Although it’s not a natural or obvious treat for dogs, some owners may wonder whether dogs can eat strawberries. Since it’s a common food item you find in your fridge, you may want to share the delicious snack with your canine friend too. The simple answer is yes, dogs can have strawberries.
Strawberries contain plenty of healthy nutrients for your dog, including antioxidants, fibre, minerals and vitamins, which can support your dog’s overall health and wellbeing. As long as they are served properly and offered infrequently, strawberries for dogs can be a safe and healthy treat. In this article, we talk all about dogs and strawberries, including their benefits and risks, safe amounts and ratios, and alternative options.
Are strawberries good for dogs?
Strawberries can be good for dogs as they make a healthy and nutritious treat, but as with any food, it may not suit every dog. Always start by offering a small amount to your dog first to monitor for any reaction to the new food and reduce the risk of digestive upset. If all goes well, strawberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C and can support your dog’s immune health, while the fibre content is also great for digestion. Strawberries are also good for dogs as they contain water, so can be a hydrating treat in the warmer months.
Other vitamins in strawberries include vitamin B-1, B-6, K, iodine, folic acid, magnesium, potassium and omega-3. All of these nutrients can contribute to your dog’s health, and omega-3 particularly is great for your dog’s coat health too.
However, it’s important to remember that strawberries still contain natural sugar so it should only be given in moderation as an occasional snack. Too many strawberries served too often can cause digestive upset.
As a general rule, treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily calories. With it being high in fibre, dogs also can’t eat too many strawberries since it can cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhoea. If your dog does experience digestive issues from eating strawberries or any other fruits, you should also avoid other treats like watermelon for dogs.
When should dogs not eat strawberries?
Dogs should not eat strawberries if they have preexisting health conditions, such as diabetes or obesity. This is because strawberries still have a high sugar content which can cause your dog’s blood sugar levels to spike. It also depends on your dog’s age, since puppies and senior dogs tend to have more sensitive stomachs and may struggle to digest the strawberries at these ages.
Of course, if you know your dog has food sensitivities or intolerances, you may want to avoid digestive upset from offering human foods altogether. Remember to consult a veterinarian before you introduce a new food to your dog, and observe them closely for any reactions afterwards. It’s also safe to offer tomatoes for dogs, if prepared properly and in moderation, while avoiding the green parts as these can be toxic.
How many strawberries can dogs eat a day?
How many strawberries a dog can eat a day depends on various factors, including their age, size and weight, as well as if they have any health concerns. Smaller dogs should have no more than 1-2 strawberries per day, while medium and large dogs could have between 3-4. These should be in bite-sized pieces. On the other hand, if they have health conditions like diabetes or obesity, then dogs should not eat strawberries often, if at all.
Although we’ve advised how many strawberries dogs can have, it’s important to remember that strawberries should be an occasional treat rather than a part of their daily diet. That means that the same rules apply to dogs and strawberries as any other treat: it should not make up more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. Your dog will receive all of their necessary nutrients from a complete and balanced diet of dog food, so strawberries for dogs is just a treat.
Can dogs eat other strawberry flavoured foods?
Although dogs can eat strawberries sometimes, they should not eat strawberry-flavoured foods at all. Food items like strawberry jam, ice-cream and yoghurt have other ingredients that aren’t safe for dogs, including sweeteners such as xylitol which is toxic to dogs. Strawberry-flavoured ice-cream and yoghurt also contain dairy, which can cause digestive upset. It’s also not ideal for dogs with food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities. You could also consider pineapple for dogs, as long as they haven’t experienced digestive issues from eating strawberries or other fruits.
What can I give my dog instead of strawberries?
Instead of strawberries for dogs, you could offer certain vegetables instead. For instance, cucumber is a hydrating snack that is not high in sugar. Other options could be carrot sticks or small pieces of pumpkin. Both of these foods are high in fibre without a high sugar content. Make sure to prepare snacks plainly and properly, and only serve them occasionally. Check out other sources of fibre for dogs to aid their digestion.
