serving of strawberries for dogs or humans, you’ll get roughly 25 calories from 1 cup (0.24 l), while your pet will get about 22 calories from 1/2 cup.
As far as strawberry nutrition facts go, approximately 84% of strawberries are made up of carbs, while 10% is fiber and 3% is fat.
The remaining 5% consists of protein and various minerals (especially riboflavin). In terms of vitamins and minerals, you’ll get 4% calcium from strawberries, as well as significant amounts of iron.
It’s also important to note that dogs can get similar health benefits from other fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, or even bananas.
Since there isn’t much nutritional difference between these common varieties, it’s best to ask your vet which is the most beneficial for your individual pet’s needs.
Watch The Amount Of Strawberries You Feed Your Dog
As with all foods — especially one’s high in sugars — you should only feed your dog small portions frequently, rather than giving them the whole thing at once.
This will help limit your pet’s chances of getting an upset stomach or vomiting from it, which is especially common with dogs that have stomach sensitivities, to begin with.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure not to give your dog unripened strawberries, since they are more likely to cause an upset stomach in them.
If you’re going to feed your pet strawberries, it’s best to be sure that they are ripe, so you can get the most benefits for their health.
One of the most common mistakes pet owners make is giving their dogs food is to feed them items they cannot actually digest.
It turns out that there are certain things that dogs cannot eat at all, and these foods are toxic to dogs.
While most people know what your dog should not eat (such as burgers and pork), few realize that there is a list of foods that are acceptable.
There are many benefits to feeding your dog strawberries and little risk in doing so. The only instance you may need to refrain from is if they’re experiencing allergic reactions of some sort (typically contact sensitivity).
Potential Side Effects For Dogs Eating Strawberries:
When it comes to whether strawberries are safe for dogs, I must first say as a disclaimer: please consult your veterinarian before trying anything on this list with your own pup.
It’s especially important if you’ve got a pup who is young (puppies less than a year old) shouldn’t be eating strawberries. Older senior dogs with diminished liver and/or kidney function may not fare with these berries either.
Now, for those of you wondering, are strawberries safe for dogs? I’ll add my own answer here at the beginning of this article.
As always, with millions of pets out there in the world, it’s best to play it safe when giving food to your dog.
And while many berries are perfectly OK to share with them, if you notice that they’re taking issue after consuming something on this dog list below — please drop me a line and let everyone know!
This list includes all kinds of things that dogs definitely should not eat.
Dogs eating grapes and raisins is one that we’ve all heard about, but there’s also a wide variety of other things you may not have considered – including strawberries!
If you’re wondering if dogs can eat fruit at all, the answer is yes. But as with many foods for humans, certain ones are safe while others aren’t.
You may be tempted to give your dog some of the fruit that you’re snacking on, but there are actually many fruits that should not be given to dogs.
What To Watch Out For When It Comes To Feeding Your Dog Berries
Strawberries contain oxalate, which can cause a dangerous condition called oxalate bladder stone. These stones are sharp when your dog urinates, and they can damage the urinary tract if not treated properly.
Giving your dog strawberries also poses the risk of gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, and even vomiting.
If you’re going to give your dog strawberries or other berries, make sure they are 100% ripe.
Ripening berries helps to break down the oxalate that can be harmful to dogs.
Are Strawberry Plants Safe For Dogs?
Many people grow strawberry plants at home. The strawberry plant itself is toxic to dogs in large amounts, so it’s important not to allow them access outside (leaving pots out unattended).
It contains alkaloid agrostemesinine and hydroxyethyl rosamine which are highly toxic to pets. Just a few leaves can cause huge distress — so keep it away from curious pups or cats!
The flowers and fruits aren’t toxic, but they can cause an upset stomach. If you have ripe strawberries around, it’s best to store them in the fridge — especially if you don’t want your dog stealing them!
Again, each dog is different. We always recommend asking your veterinarian for advice before feeding strawberries to your dog.
How Should I Prepare Strawberries For My Dog?
Humans love to pile strawberries high with sweetened whipped cream, tuck them into a butter-rich cobbler, or turn them into sugary jams. You can even buy strawberry juice, often unhealthily sweetened with corn syrup or excessive amounts of grape juice.
Your dog’s waistline, pancreas, and heart definitely don’t need those decadent human treats, even if his huge brown eyes try to convince your heart otherwise. So avoid the jams, jellies, preserves, and any sugary strawberry treats.
