Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?

Dogs love to eat our food. They sit by the dining room table, looking up at you with their big puppy dog eyes that scream “just one bite”, and whine until you inevitably cave and give them a taste. But although dogs love to eat human food, that doesn’t mean that all human food is good for them. So before you let Fido have a taste of your leftovers, you need to make sure that your food is safe for them to eat.

If you have a dog, you’ve probably wondered “can my dog eat strawberries?”.

Yes, dogs can absolutely eat strawberries! Strawberries are actually very healthy for dogs. They’re full of fiber and vitamin C, which are great for your dog’s digestive tract and immune system. Strawberries also contain an enzyme that can whiten your dog’s teeth as they eat them. However, strawberries are high in sugar, so you need to give them in moderation as too much sugar is unhealthy for a pup.

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?”. Otherwise, you can use the links below to skip to a particular section of your choice.

• Feeding Your Dog Strawberries
• Safe Vs. Unsafe Berries For Dogs?
• Can Dogs Eat Strawberries: Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Notes

Feeding Your Dog Strawberries

Yes, strawberries can be a great treat for your dog, but you need to feed them strawberries in the right way. That means washing the fruit thoroughly, cutting it up into small pieces to prevent choking and feeding them in moderation because of the high sugar content.

For small dogs, chewing and swallowing strawberries can be difficult, so it’s a good idea to mash or puree the berries and add them to their food. You can also give your dog strawberries as a cool treat during the hot summer months.

Strawberries are also great to give your dog as an alternative to regular dog treats. You can use strawberries during dog obedience training, like if you’re trying to teach a dog to shake, to reward them for good behaviors.

But before giving your dog any new food, you should always consult with your vet first to make sure it’s safe for them to eat. Some foods can be toxic for dogs to eat and some dogs may also have food allergies. When feeding your dog strawberries, start with a small amount at first so you can see how your dog reacts. If they seem fine, you can gradually increase the amount. But if your dog has any negative reactions, stop feeding them strawberries and consult your vet immediately.

Benefits Of Feeding Strawberries To Your Dog

There are many benefits of feeding strawberries to your dog, besides the delicious taste. Strawberries are high in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants – all of which are crucial nutrients for your pup. Vitamin C can reduce inflammation and cognitive aging in your dog. Strawberries can also help to improve your dog’s immune system.

Potassium helps your dog maintain a healthy heart, nerves, and muscles. If your dog doesn’t get enough potassium from their diet, they may experience fatigue or a lack of appetite. Fiber helps your dog maintain a healthy gut, and it also can aid in constipation and diarrhea.

Feeding your dog strawberries and other fresh fruit can also help to slow the aging process in dogs, so your pup can stay healthy for as long as possible. If your dog needs to lose weight, swap out their daily treat for a few of fresh strawberries and it’ll help with weight management.

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.

The amount of strawberries you should give your dog ultimately depends on their size. About 3 strawberries should suffice for small or medium-sized dogs, but large dog breeds can eat up to 5 strawberries. Remember, strawberries should only be a treat for your dog! Strawberries are high in sugar, which can make your dog overweight 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.

Safe Vs. Unsafe Berries For Dogs

Before feeding your dog any fruit, you need to make sure that it’s safe for them to eat. There are various berries that your dog should not eat, so it’s important to inform yourself about what’s safe for them to eat.

Which Berries Are Safe For Dogs To 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.

Strawberries

Strawberries are another healthy treat for your dog. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and fiber, but they also have an enzyme that can whiten your dog’s teeth as they eat them. However, they are quite high in sugar, so you want to feed them in moderation. Three strawberries is plenty for small dogs, and large dogs can eat up to five.

Raspberries

Raspberries are perfectly safe to feed your dog. Raspberries are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which can strengthen your dog’s immune system. However, raspberries contain xylitol, which is toxic for dogs, so they should only be given in moderation. Only give your dog a few raspberries every once in a while as a treat.

So now that we’ve gone over which berries dogs can’t 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

Can Dogs Eat Strawberries: Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a dog eats a strawberry?

Strawberries are packed with nutrients, so they’re actually a very healthy treat to feed your dog. However, strawberries are high in sugar, so you need to feed your dog them in moderation. Feeding your dog too many strawberries 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.

Final Notes

Strawberries are a healthy treat that are generally safe to feed your dog. Strawberries are packed full of fiber and vitamin C, which are great for your dog’s digestive system and immune system. They also contain a certain enzyme that can whiten your dog’s teeth as they eat them. So when you feed your dog strawberries, not only are they getting a delicious treat, but you’re also helping their overall health.

Dogs love to eat human food, and sometimes, you may find your dog eating something they shouldn’t. If you happen to catch your dog eating grapes, chocolate, or another toxic food, contact your vet immediately. They will have the best idea of how to treat your dog.

Dutch.com is a convenient solution for pet care that pet owners can use to get in contact with licensed veterinarians right from home. Dutch partners with a network of highly qualified vets who can answer any pet health questions you may have, whether that be “can a dog eat strawberries?” or “can dogs eat chocolate?”. And if your dog does happen to eat something they shouldn’t, they can prescribe you any medication they need, which will then get delivered right to your door within 7 days.