Can Dogs Eat Strawberries? What Dog Owners Must Know
Strawberry, being the best summertime fruit, is loved by humans due to its sweet flavor and juicy texture. It is not only sweet but delicious and healthy as well. These tasty berries become a part of our diet when summer arrives. But can dogs eat strawberries? is still a valid query. Although it is a fruit with sweetness, dog parents may want to feed it to their pup while concerning, can dog eat strawberries? If yes, how many strawberries can a dog eat?
Strawberry is a safe fruit for dogs when given properly and in moderation. However, certain conditions need to be met to keep your dogs and puppies safe at all costs. Ahead, in this guide by Pet Life Expert, you will find the health benefits of giving strawberries to dogs, along with a safety and feeding guide.
Are Strawberries Good for Dogs?
Are you one of those asking about strawberries benefits for dogs? Yes! Strawberries are a healthy, budget friendly, and delicious treat for dogs that is enriched with numerous vitamins and minerals. Based on dog’s digestive system and nutrition requirements, these berries can be given to your dogs to support immunity and coat health.
Aside from minerals and vitamins, they come with certain fibers and omega-3. Also, they are rich in antioxidants that majorly helps your dog against inflammation, reducing cell damage, and even in dental health. Some of the main minerals and vitamins found in strawberries are discussed here:
- Vitamin K, C, B-1, B-6
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Folic acid
- Omega-3
- Iodine
- Fiber
Can Strawberries Be Bad for Dogs Health?
This could be the most concerning thing in any pet loving parent’s mind that if strawberries bad for dogs or not Or are strawberry plants toxic to dogs?. Let us tell you, while it is not toxic or dangerous for dogs to eat strawberries, there are some risks associated with feeding strawberries to dogs, particularly when your dog is trying it for the very first time. Here are some health risks for having it without any precautions or vet’s recommendations, which are as follows:
High Sugar Content
Like many other fruits, strawberries also have high sugar content, which can affect dogs with dental issues, obesity, and diabetes. Although, they are safe for most dogs, but can impact pups with sugar sensitivities
Upset Stomach
Associated stems and leaves in strawberries can be bitter and difficult to digest, resulting in diarrhea and vomiting. So, it is crucial to go with small portions as giving too much of them can upset your dog’s stomach. Another question is can dogs eat strawberries with upset stomach? Yes, but in moderation. Too many strawberries can lead to upset stomach.
Choking Hazard
Eating whole strawberries all at once can be a choking hazard in your dog’s throat and intestines. So, slice strawberries into small pieces to avoid any intestinal blockages and prevent choking while eating.
Itching & Allergies
Strawberries are renowned for triggering allergic reactions in dogs with any kind of skin and other sensitivities like itching. therefore, it is advised to seek a vet’s help and consider what’s best for your dog.
How Many Strawberries a Dog Can Eat?
Strawberries and dogs might sound weird, but it is not harmful for dogs to eat them in moderation. If you are concerned: How many strawberries can I give to my dog? Well, the quantity can be different for dog of different size, breed, and health conditions.
Per AAFCO standards, vets, and dog nutritionists, strawberries should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. The remaining 90% should be the healthiest and balanced dog food diet. Down here is the guide for the portion size of the strawberry for dog.
Dog Size & Weight | Serving Amount |
Extra Small Dog (2-20 Pounds) | 1-2 Slices |
Small Dog (21-30 Pounds) | 2-3 Slices |
Medium Dog (30-50 Pounds) | 5-6 Slices |
Large Dog (51-90 Pounds) | Handful of Slices |
Extra Large Dog (90+ Pounds) | Large Handful of Slices |
How to Safely Feed Strawberries to Your Dogs?
Preparing strawberries for your dogs is a practice that must be followed by every pet owner to ensure your pup stays safe after eating strawberries. Being a beginner to introduce new fruit to your dog, you probably want to know how to feed strawberries to dogs? here’s what you must read before you feed.
Consult Your Vet
Before you introduce new fruit to your puppies or dogs, it is strongly advised to consult a vet for better guidance.