A quick word of warning: Remember to always check with your vet prior to feeding your dog even new safe foods like strawberries, especially if it is going to be a regular thing. While they will probably be fine, it is always good to be safe rather than sorry.
Now, on to the preparation part. Strawberries are really best given as-is with no sugar added. You can buy fresh ones if they are in season, or use frozen ones for a cold summer treat. You could also try dried or freeze-dried strawberries, but proceed with extreme caution. While they still have health benefits, dried or freeze-dried strawberries might pose a choking hazard to small pups. They may also become stuck on the teeth and irritate the gums, so use caution.
There is an alternative if you have dried strawberries but are worried about choking. Soak them in hot water and then make a little purée out of them. Give it to your furry friend alone or mixed into his kibble. Make sure your dried strawberries are free of sugar prior to feeding them to your dog.
There are so many other delicious and healthy ways to incorporate strawberries into your puppy’s diet. Mash them and mix them into dog biscuits before baking. Dice them up into pieces for small dogs and mix them with their regular food for a sweet and crunchy treat.
Other Safety Precautions for Strawberry Feeding
Always wash the strawberries before giving them to your dog. Conventionally grown strawberries are high in pesticide residue, so choose organic if you can. If you do go organic, it is very important to wash those very well. They still have soil adhered to them which may harbor harmful bacteria for your puppy (or you).
Keep even the healthy treats to a minimum. In fact, the American Kennel Club advises that treats make up no less than 10% of your puppy’s daily diet.
How do you know if you’re feeding your dog too many strawberries? The main warning sign to watch out for is any sort of digestive disturbance. Excessive gas, loose stools, and diarrhea are all signs that it’s time to back off the fiber-rich treats. However, if your puppy is suffering from constipation, a few strawberries might be all that’s needed to help things move along.
Start with just a couple of strawberries sliced up. If you have a toy dog bread or a puppy, just start with one strawberry, making sure to cut it up.
If you do spot strawberry pieces in your puppy’s poop, try puréeing them next time for better digestion.
Pros and Cons of Giving Your Dog Strawberries
✅ Pros
- Antioxidants that protect the brain
- Lots of beneficial vitamins for dog health
- Pretty easy to prepare. A stick blender makes the job easier if you do decide to puree
❌ Cons
- May cause diarrhea if you overfeed
- Can be a choking hazard if too big
What Other Fruits Are Safe For Dogs?
Now that you know that strawberries are probably safe in moderation, you may be wondering what other fruits are safe. Well, good news for your puppy! Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cranberries are on the safe list.
Other fruits are safe too but use some caution. Cherries, for example, MUST be depitted and have their leaves removed. Apples as well. The seeds, pits, and leaves of many fruits contain cyanide, which is mildly poisonous to your dog. Other acceptable fruits include bananas, watermelon, pears, and mangos.
Feeding dog fruit is similar to feeding a toddler. Cut the fruit into smaller pieces if you have a small dog to reduce any choking hazards. As when you introduce food to toddlers, introduce one at a time to your puppy and wait a couple of days. Their poop and gas will be a not-so-subtle signal if it is time to back off.
Poisonous Fruits and Your Dog: What You Should Know
Always assume that any berry fruit bush you find while out on a walk is unsafe. A good deal of nightshade berry varieties look red and tempting but are actually poisonous and deadly for both humans and dogs.
If your dog does happen to leap and take a bit of an unknown fruit, call Animal Poison Control immediately, and they will best advise you on your next step.
Bad Fruits For Your Dog
- Persimmons
- Raisins
- Rhubarb
- Raw tomatoes
- Plums (may easily cause diarrhea even if the pit is safely removed)
Key Points and Conclusion
🐾 Strawberries are safe
🐾 Use moderation, start with a very small amount
🐾 Ask your vet first
🐾 Avoid sugar-added berries
🐾 Berries, including strawberries and blueberries, have a lot of antioxidants that benefit dog health
🐾 For the teething puppy, cut-up cold strawberries may soothe sore gums. Also, try frozen sliced bananas for teething or frozen blueberries. Just like with toddlers, it really helps
🐾 Look for holistic treats with strawberry or other berries
🐾 Puréed strawberries are an option if choking is a concern
Remember to always back off if you have a bad feeling or if your puppy’s behavior or digestion changes. You know your puppy better than anyone. A whole food diet of puppy food with treats making up only a small portion is the best way to go.
