Can Dogs Eat Strawberries? Everything You Need to Know

Are you deliberating whether you can reward your dog with some delicious ripe and sweet strawberries? The short answer is – “yes.” But while these fruits are not toxic to canines, they have high sugar content, which can be a problem for overweight or diabetic dogs. In some cases, strawberries, like other fruits, can cause digestive problems in some pups.

As with any other new fruit, veggie, or food, it is advisable to speak with your vet before adding strawberries to your pet’s diet.

Read on to find out can dogs eat strawberries. We have included more information on the health benefits of strawberries for dogs and the best ways to add them to your pup’s menu.

What are the potential health benefits of strawberries for dogs?

Due to their delicious and sweet taste, the chances are that your dog will love eating some strawberries as an occasional and healthy treat.

These small fruits are rich in vitamins C, B1, B6, K, as well as in minerals like magnesium, potassium, iodine, and folic acid.

They also contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve the health and looks of your dog’s skin and coat.

So, when given in the recommended quantities and in moderation, strawberries can be excellent healthy treats. They will boost the immune system of dogs and improve their cognitive function, body function, and well-being.

In which cases can strawberries be bad for dogs?

As with other fruits, eating too many strawberries can lead to health problems in some dogs. First of all, the high natural sugar in strawberries can lead to blood sugar spikes and weight gain. This is especially problematic in obese or diabetic pups.

Also, some dogs can suffer from gastrointestinal upsets, including diarrhea or vomiting, after overeating strawberries.

It would be best to ask your veterinarian whether you can feed your dog strawberries and how much and how often is best.

The quantity you can give to a dog depends on its health and size.

Related: What Berries Can Dogs Eat?

If you have strawberries in your garden, you should keep the dog away from the fruits. This will help avoid overeating or ingesting fruits that have been treated with herbicides or pesticides.

In case you have received an OK from your vet and want to incorporate some strawberries into your pup’s menu, then use fresh fruits rather than canned or processed ones. The reason is that the latter likely contains added sugar, sweeteners, or artificial flavors, which can be harmful and even toxic to dogs.

Keep in mind that sweeteners like xylitol are toxic and can be life-threatening to dogs. So is chocolate. So avoid products containing these ingredients altogether when choosing the best treats for your pup.

As with all other foods, there is a risk of your dog having an allergic reaction to strawberries. When feeding it with this fruit for the first time, start with very small quantities, and monitor the pup closely for any adverse reactions. Severe allergic shock and anaphylaxis are rare but life-threatening conditions and require immediate veterinary attention.

Further reading: Is Strawberry Jelly Good or Bad for Dogs?

So watch the pup for negative reactions such as sneezing, coughing, swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing after first feeding it with some strawberries.

Related: How much should I feed my dog?

What is the best way to incorporate strawberries into the dog’s menu?

Your vet or nutritionist will tell you whether you can or should not add strawberries to your dog’s diet. They will also advise you about the appropriate and safe quantities to feed it.

When choosing the best strawberries for your dog, you should ensure they are fresh. And that they have not been treated with potentially toxic chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides, or preservatives.

Wash the strawberries thoroughly and then cut them into manageable pieces or mash them before feeding them to your pup.

You can freeze the puree or the slices and then present your dog with a delicious and healthy frozen snack. This is perfect for training or cooling down during the hot summer days.

The strawberries can also be blended with other dog-friendly fruits and some sugar-free yogurt. They can be served separately as a smoothie or mixed in with the dog’s regular food.