Wash Thoroughly
Washing these strawberries thoroughly can prevent any sort of dirt and debris, ensuring hygiene and cleanliness.
Remove Leaves & Stems
Though leaves and stems are not toxic, removing them makes digestion easier, ensuring no choking or stomach issues.
Cut into Small Pieces
To avoid intestinal blockages and choking hazards, make ¼-inch thick pieces of strawberries before feeding your dog.
Feed Slowly
When it comes to feeding new fruit to a dog, it is recommended to introduce it slowly, offering only one or two pieces at a time.
Monitor Behavior
After feeding, look for any strange behavior or allergic reactions like fatigue, depression, lip licking, and appetite loss and contact vet promptly.
Best and Quick Tips to Serve Strawberries to Your Dogs
Look at some creative, easy, and homemade dog food options using strawberries to add a fresh touch to your pup’s diet.
Fresh As Treat
Offer a standalone treat of mashed or sliced strawberries.
Frozen Treat
Go for frozen sliced or pureed in dog toy to serve as a refreshing summer snack.
Strawberry Smoothie
Choose some dog friendly fruits like blueberries and bananas to blend with a small amount of plain sugar.
Serve as a Topping
Try sprinkling mashed or sliced strawberries on regular dog food.
Dog friendly Recipes
Add strawberries into homemade dog treat recipes like jelly popsicles, peanut butter, or dog friendly bliss balls.
To End Up
Buying strawberry for dogs can be confusing and concerning for pet parents with queries in their mind like: can dogs eat strawberries? Can dog eat strawberry tops? Is it ok for dogs to eat strawberries? The answer to all of these concerns of dog owners is that, yes! Dogs can eat strawberries and other substitutes and treats while avoiding artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavors, and harmful additives. Introduce slowly into their diet and look for their behavior and any allergic reaction. Also, look for a pet life veterinarian in case anything goes wrong!
FAQs : Frequently Asked Questions
What Fruits Can’t Dogs Eat?
Dogs cannot eat grapes, avocadoes, tomatoes, cherries, lemon, wild berries, blackberry, mushrooms, bananas, chocolate, and dried Fruits.
Are Strawberry Leaves Safe for Dogs?
No! It is not suggested to give strawberry leaves to your dogs because it can be difficult for dogs to ingest those leaves, which can be a choking hazard.
Can Dog Eat Strawberry Preserves?
Can dogs have strawberry preserves or Jams? Jams contain artificial sweeteners and other additives that can be toxic to dogs’ health. So, it is advised not to give them strawberry jam to avoid any health concerns.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Jelly?
No! Dogs must not eat strawberry jelly because it has high sugar and contains artificial preservatives, additives, and sweeteners, causing health issues like BP disruptions, obesity, and dental issues.
Can Dogs Eat Freeze Dried Strawberries?
Yes! You can give frozen dried strawberries to your dogs but in moderation. Also, make sure it is plain and unsweetened.
Which Dogs Cannot Eat Strawberries?
Smaller dogs and puppies must not eat strawberry. Also, dogs with health issue like diabetes, digestive upset, sugar sensitivity, and allergy history should not eat them.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Flavored Foods?
Though dogs can have strawberries, but they must avoid foods with artificial sweeteners, high sugar content, and other harmful ingredients.
Is it Safe to Give Strawberry Yogurt to Dog?
Can dogs eat strawberry Greek yogurt? Yes! Dogs can eat strawberry yogurt, but it is advised to give it unsweetened and plain, avoiding added sugars and artificial sweeteners.
Can I Give Strawberry Ice Cream to a Dog?
No! Dogs must not eat strawberry ice cream because it is high in fat and sugar. However, a small amount won’t cause any harm.
Can Dogs Have Strawberry Cake?
Giving a low-calorie and healthy strawberry simple or cheesecake to dogs is not harmful. But it contains some toxic ingredients like raisins, chocolate, sugar, and fat, which can be unhealthy for your pup’s health.
