Can dogs eat strawberries? The short answer is yes, dogs can eat strawberries. However, there are some things you should know before feeding these fruits to your dog.
Strawberries are full of healthy nutrients that are good for dogs, but like any good thing, they are best enjoyed in moderation. They’re not toxic or poisonous to dogs, but they do contain sugar, and too many can cause an upset stomach.
Always ask your veterinarian before sharing human foods with your dogs, including strawberries, as dogs with certain medical conditions may not be able to handle them. Here is what you should know about feeding these yummy treats to dogs.
How Are Strawberries Good For Dogs?
Strawberries are sweet and delicious, and most dogs will love them as a sometimes-treat, especially during warm months when they are in season.
They contain fiber, which is good for digestion, and Omega-3, which is good for skin and coat health. They’re also a good source of vitamins C, B1, B6, and K, as well as potassium, iodine, magnesium, and folic acid.
This is one fruit that’s not only yummy, but will also give your dog a health boost.
When Are Strawberries Bad For Dogs?
Too much of a good thing is never a good thing. Strawberries contain sugar, which some dogs have trouble handling. Any dog who eats too many can get an upset stomach and suffer from some gastrointestinal upset.
It’s best to stick to moderation, and you should always ask your veterinarian or nutritionist about appropriate serving sizes for your individual dog. If you have a strawberry garden, monitor your dog’s access to it and make sure they aren’t eating too many. If you use pesticides or herbicides, don’t let your dog eat those fruits at all.
Canned or processed strawberries, sweets that contain strawberries, or products that contain artificial strawberry flavors are not good for dogs.
They usually contain excess sugar, syrup, sweeteners, preservatives, and chemicals, and sometimes even chocolate or xylitol, which are toxic for dogs. If your dog eats these foods, they may need a trip to the emergency vet.
As with almost all foods, there is a risk that your dog may have an allergic reaction to strawberries. Rarely, this can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
If you see the signs of an allergic reaction in your dog, including swelling, coughing, sneezing, hives, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms, stop giving your dog strawberries and consult your veterinarian right away.
How Should You Feed Strawberries To Your Dog?
Always ask your veterinarian before sharing human foods with your dog. Some dogs have medical conditions that can be worsened by strawberries, and you should always ask your vet or nutritionist about appropriate serving sizes for your dog.
If you get the okay to feed your dog strawberries, make sure you are giving them fresh, organic berries that have not been treated with preservatives, pesticides, or herbicides, and rinse them thoroughly.
Strawberries are fairly soft and small, so the risk of choking is minimal, but you may wish to cut them up or mash them, especially for smaller dogs. You can mix them in with your dogs food for a special treat, use them as a reward during training, or freeze them for a refreshing summer snack.
They can also be blended or mixed with other healthy fruits for a nice smoothie or fruit salad, but again, it is best to ask your veterinarian before sharing additional human foods with your pup.
Does your dog ever eat strawberries? Do you have any strawberry dog treat recipes? Let us know in the comments below!
