Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?

Yes, dogs can absolutely eat strawberries! Strawberries are safe for dogs and come with some health benefits, making them a potentially healthy snack to occasionally share with your dog. They’re full of fiber and vitamin C, which are great for your dog’s digestive tract and immune system.¹ 

However, strawberries are high in sugar, so they should only be given in moderation, as too much sugar is unhealthy for a pup. In general, your dog doesn’t actually need strawberries in their diet like you might. Instead, they get all the vitamins and minerals their bodies and brains need for optimal health from a high-quality dog food diet. 

In this article, we’ll be going over everything there is to know about feeding your dog strawberries. Continue reading this article to find out the answer to questions like “Can dogs eat strawberries?” and “How many strawberries can you give your dog?”.

Are Strawberries Good for Dogs?

While strawberries can have health benefits for dogs, they’re not something you should share regularly with them, especially if you’re not accounting for extra calories and sugar. That said, they’re one of the healthier human foods you can share with your dog as a special treat. 

Health benefits of strawberries for dogs

Are strawberries good for dogs? There are some benefits of feeding strawberries to your dog besides the delicious taste: 

• High in vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports the immune system, reduces inflammation in joints, and promotes healthy skin. 
• Full of fiber: Fiber improves digestion by promoting regular bowel movements.
• High in potassium: Potassium supports heart health, maintains nerve function, and helps regulate muscle contractions. If your dog doesn’t get enough potassium in their diet, they may experience fatigue or a lack of appetite. 
• Weight management: Low in calories and high in fiber, strawberries can be a nutritious, low-calorie treat for dogs watching their weight.² 

Again, keep in mind that while dogs can eat strawberries, meaning they’re not poisonous and come with some health benefits, this doesn’t necessarily mean they need to eat strawberries. All the nutrients your dog needs, from fiber to vitamins, should be found in their dog food and nutritional supplements as needed.

How to (Safely) Feed Strawberries to Your Dog

Yes, strawberries can be a nice treat for dogs, but you need to feed them in the right way. Before introducing strawberries or any new food to your dog’s diet, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet to ensure it’s safe for your particular pet, especially if your dog has any underlying health conditions or allergies. 

Once your vet gives you the go-ahead, follow these steps to share strawberries with your dog: 

1. Wash thoroughly: Rinse strawberries well to remove any pesticides or dirt that may be harmful to your dog. 
2. Cut into small pieces: Slice strawberries into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
3. Feed in moderation: Due to their natural sugar content, feed strawberries to your dog in moderation to avoid potential digestive issues.²

You can use strawberries as a refreshing summer treat to keep your dog cool by putting them in the freezer for a few hours before sharing with your pet.² 

Always monitor your dog when sharing human foods with them. Start with a small amount of strawberries and observe how your dog reacts. If there are any signs of allergies or digestive issues, don’t feed them anymore and talk to your vet as soon as possible. 

While dogs can eat strawberries, don’t feed your dog canned strawberries, strawberries in syrup, or any artificial strawberry products, as these contain added sugars and preservatives (like xylitol) that can be harmful, and even toxic, to dogs.² 

How Many Strawberries Can You Give Your Dog?

So now that we’ve answered the question “Can a dog eat strawberries?”, you’re probably wondering how many strawberries are safe to feed your dog. Follow these general guidelines for sharing strawberries with your dog, and remember to monitor them afterward: 

• Small or toy breeds: 1-2 slices per day. You really don’t want to give them an entire strawberry, especially if you don’t know how it will affect them. 
• Small breeds: 2-3 slices per day. Small breeds can generally have up to one full strawberry a day. 
• Medium breeds: 5-6 slices per day. This is about 2-3 strawberries, but again, you’ll want to monitor your dog. 
• Large or extra large breeds: A handful of slices per day. Larger dogs can have up to 5 strawberries, but you should always consider the calories you’re adding to their diet.¹ 

Remember, strawberries should only be a treat for your dog! However many strawberries your dog eats, make sure that treats make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.¹ 

Strawberries are high in sugar, which can make your dog gain weight and cause issues with their teeth. Only give your dog safe human food in moderation.

When Should Dogs Avoid Strawberries?

In most cases, strawberries are perfectly safe to feed a dog. But there are certain instances when dogs should not eat strawberries. Since strawberries are high in sugar, diabetic dogs should not eat them. Dogs with a food allergy or sensitivity to strawberries should also avoid them. If your dog has a negative reaction to strawberries, stop feeding them and bring them to the vet so they can be evaluated.¹

What Other Berries Can Dogs Eat?

Blackberries

Blackberries are a great treat to give your dog. Not only are blackberries healthy, but also dogs love them, so they’re a great alternative to regular dog treats. Blackberries are low in calories and sugar, so they’re perfectly safe to throw into your dog’s food bowl every once in a while. The amount of blackberries you should feed your dog depends on their size. Two blackberries a day is enough for a small dog and a large dog can have up to eight.

Blueberries

Blueberries are another safe and healthy berry option for dogs. They’re rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, which can contribute to your dog’s overall health. Blueberries are also low in calories and sugar, making them a nutritious snack. 

Cranberries

Cranberries are also safe for dogs. You can feed your dog fresh, plain cranberries in small amounts as a treat or mix them with their food. However, cranberries are tart, so dogs may prefer them mashed or mixed with other foods. Avoid giving your pet cranberries that are sweetened or prepared with added sugars. 

What Berries Are Unsafe For Dogs?

There are plenty of fruits dogs can and can’t eat. Now that we’ve gone over which berries dogs can safely eat, let’s discuss what dogs can’t eat. There are various berries that are not safe for dogs to eat because they can be toxic to them. Some of these berries include:

• Marionberries
• Gooseberries
• Salmonberries
• Serviceberries
• Juniper Berries
• Holly berries
• Nightshade berries
• Dogwood berries
• Poke berries
• Mistletoe berries
• Baneberries

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat canned strawberries? 

No, dogs should not eat canned strawberries. Canned strawberries often contain added sugars and syrups, which can be harmful to dogs and may cause digestive upset or weight gain. It’s best to stick to fresh strawberries that have been washed and prepared safely. 

Can dogs have strawberry yogurt? 

While plain yogurt, in moderation, can be a healthy treat for dogs due to its probiotic benefits, strawberry yogurt may contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or other ingredients that are not suitable for dogs. These additives can cause digestive upset or contribute to weight gain.¹ 

If you want to offer your dog yogurt, choose plain, unsweetened yogurt and introduce it gradually to see how your dog reacts. 

What happens if a dog eats a strawberry?

Strawberries are packed with nutrients, so they are a very healthy treat to feed your dog. However, strawberries are high in sugar, so you need to feed them to your dog in moderation. Feeding your dog too many strawberries, or any of the safe-to-eat berries, can cause weight gain and issues with their teeth.

How many strawberries can I give my dog?

The amount of strawberries you can feed your dog depends on their size. One strawberry a day is enough for small dogs, medium dogs can eat 3-4 strawberries, and large dogs can eat up to five. Just make sure to thoroughly wash and cut up the strawberries before feeding them to your dog so they don’t choke.

Can strawberries give dogs diarrhea?

Since strawberries are high in sugar and fiber, they can potentially cause gastrointestinal issues in your dog, like diarrhea, especially if you feed them in excess. This is why it’s so important to only feed your dog strawberries in moderation.

Get Personalized, Professional Nutrition Advice From With Dutch

So, can dogs eat strawberries? Yes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they should eat strawberries all the time. They’re generally safe to feed your pet as an occasional treat and come with some potential health benefits. 

However, because your dog should already be getting the nutrients they need for good health from their regular food, it’s always a good idea to avoid feeding them too much human food. 

Not sure what your dog should be eating? When you join Dutch, you get access to remote consultations with licensed vets who can help you find the best diet for your pet based on their unique circumstances. 

So, whether you’re wondering, “Can dogs eat strawberries?” or “What types of dog food are best for my pup?” our vets are here for you. Sign up for Dutch for a personalized diet and nutrition advice today.